‘How to Live life? SBOP Living: For Life After 55/60’ authored by Dr. Sanjay Runwal, introduces readers to SBOP (Systematic Blow Out Plan) Living, a philosophy designed to promote a happy and meaningful life for those above 55 as this period of life signifies closing the curtain on professional duties and living life for yourself. This brings unique challenges—personal, financial, familial, social, emotional— when many struggle to find purpose and fulfillment. SBOP Living was inspired by author’s own journey when he decided to step away from his successful real estate career at 55 to pursue a more meaningful life.
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1. Can you tell us a little bit about your book? Why did you choose this genre and what’s the story behind the title?
This is a book which evolved with my experiences in life. I kept writing chapter by chapter through the last 4 to 5 years as I experienced several situations in life. In short, this book is a summation of the best practices which have evolved in my life.
The book, in my opinion, is one of the rarest books ever written for people approaching the age of 55/60 and about to retire or give up work about how to live a purposeful life with a sense of fulfilment and pride. Through this book, I have completely redefined the concept of retirement by elevating it to a new slowed down phase of life meant to contribute in different ways.
I have made it clear that we are all born to leave their footprints on the sands of time and I have given a clear frame work of DGL | 3W | 5E which will give a new purpose for living.
2. What inspired you to write this story? How did you find the resources and research material for your book?
Since this is a compilation of my own life experiences, learnings and lessons, there was hardly any research that I had to carry out. I just triangulated it with the Vedas, Bhagwad Gita and the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to connect it to the western and oriental thinking. Readings of authors like Swami Vivekanand, Swami Parthasarathy, Swami Chinmayanand, HH The Dalai Lama and the Bhagwad Gita helped me in understanding the Indian ethos and also the writings in the Vedas and Upanishads. Reading about the works of the famous American Psychologist Abhram Maslow helped me in understanding the Hierarchy of Human Needs. What however inspired me the most was the teachings of Gurudev Satya Narayanji Goenka the founder of Vipassana. My ten days at Igatpuri Vipassana Meditation Centre transformed me as a human being and a lot of the values narrated in this book do find some resonance with his teachings.
3. What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book? How did you overcome it?
Writing a book needs an understanding of what you want to convey. Since I had created the SBOP Concept with a clear focus on FY | FYF |DGL, I had wonderful clarity about what I wanted to communicate. The other aspect was about aligning the various chapters written over a period of time to give them continuity. This needed the writing of bridge chapters which connected or provided the missing link.
4. What role did editing play in the writing process? How did you decide when the manuscript was ready for publication?
This book was written in parts and most of the individual components were validated by readers writing to me. Also I spoke about SBOP Living at many a platforms and forums. I got a fair understanding that whatever I was saying was making sense to people. Lot many of the readers and listeners requested me to write a book for their benefit, that was the time that I made up mind to put it into a book form.
My idea was – SBOP Living had transformed my life at 60. I wanted others to benefit out of it. I could see a lot of people living as if life had ended and had no real purpose to life. I wanted to REWIRE them so that they could REFIRE just the way I had.
This book has been published by the Sanjay Runwal Foundation and the entire proceeds from the book are strictly meant for DGL activities (www.sanjayrunwalfoundation.org)
5. Do you have any upcoming projects or ideas for future books that you’d like to share with your readers?
Yes, there are three books lined up:
- One based on my intellectual property STDP (Systematic Touch Down Plan) for middle-aged people between 40 and 55
- One based on my intellectual property STOP (Systematic Take Off Plan) for young people between 25 and 40
- Life DOES Give a Second Opportunity
6. In the age of digital publishing and social media, how do you engage with your readers and promote your work?
Trying to figure it out.
7. How do you balance your writing career with other aspects of your life, such as work and family?
Experience teaches it once you learn to prioritise and understand the concepts of KEFC | TAG | HARE
8. What’s the pen ultimate takeaway for readers reading your book?
A must-read book to transform life after 50 years of age. It is a practical hand book or a ready reckoner. It will give new meaning and understanding to life after 55 and help you live with clarity and validate your thinking whenever in doubt. SBOP Living Philosophy will change the course of senior living by refiring the thoughts and imagination of the seniors by making them believe fully in the art of aging – productively, affectionately, and satisfactorily.
9. What’s the one advice you’d like to share with aspiring writers of the genre?
Self-help books should not be written by borrowing others’ views, ideas, and philosophies. Original thinking and syntheses of learnings and lessons is the key.
Dr. Sanjay Runwal is a seasoned business strategist, humanologist, educator, and author with expertise in retail, real estate, and hospitality. After a 32-year career, he shifted focus to mentoring and consulting, promoting his 5E principles. A sought-after speaker, he inspires individuals over 55 to lead purposeful lives, with his books exploring strategy and post-retirement transformation. We had the opportunity to have a conversation with him about his latest book ‘How to Live Life? SBOP Living’ on planning your life after retirement.
Learn how to plan your life after retirement.
