Do you remember the song, “Birth, School, Work, Death” buy the Godfathers?
It’s a kick-ass song and could be interpreted as a rebellion against a mentality that seeps into our pours and invades our souls at an early age.
You might know I’m not a fan of the school system. To me, school was like a penitentiary. And this little prison system does a really good job of pumping out soldiers to jump on the assembly line of modern life.
Many kids are odd-shaped little pegs which don’t fit into square holes, and they tend to deviate off course.
Adults are the same mix, strange shapes and all, and we go through life banging our collective heads against these giant walls built to keep us on a pre-defined course.
Lives spent emulating archetypes and ideals imposed by school, society, family and friends.
In School a wrong answer often means a D or an F. And that’s one reason the fear of failure is so deep-rooted.
But real life doesn’t work that way. Experimentation, mistakes and failure are all part of life and learning.
One unspoken standard is finding your station at a certain time in your life. If you fail to reach said station, well maybe your wiring isn’t quite up to par, so says society.
I don’t know about you, but my wiring is perfectly fine, thank you very much. It just took me a while to realize this.
I never followed a typical path and this led me to question myself every step of the damn way.
At 22 I wondered why I didn’t have my act together.
At 31 I thought I was too old to start my business.
At 35 I wondered why I didn’t have my first million.
(Some self-help hack told me THAT was so important).
At 39 I began to think life had passed me by. WHY?
Well, I was focusing on all the wrong things and I was obsessing over age, because I was buying into the system, lock, stock and barrel.
I went along with the unspoken rule that tells us to act our age and never deviate off course.
Hey rule, kiss my ass.
Months ago I wrote a post on Late Bloomers and referenced a Malcolm Gladwell piece in The New Yorker.
He went into great detail describing the creative path of Ben Fountain, a certifiable late bloomer and “experimental innovator,” contrasted with the young and gifted Jonathan Safran Foer.
Thing is, Mr. Fountain, didn’t see that big, fat thing called success until the age of 48. What a geezer, huh?
He discovered his craft, his passion earlier of course, but it took him years to see monetary reward and recognition.
50 Very well may be the new 30 but why can’t 50 be, well 50?
I know 50-year-olds who snowboard, but I’ve also known 30-somethings who acted like they were ready for retirement.
It’s a mindset that needs to go away and I think our precious little digital utopia might just usher in a brand new mentality.
If you feel like you’re too old, well guess what? You’re not.
You never were and you never are, at least not until they plant you in the cold, dead earth.
So please forget the rules and get on with YOUR life.
Go ahead. Design your way forward.
And go back and listen to that kick-ass song. K?
If you’ve have an itch, a yearning, a passion deep within you, have you let age stop you?
Do you know many with this mindset?
Have you obsessed over age?
(Oh and feel free to critique the new video to the right. I’m learning … )
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Amen to this, brother. Yes, I love it ! Maybe because I am 54 (going on 18) but I hear you loud and clear. What a great time to read this. I just made a short video earlier today on my passion and purpose. CARE about your people ! I can remember getting all stresed out over turning 40. Of course I was wasted for a week straight (that didn’t help) ha. Anyway, now age ain’t nothin but a number. Like you said “its a mindset that needs to go away” and “forget the rules and get on with YOUR life” Awesome stuff, my friend. Thanks.
Take CARE.
Al
Al Smith recently posted..Just For Today, I Will ….
Hi Al,
You are indeed 54 going on 18, but that is a good thing.
Love the video and the passion behind it, so thanks for that. It’s amazing what turning 40 will do to ya, huh? And you thought that was such a “big one.” So did I.
“Anyway, now age ain’t nothin but a number.”
–Bravo, Sir.
Thanks for coming by!
I’ll be 50 next year, and I’m not sure I’ve hit the American ideal of “success” (whatever that is) just quite yet. But I feel pretty successful right now with a lot of aspects of life, so the rest should be frosting on the cake.
Age is just a number. I watched a performance by 62 year old Bruce Springsteen Monday night, playing his heart out like a man half his age. He was unbelievable. The audience was exhausted after 3 hours. After witnessing that, I think we have a lot to look forward to!
Joe D. recently posted..Forget About Perfectionism. Pursue Excellence Instead.
Hey Joe,
How did you know I was talking to you?
I’m not sure I’ve hit it either and is it obvious I don’t care? Just do what makes you sing, man. I would say you have that covered.
Bruce Springsteen is in great shape too, huh? But that is great to hear.
Thanks so much for popping in.
Hi Craig,
Absolutely. I have friends in their thirties who’ve been living their lives like they were about to retire any day. It’s not about age, and it never will be, it’s all about the mindset. I just look at my dad who’s turning 71 this year and how much fun he’s having
Jens P. Berget recently posted..The Social Media Manager I Want
Hi Jens,
Well, have your 30-something friends read this
You are right. It IS all about mindset.
That’s great to hear about your dad. My mom is 72 and is extremely active. She would put many 50-year-olds to shame.
Thanks for stopping by.
Well said my friend! Life is too short!
I do have to get out to a Springsteen concert one of these days though – been on my list too long! : )
Hi Brent,
Thank you, Sir!
Yes, Springsteen is still going strong. Maybe my friend Joe will write a post about his experience.
Thanks for stopping in.
I’m right in your corner on this one Craig. It’s actually one of my pet peeves.
The whole “too old” thing irks me. It’s a damned number…it’s irrelevant!
Lets say we were stripped of the knowledge of our birthday. How would our decisions be made then I wonder.
Wouldn’t we base them on whether we’re physically and/or mentally capable, and excited by the idea?
I wonder how many more innovative creations could have been brought to life, if the crutch of age wasn’t used so heavily?
You know something funny….I constantly forget how old I am. Even last week I was asked my age while filling in a form and I had to calculate it from my date of birth. Now I don’t know if that means I’m going senile, or if I simply don’t put any emphasis on the numbers…I’ll let you decide
Jackie recently posted..Nominee Best Australian Blog 2012 Woot!
Hi Jackie
One of your pet peeves too, huh?
It’s funny to me when I hear people complain and worry about turning 30, but I used to be one of those people.
“Lets say we were stripped of the knowledge of our birthday. How would our decisions be made then I wonder.”
–Interesting point and I like it!
Do a search for all the entrepreneurs, inventors, performers who were considered late bloomers. Quite a list.
“You know something funny….I constantly forget how old I am.”
–Me too, actually
Congratulations on the nomination too!
50 huh? Fifty ways to say screw you Mr. Age. Argh, that was lame.
Age, to me, is irrelevant except fot extreme sports or vices neither of which I want to do with the intensity of my youth. I think it is all a matter of scale. Sometimes I hear people say “You can’t do that!” and I agree when it comes to inensity. I can but at my own pace and to the best of my physical abilities. That’s it for me.
I totally agree. Life is too damn short to question or compare ability or desire to do something.
Get it done I say! And 50 can “suck it.” At 50 we are just getting started (47 and counting over here – weird. I thought I was 27 – oops).
Great post old man.
Ralph recently posted..Can Cover Bands teach us anything about being Creative?
Hi Ralph,
Was that a Paul Simon reference or just a Ralph from TO reference?
“Sometimes I hear people say “You can’t do that!” and I agree when it comes to inensity. I can but at my own pace and to the best of my physical abilities. That’s it for me.”
–Great point. You CAN do it, just at your own pace.
I’m 48 and my son always says 48 is the new 28
Where did he get that?
Thank you … Old Man
Hey, did anyone say anything about the video? Maybe Adrienne. Hold up. Let me check…..nope. This is not a call out but she posted some great tips on creating editing your own video which I found hugely helpful. I am venturing there myself at some point (after relaunch).
Annie Andre featured……check it out……http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EvBUZ_MLzmA
Ralph recently posted..How can comfort food teach us to act in our own best interests?
Actually Annie inspired me and I love what she did. I always walk away with some great stuff after visiting Adrienne’s place.
Thanks to bringing this up. Those were great tips, but I have a long way to go. At least it’s a start.
I don’t think I have to tell you where my mindset is in terms of age; lets just say my wife is still waiting for me to grow up.
Do I have a burning desire to be the next big thing? Depends on how hard I have to work………I’m still inquisitive enough and eager to learn; it was one of the reasons I got ‘all in’ with social. Am I happy, absolutely; life has been good to Billy boy and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate where I am right now.
Age will never stop me and that is why it’s important to me to maintain my health.
Rock on, sir.
Bill Dorman recently posted..Being social in the witness protection program
Hi Bill,
I guess your wife will be waiting for while, eh?
“I’m still inquisitive enough and eager to learn”
–Well, I would say that is what counts, no matter how old you are. Keep on learnin’.
I feel the same way you do about life, and health. Ever try hindu squats?
Thanks for stopping in. I certainly will rock on! You too.
Actually I have done the hindu squats in a body flow class I was taking; let’s just say, it wasn’t a pretty sight…………..:)
Bill Dorman recently posted..Being social in the witness protection program
I bet
Funny, I was just telling my wife about these today. This is what I do when I step away from the computer.
I’m knocking on 35 here, mate, and have found myself asking that very question you posed at 35. There are those days when I begin to think it’s too late to set out and do what I’m doing now, but I quickly extinguish those thoughts with a nice cool glass of Riesling.
You’re absolutely right though, Craig. It’s never too late until they throw the first heaping of soil over the very expensive casket, that I’m hoping I’ll be able to leave my partner enough funds to bury me in, when the time comes. Hopefully it won’t be anytime soon.
