You’re Never Too Old To Begin

One of the biggest mistakes people can make is quitting too early.

Maybe there was something – a hobby or career path – that you started when you were 15, 20 or 30 years old. But life took a few turns: you weren’t mature enough, you went through some tough times, you couldn’t handle the expectation, and you ended up taking another path.

Now, years later, you find yourself in a position where you want to get back on that pathway but are afraid or confused on how, so instead – you quit yet again.

Resilience is a concept that has several different definitions, but at its core, it means thriving (not quitting) in the face of adversity. Those who are resilient have a positive acceptance of change and tend to have secure relationships. They have a sense of control in their life.

A number of factors contribute to how well people adapt to adversities, such as:

• the ways in which individuals view and engage with the world
• the availability and quality of social connections and interactions
• specific coping strategies

Psychological research demonstrates that the resources and skills associated with more positive adaptation (i.e., greater resilience) can be developed and practiced.

The Study of Adult Development at Harvard Medical School showed that most older adults actually maintain a strong sense of well-being and that re-engaging in tasks that involve inspiration and creating can help lower mental and physical health problems. And studies have shown that it is never too late to start this process – we can always become more resilient by re-engaging in (or beginning) our goals! 

So, despite what your anxiety or society tells you…