Am I getting old, does it matter?

I know I am getting older, every day, every year but am I getting old.

This Christmas break has me thinking, am I old?

It’s all relative. I expect as when I was 10, and someone was 44 I would have said yes, however 44

probably isn’t old.

I know I am getting older, every day, every year but am I getting old. This Christmas break has me thinking, am I old?

It’s all relative. I expect as when I was 10, and someone was 44 I would have said yes, however 44 probably isn’t old.

I looked up the definition of old; having lived for a long time; no longer young. And so, I looked up the definition of young; having lived or existed for only a short time. I decided that there must be something on a scale between young and old and I am sitting there, not sure what it is called, I am not young, and I am not old.

I do feel old sometimes when I go to hospital and the people looking after you look like 15/16, or you go to restaurant and the waiter tells you he is 19/20 and you think wow, I remember when I was 19/20…it feels like a long time ago. So relatively I am old compared to these people, but not sure that makes me old.

I always test out – you want to be 20, 30 again? And I reflect and think no, I’ve done that time in my life and I am where I am from those experiences so going back doesn’t sound like a plan.

However, I don’t think I want to keep getting older. Not that I can do anything about it.

If I have a working time machine, I would go back and make some changes to my experiences and life, but since that is unlikely to be possible I try not to dwell on the past and focus in on the future. How do Imake my future amazing.?

If you like big bang, you have to watch that episode.

I start to think that I am likely halfway through my life, if lucky. Therefore, need to make the most of it.

  • Having things to look forward to.

  • Doing things you love at work and during your personal time.

  • Make a difference to people’s live, every day.

  • So, as I get older, not old. Being extra careful with my energy, time, and investment to ensure it brings me joy, contributes to my life goals and ensures that I am living my best life.

It probably doesn’t matter if I’m old or young, but I don’t think I’m either. It’s just a label.

The new year brings some reflection and 2023 will bring much joy for me and my crew and an ability to make a difference, every day.

PS: I did some more searching and I am middle age…. it’s a large bucket from 40-60. So I really think there needs to be a split and rebranding.

How about you? Do you feel old or young? Given a chance, would you go back and change the past?


If we can help you, reach out for a no obligation chat to Jo Hands on 0459826221, or jo.hands@whiteark.com.au

Article by Jo Hands, Whiteark Founder

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The 4 Rs - Reflections & considerations as the year closes out

It's been a tough year for many -- and people are limping to the finish line. It's time for a break and get yourself ready for 2021. 2021 is going to be another busy year so getting yourself refreshed and ready is critical and taking the time to relax, refresh reflect and reset is critical.

It's been a tough year for many -- and people are limping to the finish line. It's time for a break and get yourself ready for 2021.

2021 is going to be another busy year so getting yourself refreshed and ready is critical and taking the time to relax, refresh reflect and reset is critical.

Christmas is generally crazy eating, parties and a lot of people to connect with. It's fun but can leave us feeling more tired.

Relax

What makes you relax? Everyone is different. For me going for a walk, writing in my journal and doing a jigsaw puzzle all are things that help me relax.

Refresh

Taking time for yourself. Sleep, exercise and eating healthy are a good start! What's does refreshing look like for you?

Reflect

In the craziness of the year it's hard to really reflect - what worked well this year, what are my priorities for next year and what do o need to change to make this a reality?

Reset

Be bold. Make sure you make the change to ensure you achieve your priorities. It's not easy - and it's normally outside your comfort zone so be accountable to drive through outcome.

Reset for 2021

Ensuring you take the time on the 4Rs is critical to ensure you are refreshed for 2021. These 4 Rs are critical for you personally but also for your business, especially the last two.

Reflect - On key lessons learnt for the year (2020) in your business and team. What worked well? What could be improved?

Reset - What are the priorities for 2021? What changes are required to deliver these? How do we measure success across the year?

For most businesses 2020 has been a challenging year, it's imperative that they start 2021 with the following:

  • Alignment and clarity on what good looks like - reset priorities, measuring success and understanding the impact of changing consumer and customer trends

  • Transitioning the team back to the office - it's an interesting challenge

  • Assessing capability in the business - what is missing and focus on development and recruitment

Many organizations are organising planning sessions with leadership in new year to align. It’s an excellent idea to get this alignment underway early in the new year.

Over the Christmas break Whiteark will continue to give you podcasts, thought leadership and thought provoking polls to help you through your 4 Rs and get your head focused on returning back to the new year with a good reset.

Whiteark has extensive experience in resetting strategy, defining priorities and identifying and measuring key success metrics. If you need some help reach out to us.

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