There comes a time in everyone’s life when you have to give up on certain goals. More specifically, you lose your window to make a meaningful start. Let me explain…
At a specific age, it’s a given that you are never going to have the required time to become proficient at certain things.
Let’s use the example of learning a musical instrument. If you really want to master the guitar and become famous, that window usually closes in your twenties at the latest. Ideally, you should be learning the guitar way before then if you want a decent chance at success (preferably, starting in grade school). The same can be said with other instruments, piano for example. There are exceptions though.
So, at my age, I know that I’m never going to master the guitar – that’s just reality.
Other things that are out of reach as you get older:
- Becoming rich.
- Becoming famous.
- Having kids.
- Higher Education.
- Learning a second language.
- Buying a house.
- Becoming President/Prime Minister.
- Becoming a world class athlete.
- Becoming a model.
And pretty much any other skill that requires years of dedication. Note, when I say out of reach, I mean to master these skills. You certainly can have varying degrees of success without reaching an expert level for most of the above mentioned. Of course, having kids involves a time limit that is inflexible.
Now, don’t lose faith. Even if you’re getting up in years, there’s nothing wrong with following your dreams. In some cases, you’ll achieve success even with the limited time you have left.
My own personal example is touch typing. I learned this skill fairly late in life and it has helped me tremendously. But when I started, it seemed hopeless. Fumbling with the keys and taking 30 minutes to type a few paragraphs, I maintained proper form, even though it felt very uncomfortable. I wanted to go back to my familiar two-finger typing more than anything.
Over time, muscle memory kicked in and these days, I can rattle off articles faster than I ever thought possible. I’ll never be a professional typist, but personally, it is a godsend for my own writing.
The same can be said with skiing. It takes many hours on the hill to become proficient and it’s something most people start in their youth; not me though – I took up skiing just a few years ago and I’m now at the point where I feel comfortable enough to actually enjoy myself. Again, I’ll never be a professional skier, but I’ve made peace with that.
Anyway, my point is that you can do whatever you want, start anything you want, no matter your age. Want to learn French in your sixties? Do it, and you’ll at least be able to converse with people even if you’re not fluent.
As mentioned, age is a huge factor when it comes to having children or let’s say, learning a new language. You’ll never be able to compete against younger people when it comes to learning a new language, etc, but you will learn if you’re consistent.
While the ship may have sailed for hard-core mastery of certain subjects, who cares? Now you’re doing it for yourself – you aren’t out to prove anything.
