[June 5, 2017] A few days ago I turned old enough to qualify for Medicare and to be given a discount at my local grocery and liquor stores. Alas, most people are not interested in the saga of aging and so be it to me to buck that trend. But if I were young again there are five things I would definitely do to make my life better.
“The best revenge is massive success.” – Frank Sinatra
Certainly, I’ve made my share of mistakes and perhaps more than most. Like most folks my age there have been the fears and disappointments, failures and successes, loves and hates, the losses and wins, and have done some kind deeds and bad ones. I have made some measure of success and have made about every grave mistake one can and still be alive. So far, I have avoided winning the Darwin Award.
For the sake of ordering my thoughts, only five things are listed here but it could easily have been more:
- If I were young I would “make myself more personable”: Much in life is accomplished through the diligent work of personable folks who develop good habits and possess moral virtue. This supports the old adage that it is easier to catch flies with honey than with vinegar. Polite behavior, clear speaking voice, clean and neat appearance, timeliness, and such will go a long way to endear people to us. They will be inclined to work with us on a team or to put us in charge of it. When others are attracted to us for our quality traits, success is inevitably to follow.
- If I were young I would “ask a proven leader to be my mentor”: Guidance is desperately needed for the young. As many of us are reluctant, unerringly so, to take advice from our parents, it is therefore necessary to obtain sage advice and wisdom from others who are senior to us and have proven their worth. Regrettably I failed to ask anyone during my military career but luck would have it some smart folks stepped in and helped me anyway. Their service to me was invaluable and I count them among my best and most valued friends today.
- If I were young I would “closely study the failures of other leaders”: Yes, the best lessons are learned from failure; whether it be our own or someone else. These “lessons” are precious nuggets of experience that can never be learned in a book or through studious classroom work. Call it what you will – the school of hard knocks is alive and well; heed closely those messages that whisper in our ear to “stop” before you make a bigger mistake. One I learned quickly was to admit your mistakes when they happen and never let them stay hidden from daylight; else they will fester and get the best of you.
- If I were young I would “read more history of great leaders”: Despite the fact that books are limited and biased, there remains a wealth of knowledge nevertheless in them. Diaries and biographies are most valuable as they represent the written word of a particular leader. We can, of course, chose which we read and when but to do so with a hungry appetite to learn will teach us well. It can best be described as learning how to think from those who have walked that path before us.
- If I were young I would “better train my mind and body”: It is written in all religious texts since time of humankind began that the mind and body are key to enlightenment. The wisest of all have given us the wisdom to work hard in developing our minds intellectually and morally. They have also studiously cautioned us to ensure our bodies are developed as well, for they know that a conditioned body is a precursor to a good mind. Laziness in any form is a habit that will throw itself on any human endeavor.
If I were young … ah, my wife says only 10 years would do. To be young again is impossible but my ability to teach the young is boundless and I dedicate to teaching those young folk a thing or two (politely and respectfully). They will enjoy their lives and be proud of those things accomplished and can look upon me as a good example of what not to do.
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