Nick James

In case you're wondering about the title of this article, I want you to know that many people thought I was too young to do the business that now gives me a lifestyle that's the envy of many.

I began to believe it; I thought I was too young. I'd get the sleight of mouth comments about being just a wet behind the ears kid who didn't know what the heck he was doing. When I'd meet potential business partners or vendors they'd tell me that they didn't think I was THAT YOUNG!

When Tony Blair first took office, he was considered, 'too young' by the media. In fact, it was rumoured that he deliberately sprinkled his hair with specks of grey, just to get a little 'credibility' in the eyes of his cabinet and party members.

I don't know how true that was but I can directly understand how he must've felt, walking into a grand position where he's basically surrounded by much senior (in age) colleagues.

In a way, I'm glad I went through all that 'age debate' because I'm in a really good position to share my experiences with those who are having the AGE THING get in the way of what they want to do.

Of course, the many that are frozen by the age thing are those who firmly believe they are TOO OLD to get involved in something anew.

I can understand that too because I've friends and relatives who are presently, and who have already had to deal with the problem of age when going into as new venture or in learning a new skill.

Let me give you my understanding as I see it.

To start off with, age is a measurement on the chronological chart. Nothing more. But, as we see day in day out, society attaches a lot of negative associations to 'age', so much so that it cripples many who believe and buy into the idea that they're TOO OLD to really make any sort of progress or forward momentum.

And, I see that happening everyday in the business field I operate in.

You see, there are people I know who are in their 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's and even older, who are in the position where they want to change careers, start a business venture, but fear treading in at a level of commitment and passion that they probably had when they started their first careers or even when starting out with the ambition of creating a family.

I mean at that time, everything was fresh, new, exciting. Life was full of zest, hope, anticipation of something great happening. It just seemed all quite natural.

However, treading in with creating their own Internet run home based business or a bricks and mortar type business, there seems a great unwillingness to really thrust themselves into it and expecting that results will come their way.

Yes. The age thing does loom large for them. I've heard plenty of self defeating comments. Comments like&

"I'm too old for this, If I started this a few years ago, I'd be really into it"&

"Oh, that's probably not for me. You know, maybe at my age I should be resting a little more and take things easy&"

"You can't teach an old dog new tricks&"

"There just seems too much to learn and memorise. My faculties aren't what they used to be you know!&"

"I can't be asked to do this at my age&"

And there's plenty more of where that's come from. It's all pretty much sifted and lodged into my head and I'll no doubt be bringing them out for an airing.

But can you see the above LIMITING BELIEF LANGUAGE that probably knocks more people out of the game than anything else? It's as if they've hung themselves before setting out. It's like putting sand and stones in their own shoes before getting ready for an Olympic race.

Now I understand that there may be those subscribers reading this Tip Of The Week, who think, "what does he know, he's not our age." But see, it's not an age thing. I hope you can understand that. It's really not an age thing at all.

It's an ACTION thing. Not an age thing. People don't grow old and then get put out to pasture. They grow old because they stop DOING. They stop moving. They stop the flow of action running through their veins.

And, this happens whether a person is 20 years old or 80 years and older -- if you stop moving and doing, you grow old.

As mentioned -- the antidote to growing old is ACTION, MOVEMENT, DOING.

Age is such a sore topic in our society that many people try to cover up their age, shy away from the discussion, internally get sick and queasy when the whole topic is brought up.

But you know, there are numerous examples of people whom society would consider 'old', but who have confounded all norms, burst the usual conformities the market place have imposed on them.

And look, if you're thinking that age is a barrier and that there's not much happening out there for those so called 'baby boomers', check this out from the Small Business blog;

"&.. Figures released indicate that the average 'silver startup' will work alone and from home with an average annual turnover of £67,500, and with one in ten turning over more than £100,000. Not bad for a home based business, but imagine what you could do with business support? &"

Now isn't that interesting? Now although Colonel Saunders started his KFC empire when he was in his mid eighties, there are those 'silver start ups' who are 50 and over who are getting in on the action.

Our own Ron Woodham created an Internet based business last year when he was 69 years of age. (recently turned 70). A gentleman called Ralph Black who was finally made redundant from his job at the age of 69 has another role in partnership with Reed, sums things up beautifully when he says, "who wants to be sitting doing nothing when you're fit and capable of making an economic contribution?'

As you'll note, it's not an 'age', thing -- it's an ACTION thing.

And there's something else&

I've also learnt that age can, and should be, a valuable and priceless ASSET!

Would you like to know how to turn things around and make it an asset for you?

Okay, if you're suffering with the stigma of being 'too young', here's something you should be building in to how you present yourself and what you do to others.

"I can understand that you may think that I'm just a youngster, but you know, my drive, enthusiasm, willingness to venture in, can only be of benefit to you. I've been told that my tenacity, my boldness, my ability to challenge is a great plus. I hope you can sense that also. Plus, I'm energetic and have ideas flying around me at a million miles an hour"

And, for those who feel that their chronological age is way too high for their own liking, here's how to use it for maximum leverage -- whether you're looking to influence others, as well as looking to influence your own head.

"I'm so thrilled to be able to share my wisdom and experience that I feel you'll be delighted with what I can do for you. Of course, there are those whippersnappers who have a lot to contribute, though if you're looking for strength, stability and just a pile of experience then I can't imagine why you want to risk your venture to others who may be just full youthful exuberance can't keep their feet on the ground. And, as I'm embarking on a number of new initiatives and skill development, you'll find that my willingness to apply new stuff can only benefit you in a lot of ways."

Now, the above is simply a way of thinking, a way to present to yourself about the value you really do have, both 'young and old' and I hope you really can see that.

When you put the 'age' debate on the shelf for a few weeks or months, and instead, focus deeply on ACTION and on getting things done, you'll experience a rush of adrenalin and life excitement that you'll want to experience over and over again.

Now there's a great way of investing in your life, wouldn't you say?