So many times, people limit themselves because of their age. It’s true. The body changes over time. Women contend with additional changes due to childbirth (I have 4 kids!). Still, you limit yourself if you never push or strive for more and that has nothing to do with age.
I suppose this explains why I:
- Began learning martial arts not as a child, but at age 26 and continue to practice today
- Had my fourth child when I turned 40 (and tried for more after that!)
- Began my professional writing career at 50
- Earned my master’s degree in organizational management at age 56
The more time ticks away, the more I realize that have I a mission and purpose that can only be reached if I make it happen. It is all up to me and that is exactly my point. Age has nothing to do with setting challenges or accomplishing new goals. There are many mountains to conquer. Whatever your age, young, old or somewhere in between, you have the opportunity and responsibility to pursue what is in your heart. It is there for a reason.
There are a lot of excuses to not pursuing dreams – fear of failure, worry about what others might think, and falsely thinking you simply do not have the time. I was afraid to try martial arts because I never thought I had any physical talent. I never realized that everyone is talented, but each in different areas. Martial arts taught me that having weaknesses is okay because you can improve them. Strengths are great because they make you feel good about yourself. I had to put the excuses aside.
Let’s be honest. You will never succeed if you do not try. Not everyone in the world has your best interests at heart so you must surround yourself with those who believe in you. Time is a precious commodity. You must find the time! Most of us find time to binge watch a favorite series. You owe it to yourself to find a few minutes to examine what is really important to you and what you must do to accomplish it.
Here is my advice to get you started:
1. Don’t listen to other people. Apparently some say that when you turn 57 you are old. Ha! I can’t hear you….
2. Assess what makes you happy and set incremental goals to improve and flourish in those areas.
2. Practice a martial art, yoga, meditation, walk, or whatever you enjoy. All of these help you to love and appreciate yourself.
3. Kick sky high mentally. Whatever you want to do, the sky is the limit, no matter what age you are.
4. Believe in yourself. This step means everything. Without it you succumb to believing you are an average person, but you are not. You are a unique and magnificent person today and always.
5. Pursue your goals NOW. It is never too late.
What’s your age? Who cares? Erase your self-imposed limitations and begin again…today. Age is not a number. It’s a choice.
xoxo
Andrea
Pick up my motivational books here:
The Martial Arts Woman: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Moti…/…/1544916213
Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Ev…/…/150297830X
You are incredible!
You are, too!
Thank you for your post. I am a 55 year old professional who has struggled with weight and low self esteem all my life. My hubby is a 5th Dan Master in Tang Soo Do, 3rd Dan in Taekwondo, as well as 1st Dan in Shotokan and Hung Ga. I want to challenge myself and study under my hubby and his 10th Dan Grandmaster, but find myself succombing to the negative thoughts I’ve dealt with all my life. This post was motivating, as well as your bio. Thank you for sharing. You have given me hope.
Couldn’t agree more. I didn’t take up karate until I was 33 and just graded for my 2nd Dan last November (at the age of 43). The lockdown in the UK had meant my husband and I have finally been able to finish building our dojo in the garden (not the most glamorous of dojos, built from reclaimed wood and definitely “rustic” but it has a strung floor with new gym matting and it’s watertight!). Now at least I can continue to train in a decent space at home before I can get back to training with my karate club friends. I hope you are staying safe and well in these crazy times.
Hi Marie, a dojo in a garden sounds nice! Rustic is perfect. I’m glad you can continue to train!
Andrea, you are SO amazing! I never get tired of saying that after every one of your blog posts, Having recently turned 61, this particular topic resonates with me. Even with serious medical issues coupled with my age, I realize that a lot of my current predicament is my choice despite the limitations. Thank you for constantly reminding all of us what we’re capable of accomplishing.
Thank you for your kind words and support. We can all do much more than we realize!