To Accept or Decline a Challenge at Age

I find myself staring at the “Fear of Failure” this month. How often do we convince ourselves we are too old to learn or too old to embark on a new adventure? A dear friend of mine pointed out these powerful words of Theodore Roosevelt, (1910) this week.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

Another client pointed out, “There is no such thing as failing when you attempt”. “Worst case scenario you walk out a little more knowledgeable, perhaps ego bruised”.

Note to self: “ These Boomers are a clever bunch! Gen X, Z and alpha’s have to take notes and pay attention.”

I have therefore come to the conclusion that if you don’t at least attempt a challenge, the lack of your efforts automatically defaults to a “Fail”.

The challenge has been accepted. The decision to enter the arena has been made. There might be sweat and tears, hopefully no blood these following 24 months, and it will be valiantly met with enthusiasm, devotion and a worthy cause.

I want to take a moment to thank all of you for your on-going support and encouragement this past year.

Behind every brave man that steps into that arena stands a support system and reason to work hard for and you are truly a worthy cause!

In return, this Gen X plan to continue to strengthen and inspire you all to accept and overcome mini challenges and negate unwarranted fears of your own.

~ Isolde