IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
To achieve success regardless of your age, remember it’s never too late to succeed. Take advantage of the new season to ‘restart’ your life.
ATTITUDE IS AGELESS
Our attitudes are capable of determining whether we will go forward or retreat, persevere or quit, remain open to new opportunities or remain frozen in the past. History is filled with “older” people who accomplished great things. Motivate yourself by reviewing the lives of people such as Grandma Moses, who started painting in her 70’s and had her first one-woman exhibit at 80; Samuel J. Hayakawa, who was elected to the US Senate at 70; and Sadie and Bessie Delaney, who wrote their first book (which became a bestseller) at 105 and 103, respectively. Let their example remind you that your best years may lie ahead of you.
DREAM ON
Dag Hammarskjold, a former United Nations Secretary-General, said, “Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step: Only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find his right road.” Be true to your highest aspirations, and faithfully follow your dreams. You will maximise your opportunities and minimise your obstacles.
BOUNCE BACK
Never allow a setback of any kind to disrupt your overall plans and goals. Life is not a straight line from success to success but often two steps forward and one step backward.
RESPECT YOURSELF
Too many people allow others to shape and influence their dreams and aspirations. “Don’t accept society’s judgment on who you are and what you can accomplish,” advises Guy Kawasaki, author of Hindsights: The Wisdom and Breakthroughs of Remarkable People. “If you let the world cast you into a role, you never will go beyond that role. Make your own definition of who you are and what you can accomplish.”
Kawasaki also says that hurdles to success are most easily overcome when people take responsibility for their own lives and successes. Always honour and respect your personality and temperament. Respond to the inner voice that is calling you to move in specific directions.
LAUGH ABOUT IT
When things don’t work out the way we expect and life becomes discouraging, the best antidote lies in maintaining a sense of humour. A sense of humour is essential for a balanced life. The ability to laugh at yourself and your circumstances ensures you are not taking yourself too seriously. Also, humour pushes back feelings of depression and discouragement, making room for creativity and commitment.
Finally, remember Napoleon Bonaparte’s words: “Victory belongs to the most persevering.” Let yourself be the proof. |
