Aging is a fact of life. We all go through it, and yes, it comes with its challenges. But getting older doesn't mean we have to feel old. Believe it or not, a lot of how we experience aging is up to us—especially when it comes to our mindset.
Peter Attia, a doctor who specializes in helping people increase their life and health span, shared some wisdom on staying young: “I think people get old when they stop thinking about the future. If you want to find someone’s true age, listen to them. If they talk about the past and they talk about all the things that happened that they did, they’ve gotten old. If they think about their dreams, their aspirations, what they’re still looking forward to—they’re young.”
Why Your Mindset Matters
Let's get real for a second. Dwelling on the past, especially on things we wish we had done differently, isn't going to change anything. What we can change is what we do next. That's where Attia's advice comes into play. It's a nudge to stop looking back with longing or with regret and start looking forward with excitement. Have you ever heard the saying, "The best time to start something was yesterday. The second best time is now"? That's the spirit I’m talking about.
Take Warren Buffett, for example. The guy's in his 90s and still making big moves in the business world. He's not sitting around talking about his early days; he's looking at what's next, investing in new companies, and setting future goals. Or consider Jane Goodall, who continues her conservation work well into her 80s, always pushing forward with new projects and goals. These aren't just stories of success; they're lessons in staying mentally young by staying engaged and curious.
Learning from The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho's book The Alchemist is all about chasing your dreams, and it drops a golden line: "It is the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." This isn't about being naive or overly optimistic. It's about recognizing that no matter how old we are, having something to look forward to, something to work towards, makes life richer.
Think about people like Diana Nyad, who swam from Cuba to Florida at 64, or Yuichiro Miura, who climbed Everest at 80. They didn't just wake up one day and decide to make history. They had dreams, they planned, they worked hard, and most importantly, they didn't let their age define their capabilities.
Making It Happen: Practical Steps
Dream Big (and Small): What's something you've always wanted to do? Start there. It doesn't have to be a world record; it just has to matter to you.
Stay Curious: Learn something new, whether it's a language, a musical instrument, or how to code. Keeping your brain active is key.
Connect: Surround yourself with people who inspire you, not those who drag you down. Positive vibes are contagious.
Just Start: Whatever it is you're dreaming of, take the first step. It's the hardest and the most important.
Wrapping It Up
Getting older is inevitable, but feeling old is a choice. By focusing on the future, setting new goals, and chasing dreams, we can keep our spirits young and our lives interesting. Let's take a cue from those who've shown us how it's done and start looking forward to what's next. After all, the best time to start living the life you want is today.
Five Facets of Health: Week 37
If you're new to the 5 Facets of Health, learn more here. Avoid trying to implement everything at once! These suggestions are meant to spark ideas. To build healthy habits, focus on one or two aspects over the next week.
Physical Health
Today, I met a woman in her 40s or 50s at the pool. A lifelong soccer player, she had to pivot to swimming after a knee injury. Despite being new to swimming, her eagerness to embrace this challenge was inspiring. This story reminds us of the importance of finding lifelong athletic hobbies to maintain our health and strength. Staying active is vital for our happiness and well-being, and it's okay to step out of our comfort zones and try new activities.
“I’ve watched people who aged gracefully. And they all did some kind of exercise regularly.” — Jeff Lasater
Action: Identify a new physical activity you can start this week. It could be something as simple as walking, yoga, or even swimming. The goal is to find joy and challenge in the process.
Mental Health
Keeping your mind on the future and your dreams keeps you young and mentally agile. It's fine to reminisce about the past occasionally, but don't let it anchor you. Live in the now and plan for what's ahead.
“I think people get old when they stop thinking about the future. If you want to find someone’s true age, listen to them. If they talk about the past and they talk about all the things that happened that they did, they’ve gotten old. If they think about their dreams, their aspirations, what they’re still looking forward to—they’re young.”
— Peter Attia
Action: Write down one dream or goal for the future and outline a small step you can take this week to move closer to it. This could be a professional aspiration, a personal development goal, or a new hobby you want to explore.
Emotional/Social Health
The company we keep can significantly impact our journey towards achieving our dreams. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth and believe in your potential. In turn, offer the same support and encouragement to those around you.
“If you want to live the life of your dreams, then surround yourself with like-minded people who are your champions and cheerleaders -- people who root you on and remind and inspire you to continue to strive for what it is you truly desire.”
— Kelly Kosow
Action: Reach out to a friend or family member who has been supportive of your goals. Share your appreciation for their encouragement and discuss a recent victory or challenge you've faced.
Spiritual Health
Incorporate spirituality into your planning and goal-setting. Seek guidance and inspiration from the Divine, trusting in a greater plan for your life. Reflect on how you can make a unique impact and pursue it passionately.
“God has a plan for you – I can promise you that. Your life is sacred. There is and always has been a path for your soul, and if you follow that path, it will lead you to the inner utopia that your soul longs to experience in this lifetime.”
— Debbie Ford
Action: Dedicate time this week for quiet reflection or meditation. Focus on what you feel called to do and ask for guidance and clarity in pursuing your path.
Financial Health
Dreaming and planning for your future also means being smart with your finances. Saving and budgeting allow you the freedom to chase your dreams without being held back by financial constraints.
“People who live far below their means enjoy a freedom that people busy upgrading their lifestyles can’t fathom.”
— Naval Ravikant
Action: Review your current spending and identify one area where you can cut back. Put the money you save towards a dream or goal, such as a travel fund, further education, or starting a business.
Love this! Poignant for me.