Nothing like a little New Year self-analysis to temper those positive resolutions with some depressing thoughts. Analyzing 2014 successes last week led me to the blunt realization that my definition of “success” has slowly shifted from a very positive orientation to a more guarded, even negative one.

When I was younger, success meant winning; success meant achieving. Now residing comfortably in my mid-40s with kids closing in on college, I am finding success to be defined differently. On the athletic field it is less about winning and more about avoiding injury, getting a good workout, or being a good sport… It’s about defense vs. offense. And success professionally now clearly prioritizes maintaining what I have over making the push for more. Sure I want to reach a next milestone or level, but not if the risk management calculus suggests a potential for disaster. I even mused to a friend recently that not (yet) being personally sued or prosecuted, filing bankruptcy, or having some catastrophic illness befall a family member should be viewed as success – hell yes!

Is this crazy or just a slowly developing fact of middle-aged thinking? Maybe the true entrepreneurs can’t relate, but I bet many people would. As a young man they tell you the world is your oyster. You can do anything. Dream big. Go for the gusto… And now I seem to be more concerned with making sure I don’t screw anything up. The college fund is in good shape, retirement plans aren’t too shabby, and the mortgage is at a very responsible level. Doesn’t that just scream success?! I could not imagine risking a bunch (precise figure TBD) of our nest egg on some new business venture or speculating on a big real estate deal. No. I am now seemingly comfortable feeling “successful” by protecting the ball and minimizing the downside. Defense vs. offense. Or perhaps a better sports analogy: I’m playing with the lead. This style of play/living is always dangerous if it leads to complacency.

There is certainly a natural aging process, and a risk-averse genetic code at work here. I never wanted to climb mountains or explore the depths of the sea. But this defensive mindset can’t be the answer for the next 40 years. As human beings, we aren’t made to just sit back and wait. We need to get out and do something – implement a plan of action. So my 2015 resolutions include finding places where I can commit to truly successful, positive results – achieve a new plateau in an existing field, or develop a brand-new hobby. I need to find some way to get back on offense and take responsible risks, even if I remain properly protective of the IRA and the college fund.

Here’s to growth in 2015.