Things Take Longer But You Don't Have To Stop Doing Them

Don’t Be Someone That Used To

There’s a certain type of story that makes me cringe when I hear it. It’s the story that starts out with, “I used to…” and ends with an excuse as to why the person doesn’t do “something” anymore. Sometimes it’s health related, other times it’s work or lifestyle. But regardless of what it is, whenever I hear it I want to shake the person and say “don’t say that, you can still do it!”

“I used to play tennis, but my knee started bothering me.”

“I used to bring my lunch to work, but now my commute is too long and I don’t have the time.”

“I used to love my job, but now it’s too stressful.”

If your knee is bothering you, figure out how to strengthen it. If you’re short on time, wake up earlier. And if you no longer love you job, start looking for a new one.

There’s one story in particular I remember. 

I was at the gym earlier this year when I overheard two older men having a discussion. The one guy was telling his friend that it was his first day back working out. He had been going regularly, and in pretty good shape, but then the pandemic shut everything down. In the 2+ years since, he, in his words, “had done nothing, and put on 25 pounds.”

I just sat by my locker listening, wondering if he heard himself speaking. 2+ years of doing nothing. What’s the excuse?

Things Just Take Longer

Most people fall into the same trap as they get older. They believe that because of their advanced age that there are just certain things that they can no longer do. People say it all the time. First they state their age. “I’m 72.” Then they tell you the thing they can’t do anymore as a result. “I can’t run anymore.”

I’ve come to the realization that if you want to continue to be active as you age, you can. It just means that things are going to take longer. Speed doesn’t matter (in fact I would argue that as you get older you realize that the best results are achieved slowly).

Running at 72 doesn’t mean it’s impossible, it just means you’re not going to beat your personal best.

Going on the 5 mile hike you always loved to do is possible, but you’re going to be out on the trail a little bit longer.

If you want to go to the gym it’s going to take longer to put your shoes on, drive to the gym, and get through a full workout. But you can do it.

Having A Longevity Mindset

Having a longevity mindset means never stopping. It means catching yourself before you become the person who used to. Longevity is all about extending quality years of your life. In order to do that you need to keep going.