Getting Older Means We MUST Slow Down… Not!  

 
Many people buy into the belief that as they get older, they must slow down, act their age (whatever the heck that means) and settle for.

The fact is, you DON’T have to settle for the status quo. Life can get darned exciting after you turn 50. And watch out when you hit 60.

In celebration of my birthday a couple of years ago, I did something I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I would do. I participated in my first full marathon. I was just a couple days shy of my 61^st birthday.

Little did I realize how much I would end up loving the sport. And I can’t even begin to explain what it’s done for my mindset. My mind is definitely not that of a “senior citizen.” Yep! I am officially a senior. I’ll be the first to enjoy the discounts one gets at various stores, restaurants, hotels and other such things. But I digress.

Truth be told, how you age is 90% based on your mindset. With the right mindset, you are willing to do things you otherwise wouldn’t do…. like run a 10k race in the pouring rain… just because. (Not that you need to run a 10k… it could be something completely different, but still signifies pushing limits).

With the wrong mindset, you settle for a life of mediocrity. Chances are, that’s NOT what you want.

I know I sure don’t.
 

One Race Led to Many

 
A year after my first full race I did another full. Not so much because I love going 26.2 miles, but more to save my dignity. You see, with the first one, I was likely the last person in. I crossed the finish line long after the official race had ended. The second time around wasn’t to set any world records, but rather to prove to myself that I could do better than the year before.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve participated in dozens of 5k, 10k, 5 mile and 10 mile races. I’m never going to be first, but my own personal best keeps getting better. For me, that’s darned good.

What’s amazing is this; the more I let myself enjoy the sport the more I truly enjoy it. The sport of running has definitely turned into a personal passion.

Something I love is the quiet time I have. Running gives me time to think, give thanks, clear my head and let the creative ideas bubble to the surface of my consciousness.

This can be true for just about anything. If we let ourselves go deep into our passion, we may surprise ourselves with how much we truly love something.

Giving ourselves permission to go deep into whatever it is we love is one of the best ways to avoid “settling for.”
 

How Do You Know If You’re Settling?

 
There are some tell-tell signs you might be settling for less than you deserve in life. One sign is that you’re often tired… for no apparent reason. If you’re tired much of the time, you are likely in a job, career, relationship or living arrangement you’re not happy with.

Another sign you’re settling for is when you constantly give up your power of decision making to others. And then you blame them for things being the way they are.

Yet another sign is you constantly say, “When I have X, I will be happy.”

There are plenty more signs, but these are three very obvious ones.
 

Are You Ready to Play Full Out

 
A proven way to let go of settling for the status quo is to push your own limits. You must give yourself permission to go beyond where you’re currently at in life. Only you can make change happen from the inside out.

Another way is to surround yourself others who are done playing small.

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Jim Rohn.

Keep in mind that what is a passion to one person may not be to someone else. And isn’t that what makes life interesting? We can each express what we love in our own way.

I have a friend who is incredibly passionate about quilting. She loves it. She quilts whenever she can. She belongs to a quilting group at her church. Together the group makes prayer quilts that they customize for someone who is battling illnesses.

I have another friend who is incredibly passionate about body building. Whenever she can work out, she does. She competes once or twice a year. Competing requires some very rigorous eating and behavior changes that the average person would have no interest in. But because my friend is so incredibly passionate about the sport, she makes the necessary sacrifices to get to the result of getting on stage.

Yet another friend is passionate about performance art. Whenever she can, she’s rehearsing with a group of men and women who also love performance art.

My sister, Lorraine Lawson, is beyond passionate about her art. Over the last five plus decades, she’s dabbled in various styles and now expresses herself with abstract painting. She teaches her grandchildren about art, holds classes for at risk teens and can eat, drink and sleep art like no one I know. She also makes a great living with her artwork, has pieces in galleries, restaurants, homes of collectors and in various locations near and far.
 

You Have to Give Yourself Permission

 
Many people talk about things they might be passionate about, but sadly, a great many will wait for someone to somehow give them permission to do what they say they love.

Truth be told, YOU are the one that must give you permission. If you’re waiting for some magical moment for everything to be in alignment for you to explore a passion, it’s likely the days will turn into weeks that turn into months, that turn into years. Before you know it, the desire you once had is a faded memory.

Don’t wait for others to give you permission. Start right where you’re at.

My sweetie did just that when she decided to explore an idea she had creating an interior barn door for our pantry. What started as just an idea of creating functional art has now become a true passion. In the last year, she’s created some beautiful doors, coat racks, and other pieces of unique wood work. Little did she know she would enjoy it so much.

She’s also very passionate about horses and horse rescue. Whenever the call comes about a rescue needing volunteers, Karen will jump in her truck and head out.

What about you? What is it you’re passionate about AND are you giving yourself permission to explore it? If not, what will it take for this to happen?
 

Hang Out with Me For a Day

 
If you’re a woman of a certain age who is tired of the status quo and you’re ready to make your life one others will look to and say, “Dang, that’s one amazing woman,” join me for a one day, in-person experience on March 20^th in Portland, Oregon where we will shatter any beliefs you have about settling for the status quo.

You’ll have the opportunity so spend a day with other women who are letting go of the status quo. This is going to be an outstanding experience for all concerned.

I love creating the space for others to explore what they are passionate about. That’s exactly why I decided to host Passion for Thriving. Check it out. http://www.powerupthinktank.com

Passion for Thriving is specific to professional women who want 2017 to be your best year ever.

There’s going to be a lot I cover on mindset, but as you know, I also love the strategic side of things. You’re going to learn some very specific social media marketing strategies that are sure to build your online presence in just the way you need.

You’ll learn how to integrate what you’re doing so your efforts are not in vain. AND… all of this results in higher revenue.

Give yourself the gift of a day away from your routines to get out and explore what comes next.

Plus! you’ll be in a room of other highly conscious women who are there for the same reason.

Just one thing… there are only a few spots left.

This is a live, in-person event in Portland, Oregon. You have the opportunity to spend the day with other women who are committed to living fully and making their business a vehicle for change. And… you get to hang out with me for the day too!

Plan For a Great 2017

This will be a perfect environment to plan out the coming year.

I’ve kept the investment really low in order to make the Yes! really simple.

During Passion for Thriving you are going to have the opportunity to transform how you view business in order to make 2017 your best year ever.

Check it out right away. I promise you this… it will be a game changer. http://www.powerupthinktank.com