Another Year Older and Another Year Wiser

I hear a lot of discussion these days about what it actually means to be older and it makes me wonder at what age someone becomes older.

I have a distinct memory of being in an art class in college and discovering that one of the women in the group was 28. I remember thinking she was so old. She even felt embarrassed to admit her age to the rest of us who were 18 and 19.

As a few years went by, there were jokes about not trusting anyone over age 30. Age 40 was middle age and unspeakable. By the time I reached 50 I realized that it was just a number and tacking on more years was simply something I had no control over. When I grew up, literally everyone (all men then) retired at age 65 if they were still alive. No one worked or began a business at age 60. It was unheard of.

Now that I am over 60, I am focusing on what I do have control over. In compiling this short list I discovered there is a lot, and it makes me feel much better about my age.

1. I can be a role model for the younger women to help them to see that their life will become richer and they will become wiser. I want to say, “focus on your children now, because you won’t lose your ability to begin a business later.” Certainly, the corporate track enshrines youth, but small business is wide open.

2. I can nurture an attitude of knowing I can create exactly what I want. After four different careers, many relationships, disappointments, successes, embarrassing situations, blunders and more, I’ve learned that one can grow and re-create.

3. I can control my emotions and just not be affected so much. I no longer carry around a wounded alter ego who falls apart if someone doesn’t like me. I left her somewhere in my mid 30’s. Good riddance!

4. I have much better judgment. After years of dealing with making decisions and working with all kinds of people, I now trust my intuition and wisdom. I also know when to ask for help.

5. I have total control over my time. No kids, no one telling me where I have to be, no one I have to cook dinner for. I can work 12 hours days if I want to and I can take time off whenever I choose as well.

When I look at this list it becomes obvious that we, women of a certain age, have it made. All five of these points are important traits for owning a small business. Being a role model, having positive attitude, being emotionally intelligent, and having good judgment and freedom are a great mix for anyone beginning an entrepreneurial venture. I bet you can add a few more things to my list if you just think about it.

Kaya Singer owns Awakening Business Solutions www.awakeningbusiness.com

She can help you clear your focus and grow your business!