It’s a great honor to interview Dr. Ed Williams for this week’s podcast. He is not only my mentor but also a personal friend and journey member. Dr. Ed, a retired doctor, retired Navy captain, and yoga guru, will surely inspire and amaze you with how he maintains his flexibility at 80 years old.
Dr. Ed shared a few valuable lessons he has learned over his 80 years of life. Growing up in Southeast Kansas, he attended the University of Kansas Medical School before serving as a doctor in the Navy.
Despite his age, Dr. Ed remains adventurous and loves traveling to different countries. In fact, he and his wife are planning to visit Zambia, Africa, their favorite destination, this coming August. He has a passion for learning about different cultures and connecting with locals.
One of Dr. Ed’s key teachings is the importance of being present in the here and now. He emphasizes that tomorrow may not come, and yesterday has already passed. Acknowledging that everyone gets old and life is finite, he encourages people to stay active, have fun, and seize the moment.
For over 30 years, Dr. Ed has been an avid practitioner of yoga. He believes that yoga calms the mind and emphasizes the importance of stretching the body. According to him, every joint relies on cartilage, and regular squeezing and movement help keep it healthy. He firmly believes in the saying “use it or lose it.”
Having been married for 55 years, Dr. Ed also shared valuable advice on maintaining a successful marriage. He highlights the importance of tolerance, patience, grace, compassion, love, and respect for your spouse. Celebrating each other’s successes and taking an interest in each other’s hobbies and passions are also key factors.
Lastly, Dr. Ed emphasizes the value of continuous learning. He rediscovered his old hobby of playing the guitar during the COVID-19 pandemic and found joy in relearning it. Engaging in activities that ignite your passion is an essential part of staying present in the moment.
The following important points were discussed in the podcast:
- Parkinson’s law: The more resources we have, the more demand we will have for those resources.
- Narrowing the amount of time to complete tasks and proving to yourself that you can still get things done within that timeframe.
- The importance of having five basic accounts when starting a business: a. Income account: A place for all revenue to come in and sit before being dispersed to the other four accounts. b. Profit account: The first account to allocate money to. c. Owner’s account: Paying yourself as the business owner. d. Tax account: Saving money to cover taxes and alleviate stress. e. Everyday expense account: Used for all other expenses.
- The importance of putting money in the right places as soon as it comes in.
- When in doubt, create an account.
- Removing the temptation by not looking at money that should not be spent.
During the podcast, we discussed several important points, including mindfulness, the benefits of yoga (better posture, a calm mind, and controlled breathing), and advice on maintaining a successful marriage. We also emphasized the significance of never ceasing to learn and pursuing your passions.
Tune in to this episode of the Overcomer’s Podcast and be inspired by Dr. Ed Williams, an 80-year-old retired Navy captain, doctor, and yoga guru who continues to travel the world and make the most out of life.
Episode Highlights:
2:13 – 3:55: Dr. Ed’s experiences during active duty in the Navy
8:18 – 9:34: Dr. Ed’s favorite place to visit with his wife
14:16 – 17:15: Key benefits of aging slowly through yoga
25:50 – 27:00: Dr. Ed’s favorite books and gratitude for reading them in his lifetime
39:03 – 40:19: Advice on maintaining a successful marriage (55 years of marriage)
Please join us for this insightful conversation filled with wisdom and inspiration. Listen to the Overcomer’s Podcast and discover how to keep your body and mind active as you age, with the remarkable Dr. Ed Williams.