The Discipline of Aging

Read this week’s newsletter here.

“Self-discipline is the No. 1 delineating factor between the rich, the middle class, and the poor.” – Robert Kiyosaki. Rich Dad, Poor Dad

We visited the in-laws a couple of weeks ago, and my mother-in-law said that getting older was no joke.

I recently moved my mom into Mill Valley and have been around her more frequently lately. I hear this same sentiment from her.

Multiple times per week, TJ’s OG, Tom Fischer, will say the same thing to anyone who will listen.

No doubt that the emotional, psychological, and physical toll of aging is incredibly difficult.

If you’re overwhelmed by diaper rashes, mean girls, and college applications, you don’t have the mental effort to think about managing and wrestling the loss, pain, and stress of the next phase of life.

We still want to look good, feel good, and behave well, but will we be willing able to access the discipline needed to reach those goals?

Let’s use body-fat loss as an example.

The most successful people stay disciplined with their plan for a short period of time, even as life throws them hard uppercuts.

They don’t cave to travel, stress, or boredom. They turn on the switch in their brains that says “No.”

This is true for any age or any goal.

From teens through seniors, I have seen the same pattern for decades.

Their access to self-discipline is what makes them successful.

Aging is its own unique phase of life with its own set of demands and advantages.

In the book Successful Aging, the authors created the COACH principle:

Curiosity, Openness, Associations, Conscientiousness, and Healthy practices.

All of these require discipline.

How many of us are comfortable being active, mindful, and present?

Probably a lot.

How many of us are comfortable being intentionally hungry. sore, or physically exhausted?

I would bet far fewer.

Your practice while aging requires intentional, uncomfortable discipline.

I’m not saying that aging won’t suck.

But the hope is that you will be around for a long time, and daily discipline is required to be viable at all of your ages.

We’re here to help.

TJ