At 45, I dream like a teenager
To the world, once you cross 40, you enter an age often associated with wisdom and experience and, at the same time, being closer to getting older. On the other hand, the teenage years are usually when dreams are born. We dream big, with our whole life ahead of us, and rarely think about obstacles or limitations.
However, my take on age is totally different.
1. My Age Is Not Limiting Me from Dreaming
Just as there are no limits to the sky, there is no age limit to dreaming.
There are many things I want to do in life but have not been able to for various reasons. Yet, I am still holding on to those wishes, hoping to fulfill them one day.
Every achievement starts with a dream. You dream first and then work towards bringing it into fruition. And my age is not stopping me from dreaming. No one can.
The funny thing is that most of my dreams have not even started to materialize yet. The list is still long. Be it my career, my travel bucket list, my dreams for my daughter, my financial goals, or many other things I still want to achieve.
Typical human mind.
“Give me more…”
Lol!
2. I Started a Bit Late in Life
I started a bit late in achieving certain things in life, and naturally, there are many things still left on my to-do list. Some of them may seem difficult. Some may even seem impossible. But I do not want to give up.
“Yes, I dream like a teenager. I may have started late, but I am not too late to keep trying.”
One Who Inspires Me the Most
One person who greatly inspires me is Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC. While many people would have been content with retirement, he started pursuing his dream seriously in his 60s. His story reminds me that it is never too late to start and that age should never be an excuse to stop dreaming or striving for something bigger.
3. To Dream, You Need Grit and Determination
To keep dreaming, you need grit and determination. To not give up, you need that special tonic that helps you withstand setbacks, disappointments, and failures.
I often tell the same thing to people I meet. Never stop dreaming because of your age.
4. Never Let Age Stand Between You and Your Dreams
Age is just a number. No age is too young or too old to dream.
The best example comes from this year’s IPL.
We saw two cricketers contribute heavily to their team’s success. One was Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a talented 15-year-old stepping into the big world of cricket. His age was never an impediment to performing against experienced players.
Another is Virat Kohli. At an age considered old in the cricketing world, he continues to break records and set new benchmarks.
One is inspiring because of his youth. The other is inspiring because he continues to excel despite his age.
5. Grow Beyond Your Age
It is possible. It is simple.
Surround yourself with people who never say die. Being around energetic and optimistic people will always give you the thrust to push your boundaries. Avoid toxic people who burden you with impossibilities and discourage your dreams. Listen to things that inspire you. Watch things that motivate you. Do anything that gives a boost to your dreams and mental state.
Stop complaining and start over.
Conclusion
At 45, I still dream like a teenager. There are many things I want to achieve and many dreams I still hold on to. I may have started late, but I do not intend to stop dreaming because of my age. But dreams are timeless.
“After all, age is just a number. Why should dreams have an age limit?”