Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks

I’ve written previously about the opportunities presented in retirement to re-invent oneself, but you don’t have to wait for retirement. Those over 50 are creating new businesses at an accelerated pace. Most due to the desire that seems to kick in around that age to make a difference and be happy about their work, but many due to the inherent age discrimination in corporate America that makes it tough to recover from job loss or even to advance in one’s current career.

For me, that desire to make a difference in what I did kicked in before 50, but it was at that milestone that early retirement and the chance focus on what I wanted to do began to drive me. I learned new tricks to start and establish this blog and I continue to evolve and learn, having recently joined the Productively Funny team - https://www.productivelyfunny.com/ – learning improv techniques and how to apply them to business training, and learning how I can leverage my career experience to make the training even more valuable to participants. Learning and practicing these new tricks has been energizing and far more rewarding than a Scooby Snack.

My wife went from industrial buyer to starting her own business - http://www.ready-set-stage.com/ - to being named the Top Occupied Home Stager in the US (awarded by the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)) in 5 years! Let me stop you here and clearly state that I am NOT calling my wife an old dog. She did have to learn a lot of new tricks to make that leap though as she needed to develop totally different skill sets. It all started with her determination to follow her natural interests and abilities as the end of her corporate contract approached. Learning the staging process was the easy part as that comes naturally to her. Even so, she invested the time, money, and effort into formal training to hone her skills and gain certification. The business part was another story. While she has mastered the business software, tax processes, and general skills required to build and grow a successful business, it didn’t come easily. Not because of ability, but because those are all things that she dislikes (as do many business owners!). Again, she put in the time and effort to ensure success. Following your bliss like my wife has done may not be the easiest road, but it will be the most rewarding.

Learning new tricks is not only a survival skill, it is a way to continue to grow and to feel fulfilled by what you do. It’s never too late – or too early – to try something new. Whether it’s a new leisure activity, hobby, or starting a business, the important thing is to do the things you love to do. If that new trick is a new business, you will likely never have worked so hard in your life, but at the same time, you will probably be happier than ever before too. The satisfaction of achieving success doing something we love is about as sweet as it gets.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too old (or too young) to do something you are passionate about. That passion is positive energy that will drive you forward. Continuing to learn new tricks is a key to living the fulfilling life you want to live, so keep on learning and living.