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Friday, August 03, 2007

Does Age Matter? The Apprentice

Donald Trump’s television show, The Apprentice, attracted
the largest audience the night he was to hire his 4th
apprentice. Much about television is a numbers game which
prompted us to think about the numbers in the show. Randall
is 34, Rebecca is 24. Does age matter? Was it his ten
years of maturity that made the difference, or what he chose
to do with those ten years - his education and running
successful businesses? Does a 20 something candidate have a
chance against a 30 something candidate? What do you think?

It also begs the question, is age a barrier to success?
Some of us feel old at 40. Our attitude and actions can
make any number seem old. What if you go around telling
yourself, “I’m too old to (sing in a choir, horseback ride
across the range, insert your item here)?” Is that really
true? Perhaps you are too old to climb Mt. Everest; that
isn’t to say there aren’t still plenty of things left to do
regardless of physical limitations. Who is stopping you
from giving the recital, climbing the hill, doing what you
really want to do? As coaches, we disregard the, “I’m too
(insert complaint here)” excuse. There is always a way to
modify whatever it is you want such that it can be achieved.
Is there a library nearby? A hobby club you might join?
Films to be watched? There are many ways to accomplish
learning…and you can find the essence of your goals and
dreams in many different ways.

Think about it:
•What is the thing you’ve been telling yourself you’re too
old to do (your Mt. Everest)?
•When you look at that thing you’ve been wanting to do,
what’s at the heart of it and where else might you find its’
essence?
•Look for support. Getting support enables you to do what
you want with more ease.

As coaches, we see age doesn’t matter. There are 23 years
between us and we share times when we are being wise and
times when we’re being silly or unwise. We share work
ethics, steadfast support of our clients, interesting
balance in our lives and much more. Age is a number and
counts for things like a senior pass to the movies and
possibly some extra points on the wisdom-o-meter, yet the 40
(or 30, or 20) somethings among us have plenty to offer as
well. Our interaction as life coaches and workshop leaders
is enriched by the difference in our ages, perspectives, and
points of view. We say, “Yes” to it all and invite you to
do the same. Let age support you when you need it to and be
willing to resist using it as an excuse for postponing going
for your goals and dreams.

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