“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” C.S.Lewis.

Over the years many people have shared with me how they had a dream or goal when they were younger that they have yet to fulfil.

They talk about what got in the way of their goal not being fulfilled. Some say it was a lack of time or money, a lack of belief or how life just got busy with other things and that they established different priorities.

Some mention that they took on other responsibilities and made different choices. Many talk about their regret; sadness and disappointment that they are yet to have accomplished what they dreamed about. Quite often people say “it isn’t going to happen now because I’m too old!”

From a personal perspective I understand what it’s like to have an unfulfilled goal. For many years, I had a goal to write a book. As the years ticked by, I thought it wasn’t going to happen and the older I got it just seemed to be more challenging because life had got busier. I can remember thinking one day that I was just too old. I sat down and said to myself “it’s now or never for the goal of writing my book.” I felt that I either had to commit to it fully or let it go forever.

Thankfully, I choose to commit to it fully and by adopting some new disciplines and habits I finally managed to publish my book ‘Be First Class’ in May 2016 when I was aged 50. I started the process of writing the book by deciding to write the book gradually by committing to write at least 500 words each week and publishing a weekly blog.

This discipline led to publication of the book.

This has also enabled me to complete the draft for my second book “Just Be” which will be published later this year.

Now I accept that some goals that you had when you were younger may not be possible because of your age and lack of preparation/training. For example if these include being a professional footballer, hockey player, an Olympic athlete or swimming champion. However, you may be able to take up a sport for fun but to be one of the world’s elite at a sport may be out of reach. That said there are exceptions as Great Britain’s Jo Pavey won the European 10,000 metres Gold medal when she was 40.

However, your age doesn’t have to be a reason that you don’t pursue a goal. Many people with the benefit of life experiences, great knowledge and wisdom have defied conventional wisdom and achieved a goal.

Here are a few examples of people who achieved a goal in later life:

  • Cliff Young an Australian potato farmer won the Sydney to Melbourne ultra- marathon (543 miles) at the age of 61.
  • Sam Walton, opened his first Wal Mart store in the USA at the age of 44. Walmart went on to buy the ASDA stores in the UK.
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder whose books inspired the TV series Little House on the Prairie was 64 when she published her first book.
  • Mother Teresa established the “Missionaries of Charity” organisation when aged 40, leading her to win the Nobel peace prize aged 69.
  • Ray Kroc started McDonalds in his 50’s and Colonel Sanders opened his first KFC franchise restaurant when he was 62.
  • Susan Boyle had not sung professionally until she was aged 48 and after winning Britain’s got talent, landed a record deal and had the largest ever sales for a debut for a female artist
  • Nelson Mandella became president of South Africa when he was 75.

It could be that you have a goal to start a new hobby, to visit somewhere special or begin a health and fitness regime. Alternatively you may wish to do some studying, start a business or write a book. Whatever it is for you, get honest with yourself on what your “why” is. What I mean by this is, clarify what your motivation and desire to do it is. Determine why and how it’s important to you.

Once you have done this, I suggest you have your “now or never” chat with yourself. Are you going to fully commit to making the goal a reality or do you need to let it go and place your focus and energy elsewhere?

This week, why not take a few moments out to reflect and consider if there is a goal that you have that you either need to commit to or let go. If you choose to commit, you can then decide what your first action step will be.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk