If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away.

—Henry David Thoreau

Growing up I thought that being the manager of a hotel must be the best job on earth. You get free food, you get to live in a hotel, and you get to meet famous people. Basically, I was choosing a career for all the wrong reasons. Luckily, my ignorant choice wasn’t entirely a waste of time because it put me in the position to discover a secret I’m now going to share with you. At an early age, I had the good fortune to work at the Turnberry Isle Resort & Club in Miami Beach, Florida. Turnberry is among the most exclusive hotels and private membership clubs in the United States, and working there, I was able to observe and get to know many successful people who returned with their families year after year.

I particularly remember Dan. Handsome, tan, and relaxed, Dan appeared to be in his mid-fifties. Unlike some of the other club members, he was extremely friendly and accessible even to the youngest members of the staff. As I got to know him, we became friends and often found ourselves chatting as we enjoyed a cold beer in the bar.

I learned that Dan was married and had two children in college. Eventually I felt comfortable enough to ask him what he did for a living. In answer, he flashed one of his big smiles and said, “Why do you think I have the leisure to be here three nights a week? I’m retired, son.” I have to admit I was amazed. Many of our members were retired, but they were all at least ten years older than Dan. “How did you get to retire so early,” I asked, before I could stop to think whether this mightn’t be too personal a question.