Age Is Irrelevant

Age is irrelevant. Seriously, it is. I am a firm believer that there is absolutely nothing that you cannot be, do, or have once you get your mind and spirit on the right frequency. And at no time is age a factor, unless you make it one. So why do so many people find themselves stuck in a situation they don’t like, but consider themselves too old for a change?

I see this in many people of my own generation, and it baffles me. I, for one, try to embrace change as it comes, because I know it’s coming whether I want it to or not, and it is much easier to go with the flow of it than to fight it tooth and nail.

In November 2010, I will be turning 40. For many people, 40 is seen as an age where you should have it all figured out by now, and if you don’t, it’s too late to make big changes. Well I’m here to tell you that is nonsense. Life here on the leading edge is all about sifting through contrasting situations, narrowing down to those things you like, and eliminating those you don’t. The contrast doesn’t stop just because you turn 40, or 50, or 65, or 80.

It stops when you leave this life.

Now I’m not in any hurry to leave this life, so I’m not trying to halt the contrast from coming my way. In fact, I’m going through some major contrasting situations right now. And I’m sure many of you are going through your own right now as well.

“What the hell is wrong with me?”

In 1997 I started my design company to design logos and web sites for small business clients. I had visions of a large graphic design studio with several design teams working on brand images for major corporations. But something weird would keep happening as I worked to build that vision. Every time I would get a little momentum, something different would catch my attention, and I would try that: a new business partner, a different field, a full time job, whatever. They never lasted very long, and when they ended, I would go through the same routine every time. I would scold myself severely for wasting time from my main business, rewrite my business plan with new resolve, and get to work to build that major design studio. But as soon as I got to work, my enthusiasm would wane, and I would look for the next distraction.

I was smack dab in the middle of this cycle, committed to building Fuelblue to a magnificent stature once again, when I got invited to meet with a client of mine about an idea he had. I agreed to meet with him because he was a good client, but I promised myself that no matter what he offered me, I would politely refuse and remain on track to build my business.

This client was Dan Roeper, and his idea was a character named Bonehead. I had no idea what he wanted to do with this character, but once again, I felt everything in my soul shouting out for me to see where this might lead. I left that meeting with a new business partner, and a lot of confusion about what the hell could be wrong with me.

Like every other distraction before it, the new Bonehead project pulled my attention away from building a major design studio with Fuelblue. But unlike the others, this strange Bonehead character morphed into what is now Planet Bonehead; something I consider the greatest creative achievement of my life so far.

What if I thought I had been too old?

My meeting with Dan was a month after my 35th birthday. I could have told him I was too old to make any significant changes in my life. But now I am 39, and I am engaged in the most significant change in my career yet. It’s a transition that is filled with pain and joy, fear and utter excitement, all intertwined.

At 39, I finally realized why I had constantly detoured from building Fuelblue. It wasn’t because there was something wrong with me. It was because there was something wrong with Fuelblue! It wasn’t what I wanted. I chose to start a business designing logos and web sites because I have an ability to do those things, not because I have a driving passion to do them. But without the passion, the desire wanes quickly, and it becomes nothing more than a soul sucking job.

Is it a mystery why I would do great work for great clients, but never see the financial success I was looking for? It used to be, but not any more. Just like it’s no longer a mystery why I was constantly on the lookout for a replacement. So much so that I jumped at every chance.

This year, after years of work developing characters, designing a brand image, writing and rewriting stories, and creating a mission, we have finally transformed Planet Bonehead from a pipe dream to a business with a real product. This year, the transition from self-employed job to soul-empowering dream business takes place.

Now, what would have happened to me if at any time in my tumultuous 30s, I had decided to do the sensible thing and forego any changes in career in favor of stability? Where would I be now if I had decided I was too old for any drastic changes, especially after so many remarkable failures? Where would I be if I stopped listening to my soul, shut down my feelings, and plodded ahead building my major design studio?

I would be miserable.

I was lucky to keep listening. Many people stop listening until they are much older than me and their soul is screaming so loud it hurts to wake up in the morning.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, you are allowed to change anything and everything you feel you need to to be happy in life. You’re going to live the rest of your life. You can shorten it with stress and misery, or you can prolong it with happiness and fulfillment.

Photo by: priyanphoenix