Is it REALLY Never Too Late?

Let’s Keep It Real

92% of people FAIL.

Over 50% of people give up on their goals within 3 months.

Only 6% of people stick with their goals for a full year.

Most people fail, not because they don’t have the resources/skills/ability to succeed, but because they drop out. It’s failure by forfeit. 

But you, my friend, will not quit on your dream goals.

We are going to tackle this in three parts:

1. Take Ownership.

2. Take Action.

3. Embrace the Outcomes.

Right On Time or Too Late?

Do you want to start over - move to a new place, become the healthiest version of you, quit your job, go into a new career - but are filled with fear, overwhelm, and doubt?

Making radical changes to your life after 30? 40? 50?? 60??? Beyond? Can you do it? The short answer is, of course you can. Who told you you couldn’t? Think about it. Was it you who told you that it was impossible? Do you find yourself saying, “It’s too late. I just have to play the cards I was dealt.”

Maybe this terminal mindset is reinforced by family or friends who told you you were crazy to even consider shifting your life in a new direction at “your age.” Who’s life is it, my friend?

I’m not suggesting you ignore sound counsel. But, more often than not, people tend to accept opinions as truth. Frequently, the opinions you garner from other people aren’t founded in personal experience, but they are enough to make you question what you want.

Take Ownership

My observations from working with people throughout my career is that they will ask, “What do you think I should do?” to affirm their fears and alleviate responsibility. “If someone tells me I shouldn’t attempt that goal, then I have an excuse for quitting or not even trying.” And, let me tell you, “You’re too old,” always works like a charm.

Own your decisions (and own the consequences).

A problem people experience is having a high energy dream, but they expend low effort or they are incredibly unfocused. Think about your own dream. I am sure the thought of it excites you. If you choose to act on it, your actions are inconsistent, unfocused, and entry-level. But, you expect amazing things to happen. You expect your vision to come to fruition.

I can tell you from years of coaching people that they always underestimate the effort it will take to achieve their big goals. And, the older we get the more set in our routines we become. When we challenge those routines to introduce big shifts we are met with years, sometimes decades, of resistance.

I also speak from personal experience. My burnout came to a head in 2020. I was at a breaking point and decided to create multiple streams of income to grow a financial cushion large enough to support my goal of retiring early.

I hadn’t worked multiple jobs since I was in my twenties working three to four jobs to pay the rent. My engine was not used to running at that speed anymore, and I didn’t technically have to do it. I retrained my brain and rebuilt my stamina, which was a feat with all the symptoms of burnout I was experiencing. But, I had a higher purpose, and I proved to myself (once again) that I can do anything I set my mind to doing.

If you are about to engage with something you really want, I have a suggestion for you. Instead of telling yourself that you are going to achieve your goal in 3-4 months (and being disappointed when it doesn’t happen), tell yourself that you are dedicated to your dream until it becomes a reality (even if it doesn’t fit your timeframe).

The 92% of People Who Quit:

• aren’t clear on their goals (get crystal clear on what you want to accomplish and why. This is VISION)

• aren’t specific on how they will accomplish their goals (create a process that focuses on your next immediate step)

• seek quick results instead of sustainable results (beware quick fixes, which typically don’t last)

• focus all their energy on the outcome (vision) as opposed to the next immediate step (process)

• give up when their dream goal doesn’t show up when they expected (direct your energy towards the consistent actions that are going to get you to your vision and commit to making it happen)

,

Take Action

Package your action-oriented goals with this framework in mind: Support vs. Resistance. Floors support us, and ceilings restrict us. Plan actions that create a floor of support. If you set a goal that feels restrictive, you have set a ceiling of resistance. 

Let’s look at a few examples of support vs. resistance goals (from simple to complex) that illustrate how to evaluate the goals you’re setting. Are you supporting yourself or creating resistance?

Healthy Eating Support and Resistance Goals:

I am eating eggs w/ multi-grain toast or Greek yogurt for breakfast. (SUPPORT)

v.

I will stop eating processed foods. (RESISTANCE)

Why this works: You are signaling to your brain to eat certain foods that provide nourishment that supports your health goals, as opposed to telling your brain that you can’t have something. As soon as you tell yourself you can’t have something, you drop into a scarcity mindset that tells you something (processed foods) isn’t available. This makes you crave it even more.

Healthy Body Support and Resistance Goals:

I am working out 3xs a week to build physical and mental strength and resilience to become the healthiest version of myself. (SUPPORT)

v.

I will workout every day for 1-2 hours and do intermittent fasting to lose twenty pounds in the next four months. (RESISTANCE)

Why this works: You are communicating to your mind and body that growing stronger and healthier is the focus, not losing weight. On the hierarchy of needs, being strong equals survival, which the brain favors. Losing weight and denying food to lose it signals scarcity to the brain. The brain does not like anything that signals basic needs (food) are not available.

Start a Side Hustle Support and Resistance Goals:

I am working on my side hustle/dream goal for one hour, three evenings a week to build a business I enjoy that helps me create a financial cushion. (SUPPORT)

v.

I will stop watching television in the evenings and wasting time on my phone. (RESISTANCE)

Why this works: In this scenario you are focusing your mind on what you’re gaining, as opposed  to what you’re giving up. This also leaves space for you to do those other things, instead of telling yourself they are restricted activities. The focus is on putting your dream goals first.

Energetically, you are setting goals that attract you, instead of repelling you. Support goals are designed to create a sustainable, consistent process. You are making this goal a part of your life. Resistance goals are focused on making the end result happen as quickly as possible so you can mark it off your list and move on.

Support your dreams further by identifying people who have accomplished what you are setting out to do. Can’t find anyone? AWESOME!!! You are the trailblazer, my friend! Take good notes, because I can guarantee you others will be tapping you for your experience and guidance.

Embrace the Outcomes

Here I will remind you that everything is temporary and nothing is permanent. There is only one thing you know for sure when it comes to pursuing your dream goals: There will be an outcome.

We marry ourselves to projected outcomes and fear them not happening the exact way we envision. Having a vision of what you want is important, but understand that life might reveal it to you in a different form. This is why we are discussing goals in terms of support and resistance. 

For example, you may be set on starting your own business, so you set out on a particular path to build a certain business. But, your new skills and experience may open doors to working for someone. Be open to the possibility of your outcomes arriving in a different package than you predict. The value lies in the journey.

It’s never too late to make radical changes to your life. Live it on your terms. Decide what you want, plot a course, and head out on your adventure.

Until next week, I’m sending you all Peace, Love, & Harmony!

Do You Need Help Tapping Into Your Potential?

Are you struggling to meet your goals and wish you had support? Have you ever considered working with a coach? You may not know what a coach does.

One-on-One Coaching:

• You and I develop an individualized plan targeting your specific goals

• You receive individualized support from me

• Answers to your specific questions

• Guidance on your specific issues and blocks

• Accessibility to me outside coaching sessions for added support (individual texts and emails to check in)

• Your plan leads to learning how your personal growth is in your control

Are you ready to take action but are at a loss on what step to take next? 

I can teach you how to get started and accelerate your growth by using repeatable methods. Need the tools? I’ve got them. The goal is always to make you independent. I should be working myself out of a job. Once you take off, you may want to have a session from time to time, especially if you are scaling your goals. A good coach teaches you how to stand on your own two feet. Contact me today. Are you ready to CONNECT?