Goals and Middle Age

Despite most people’s avoidance of aging, the wisdom gained is worth the experience.

I’m enjoying middle age and feel more contentment than I ever did in my 20s and 30s. In fact, I often recall my youth as though it was a dream, and far too often a bad one.

The confusion and insecurity that once tormented me (the obsession to get everything “right”) have disappeared. I simply don’t care what others think about me. This isn’t arrogance or bravado. I have a hard-won understanding of my ability and clear expectations. My efforts are not the all-or-nothing affairs they were when I was immature. I am no longer people and outcome dependent.

Also, concurrent with my self-development, I no longer feel the same about success.

While social programming echoes faintly in my head, the pull isn’t nearly so strong as before when my whole identity was wrapped up in proving myself. Ironically, self-acceptance has allowed me to realize my potential, thereby stimulating the attention from others that I once desperately coveted.

Simply put, I go after what I want, conditions don’t matter. My only consideration is how will the resources spent pursuing my objective, and reaching it, impact my life. I don’t have time for dead ends.

This explains my youthful frustration and lack of achievement. As a child, I was deep into music and displayed talent. But my expectations were twisted and rooted in entitlement rather than a solid work ethic. Ultimately, I didn’t have the mental wherewithal to develop my ability and build a career.

Now, my goals are seamlessly aligned with my capabilities. This doesn’t mean my imagination is compromised. It’s just that things make sense.

I have also learned (the hard way, many times) that success is collective. There’s no such thing as standing alone. When inspired, I’m eager to share ideas with my team, knowing that together we can make things happen. (There’s no greater feeling than working with others to bring an idea to life!)

So embrace the aging process and use the knowledge you’ve gain to fire up others. It’s the best way to make your goals a reality at any age.

Later,

Gary

Image credit