Too Old?

“Stop thinking in terms of limitations and start thinking in terms of possibilities.” Terry Josephson

Just last week, I spoke to a 24 year old about what he wanted to do through his life. He was in school finishing up a business degree, but wasn’t sure what he was going to do with it.

I asked him what he REALLY wanted to do – and the young man lit up and spoke about his love for flying. Ever since he was a kid he LOVED the idea of flying. He didn’t care whether he was a pilot, a flight attendant, an aviation mechanic, the guy who cleans the airplane lavatory – – he didn’t care what the job – – he just wanted to be around planes.

I asked him what’s holding him back from doing exactly that. His answer: I am too old.

He’s 24 years old. Too old, he thinks, to do what he loves.

So the question comes up again: Am I too old to make changes in my life?

You might be thinking, “no I am not too old. … But, I am too young, too rich, too poor, too broken, too unknown, too unskilled, too unworthy, too untalented, too unconnected, too set in my ways to make the required changes in my life to author a legacy of significance.”

It’s not your age or wealth or even education that will determine your ability to move forward, my friend. Instead, it’s your energy, your enthusiasm, your excitement you bring with you everyday that has a profound impact, not only on your day, but on every subsequent day.

Let me provide an example.

A good friend of mine, Tom Hill, pursued an entrepreneurial career in real estate franchise sales. In less than 10 years he built a company that, in 1999, did over $3 billion in sales. He sold his company and now spends his time and energy giving back what he learned in becoming what he is today.

Tom is a committed husband, father, grandfather, airplane pilot, marathon runner, mountain climber, skydiver, seeker, best selling author, speaker, coach and leadership guru.

And as impressive as what he’s done is, what makes it even more inspiring is that he began doing ALL of it after the age of 50!

That’s right, Tom left a career as a teacher he’d invested 26 years in, with limited savings, with no background in the new business, but with absolute enthusiasm, energy for what was possible.

The energy he felt toward his work spilled into all areas of life. He started running, became a pilot, hiked the highest mountains in north America, grew actively in his faith, strengthened his relationships with his spouse, family and friends. In sum: he radically changed his life because he was fueled forward with enthusiasm and zest for each and every day.

My friend, what are you imagining is possible through your life? How amazing could your professional, spiritual, relational, physical and emotional life be? What’s holding you back from achieving it?

Ultimately the only person who can propel you forward or stop you entirely is you!

So here’s my challenge to you today: stop thinking in terms of what you can’t do, start thinking of terms of what you will do, and take action right now to live up to the fullness of your potential!

Not only will your day change, but your life’s legacy will change, too.

John O’Leary

PS: Are a business owner, executive or sales leader desiring to expand your business, your results and your life? Then please read below.

On April 25th & 26th (yes, next week!) a collection of some of the best speakers in the country will come together to deliver one of the most impactful 2 days imaginable. I am fortunate to present with the most sought after speakers in emotional intelligence, life-design, leadership principles, positive physiology and business growth. Other guest speakers include:

Peter Stroble: considered “The Most networked man in America” (FORTUNE Magazine). You’ll learn how to build a network of real influence, real value and real impact.

Tom Hill: The Principles of life and business: Author of Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur’s Soul. Learn the principles of life from one who built a 3 billion real estate sales franchise and then turned his success into the ultimate gift, sharing it with others.

Betty Mutua: Real Heart/Women Leaders: Special guest travelling from Nairobi, Kenya to tell her story of what allows her to thrive in life from her belief system and why Opportunity International is changing the landscape of many worldwide.

I believe this is a life changing personal and organizational transformation event.

These two days will provide the catalyst to motivate you and your organization to provoke real change and growth. There is room for only 8 more participants.

Your investment for the 2 day event is 500. Your return will be life changing.

If you are interested please email me back directly and I’ll send you additional information.