I must say also, that you’re an awesome role model and getting me super psyched about hitting my 40′s. It seems to me to be approaching very quickly anyways; so I’m figuring, I mind as well get excited about it.
I’ve never been one to focus on age. It’s a number, that’s it. There’s a lot of aged fools and youngins wise beyond their years. Age isn’t something that’s a great determinant of an individual’s capabilities.
At this point in the game though, although I am definitely still aiming for that cool million, I realize that serving others as much as possible is more important to me. I have realized that my gift is to lift other people up, and with that realization I hope to have my gifts making room for my bank account, however it sees fit to do so. However, I’m no longer motivated by the green, as much as I am loving what I am doing to make it.
I checked out the rocking song you shared. I had never heard it before, but it’s definitely one that gets the ole’ noggin to nodding. Thanks for sharing.
Loved your Youtube vid too. I’m not sure if I subscribed to your channel yet, but I’m heading over to do that now. Great job man, I really like your approach on this. Thanks for sharing the tunes, the message, a few smiles, and lot of inspiration to ponder in the future. Cheers!
Deeone Higgs recently posted..Taking the Blame Out of Our Decisions and Choices
Hi Deeone,
35 huh? Time for your first million
It is never too late to set out on any journey. Do your best to maintain good health, keep mind and body strong and yes, keep on drinkin’ the vino. Always nice after a busy day.
Hey man, I’m 13 years older than you and I’m just getting started. How’s that? You are going strong and I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of you in the near future.
“Age isn’t something that’s a great determinant of an individual’s capabilities.”
–Indeed!
I’m no longer motivated only by the green either, but like you I want to help others and am building a new business platform in this sphere. But I’m also more motivated by doing something I actually enjoy … creativity in general, rocks, but nothing wrong with a little cabbage.
I always loved that song. It is a good song for noggin nodding, no doubt!
Thanks for the kind words too. I’ll take ‘em any day. I’m just starting with videos, but will be doing a ton more and plan to make them much more informative in coming months. Stay tuned! Thanks for subscribing too.
Cheers to you, Sir! Keep on rockin’ it!
You got that right….age ain’t nothing but a number. I look in the mirror and all I see is a springy chick full of energy. Embrace all that life has to offer. It ain’t over until the curtain call…and even than I wonder? Thanks for the inspiring kick ass post.
Dee recently posted..How To Raise Money for Your Startup
Hi Dee,
Welcome!
I am glad you liked the message. Yes indeed, do embrace all that life has to offer!
I love learning new things (I want to keep on learning) and that’s one of the reasons I’m here. Sounds like you have very similar beliefs.
Also, you’re most welcome for the kick-ass post
I plan many more.
Thanks again for the comment. Really appreciate you coming by!
Fifty used to sound so very old to me but not any more. Now it just sounds…older. It is about what us and our attitude.
Jack@TheJackB recently posted..What To Do When Your Life Is All Hype & No Hoopla
Hi Jack,
I remember being in my twenties and thinking of all the things I needed to accomplish before I turned 35, as that was real middle age
Crazy.
It is all about attitude and it looks like you have a new one based on that last post of yours!
When I was younger I use to think about age a lot. Like looking at my parents in their 50′s and 60′s I use to think that was old. That was until I got here myself and realized it was just in my mind. Okay, I’m not in the 60′s yet but you get my point.
I didn’t start my career over until I reached 49 Craig so you are never too young to go after whatever you want. If you keep that healthy attitude then you can do just about anything you put your mind to.
I’m still very young at heart and love life. That has never changed for me and never will. Yep, age is just a number. And guess what people! 50 ain’t so damn bad!
Adrienne recently posted..Blogging Community To The Rescue
Hi Adrienne,
It’s funny how that works, huh? I obsessed over age even in my twenties.
I do remember thinking 50 was way old, now that I’m getting fairly close to 50 it just seems like another number.
Check out this guy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpsmYwfOavk
100! (Well, as the desc. says, 90-something
)
I started on this path a few months ago at 47, so I’m in a similar boat and I rather like it
and I love what you’re saying here. You can do just about anything you put your mind to.
Great comments and thanks for the visit and the kind words on the video as well.
He sure doesn’t look 100 so that just goes to show you that age is just a number. Did you see the video about the lady that still drive one of the original cars from way back when who is 101? I would have never thought she was that age. Never in a million years.
Adrienne recently posted..Blogging Community To The Rescue
Just watched it and that old Packard is one beautiful car.
Craig, I love this post and I absolutely love your writing style! I’m still snowboarding at 43
but I have NOT been looking forward to moving toward 50…until now.
You rock.
Stephanie Sammons recently posted..Is Blogging Evolving?
Hey Stephanie,
Thank you and I appreciate you stopping in!
I’m inching ever so closer to 50, but I am still snowboarding too!
Thanks again for the kind words.