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Never Too Old, Never Too Late

The Sun Always Shines

Complaining about age is like complaining about the weather. You can't change it, therefore you just have to accept it. That being said, there are a whole lot of things you can change and you don't have to accept. You should focus on things you can change instead of lamenting about the things you have to accept. That is exactly why I don't like to discuss the weather, age, talent and so on. Your level of fitness is a thing you can always change. Hard work beats talent any day if talent doesn't work hard. I am in my forties, but if I had only received one Euro in the past decades for every time someone said to me they were too old/not talented/too late to start or do any regular workout, I would have a nice amount of savings. Charged with the task to look for excuses not to do something the mind is very creative. On the other hand if you really want something -and by 'really want' I mean that relentless desire to accept no excuses- then your mind will find a way. When I used to run in the winter season I had a very effective motivation: Hobby runners easily find 1000 excuses not to go for a run. Pros find 1 reason to go anyways. This is also true in many other aspects of life: 

The Difference Between Want and Want

People will easily 'want' rewards: have a trained physique, be able to play an instrument with proficiency, be knowledgeable on specific topics, have a good understanding of global politics and economy and so on. Seldom however will people say something like: 'I am a runner, because I love running when it's raining, even if I have no goals set whatsoever.', 'I am an artist because I enjoy getting up early to do some drawing, which I would normally not be able to cram into my daily schedule.', 'I am a triathlete, because I started training for an Ironman when I was already in my sixties.'. These quotes could be taken from people I have actually met. Each of them have qualified as my superheroes. They have inspired me because in the end the ultimate purpose in life is not found based on outcome but on the activity itself. Face it: the moment of joy you experience in achieving a desired result is short lived. The joy for a certain activity you love is extensive. You'll be looking forward to it, you'll think about the next time you will get to do it, you will enjoy every moment of it and you will create proof of your identity only by doing it. You will create a habit of engaging in that activity. Over time you'll improve far beyond what you would have imagined possible. You'll be awesome. The results will be awesome, but they will only be a byproduct of your true passion. What does it matter then when you start your journey? What does it matter what level of proficiency you achieve? What do results and the judgement of others matter to you?

So yes, people -maybe even you- might think that you're too old, too late, not talented enough to do or start something. Think again. Excuses are ok. Acknowledge and face those demons. As long as you have the one reason to not pay any attention to them you'll be fine. In order to ignite others, you have to burn for something. So burn baby, burn! >:-)

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