Success Doesn't Have an Age

Alisa Daglio  Health Expert

"Even today, I dare not say that I have reached a state of achievement. I'm still learning, for learning is boundless." -Bruce Lee

     Last year I watched  40 year old skateboarding legend Tony Hawk blow my mind with his technical and high flying abilities at his annual Stand Up For Skateparks event in Beverly Hills. When you watch Tony you don't focus on his age, you focus on what an amazing skateboarder he is. As a sport, skateboarding is extremely hard on your body.  No matter how good you are you are guaranteed to fall-and fall hard. Over time this can tear your body up.  While I can't speak for Tony, I suspect that he doesn't wake up in the morning and lament over "being too old to skate."  Tony Hawk doesn't focus on his age, his focus lies on skateboarding.

     Over the years I have encountered many women that begin their weight loss quest in their 50's and beyond.  Some feel that their age is a roadblock to success while others feel that they can "only get so far" and adjust their goal to a lower level based on a random number.  Thankfully, there are those who are determined to succeed no matter what age they are.  Not surprisingly, these are the people who achieve the greatest personal success in attaining the body of their dreams. For these individuals the words "how good can I really look at my age" do not fall into their vocabulary.  Like Tony Hawk, they realize that success begins in the mind and they don't let anything hold them back.

     From a coaching standpoint I don't believe on placing a limit on achievement or using age as a crutch in any area of life. The answer to "Am I too old for this?" exists solely in the mind of the individual.  If you want to achieve your dream body and optimum health you absolutely can do it--regardless of age.  Personal victory must begin within your own mind and heart.  If you are a person who believes that age is preventing you from looking a certain way, the good news is that you can stop this belief and adopt a new one. 

     At age 33 mixed martial artist Randy Couture made his UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) debut.  Ten years later (at age 43) he became the UFC Heavyweight champion for the third time.  MMA fighting is another sport that will tear your body to pieces over time.  Announcers love to focus on how old Randy is.  Randy on the other hand focuses on being an amazing fighter.  I point out these extreme sports and their standouts because they didn't let the nature of their sport determine the outcome.  Believe it or not, this thinking applies the same with weight loss or anything else in life.

     If you need inspiration I highly recommend performing an internet image search for Cory Everson at age 50.  The six time Ms. Olympia bodybuilding champion looks physically astounding for any age!  Another source of inspiration should be 50 year old female basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman.  This amazing WNBA standout signed on to play for the Detroit Shock in 2008.  Are these athletes more special than you are?  Perhaps in skateboarding, mixed martial arts, bodybuilding, and basketball they may be, but not necessarily in mental capacity.  You can adopt a strong goal oriented mental state and stamp out any self limiting beliefs--just like the pro's do.  These athletes didn't place a limit on their desires and neither should you.  Now ask yourself what you really want, make up your mind, and go get it!