"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'm too old for that" or "I'm not experienced enough yet"?
Maybe you've postponed your dreams because society or your friends tell you it's not your time. If so, you're not alone. I've experienced that countless times. Many of us fall into the trap of living our lives by numbers - age, years of experience, or milestones. We define our lives by these random goalposts.
But what if I told you that your life is not defined by these arbitrary figures, but by the richness of your experiences?
CONTEXT
As a mindset coach working with athletes and professionals, I've come across countless people who limit themselves based on age or perceived lack of experience. Their sporting careers end whether from retirement or injury, and they believe they're too old to start a new career, too young to lead a team, or not ready to pursue a passion.
This limited mindset creates invisible barriers, preventing us from looking beyond the confines of perceived reality and becoming our potential.
The challenges of living life by numbers include:
Missing out on valuable networks, new skills, and experiences due to self-imposed age limits
Feeling stuck or unfulfilled because you're following a predetermined life script your circle follows
Losing sight of personal growth opportunities by focusing solely on age-related milestones
I started using the term "Be Your Potential" about a year ago. Being your potential was a way to say you already have what you need to get to that next level. Your potential is only limited by the story you tell yourself each moment. To truly thrive and find your potential, it's imperative to shift your focus from numbers to experiences.
Two adults aged 30 years old and born on the same date may share the same age, but their experiences formed by their upbringing, schooling, jobs, town, and country shape them to experience life completely differently. Your life is a unique journey, measured not in years but in moments, lessons, and adventures.
THE METHOD: Experiences over numbers
To start living a life rich in experiences rather than being constrained by numbers, consider these three key strategies:
Reframe your perspective on age. Instead of viewing age as a limitation, see it as an asset. Your years have given you wisdom, resilience, and a unique perspective. Whether you're 25 or 65, you have something valuable to offer and learn. It's never too late (or too early) to start something new.
Prioritize new experiences. Make a conscious effort to step out of your comfort zone regularly. Try new activities, socialize with new people, visit unfamiliar places, or learn a new skill. Do something different. Each new experience, regardless of your age, adds a layer of richness to your life story and contributes to your personal growth.
Connect with people of diverse ages and backgrounds. Start slow. Spend some time with people from various age groups, people from different cultures and localities to you. People who think differently from you. Spend that time understanding why they view the world the way they do. This diversity will broaden your perspective, challenge your assumptions, and provide you with opportunities for mutual learning and growth.
REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE
One of my clients, early in her coaching, expressed her dream of going back to university but believed she was too old and not intelligent enough to start again at 42.
Together, we worked on shifting her mindset from age-based limitations to experience-focused growth. She started by first journaling her aspirations and values, where she connected with her thoughts and her current belief system and goals. Afterward, we worked on matching her values with her interests to align her goals. From there, she gradually researched each area and eventually started a short course in line with her aspirations and one that she could gradually improve on instead of focusing too early on the heavier long courses. This gradual process ensured she had small wins on her side, which gave her the confidence to continue to much larger experiences.
By focusing on gathering experiences rather than worrying about her age, she not only pursued her passion but also found a new sense of purpose and fulfillment.
This can be you.
CHALLENGE
This coming week, identify one thing you've always wanted to do but have been putting off due to age-related concerns.
It could be learning a new language, picking up a new skill, trying a new sport, or even starting a small business. It's not about the size of the first step, it's about the effort. Take one small step towards this goal, focusing on the experience rather than your age or expectations around your age. As you do this, notice how it feels to pursue something based on interest and values rather than societal expectations tied to age. Reflect on this feeling and these new perspectives and insights you gain.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
A key takeaway I'd like you to remember is that life is not a race with a predetermined timeline. It's a journey and an experience at every age. When you shift your focus from numbers to experiences, you open yourself up to possibilities, to your potential.
Your life is measured not by the years you've lived, but by the richness of your experiences.
Until next time,
Oliver
Mindset and Performance Coach
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