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You’re Never Too Old To Be Phenomenal – Here’s Why

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A friend said to me the other day, “Tim we’re too old for this.” I said, “too old for what?” He replied, “too old for these people, for this dancing, and for these fun activities.”

This way of thinking is a fictitious story that we tell ourselves, and it’s not true. As a contrast, I feel younger than I’ve ever felt and have more energy than I did when I was 16. I’ve removed labels, societies rules, and anything that doesn’t serve a positive mindset. I encourage you to do the same.

Age is one of those subjects that can bring us down and make us feel inadequate. As I kept speaking to my friend, he suggested to me that once you hit a certain stage of life, our path is set.

If you’ve been an accountant for the last ten years, then that’s what you’re going to be moving forward. If you’ve demonstrated the traits of a leader, then you can become one. Otherwise, it’s probably too late.

The only reason I believe these ideas are untrue is because I’ve spent the last four years reading the autobiographies of the greatest humans on Earth and it turns out that anything is possible, at any stage in life, against any kind of odds. Age has no bearing on your success, and it’s a way of thinking that will bring you down.

Yes, you will die one day, but in the meantime, you still have time to be phenomenal and to show the world what you’re made of. Inspire people and forget about the clock ticking. You should make the most of every moment, just don’t spend all your time counting the seconds of your life away otherwise you’ll be distracted from your real purpose.

Here are 8 things that you can learn at any age:

 

1. How to come back from a huge mistake

We all do silly things in our lives and make big mistakes. The mistake part is inevitable; it’s what you do after that matters the most. You’re never too old to learn the age old lesson that your mistakes in life are your biggest advantages.

Making a gigantic mistake gives us the opportunity to come back from defeat. It gives us the chance to hit rock bottom and then know that we can’t go any lower. When we reach our lowest point, we can only go upwards again and soar like an eagle.

It’s that climb back from a huge mistake that can reshape our goals and dreams and make us phenomenal. This lesson can be learned at any age so stop fearing the number next to your birthday.

“Fear perfection and a life that has no growth”

 

2. Love

I should be the poster boy for this one. The reason is that I’m only learning this one now. Without sounding all corny, love is what drives all of us. We all crave it, and we all want to give it. I’m not just talking about love with a romantic partner; I’m talking about with every single human being.

I’m talking about loving the person that sneezed all over you on the bus. I’m talking about loving the person that cut you off in peak hour traffic. I’m talking about loving the person that stole from you or broke your heart. Love is all around us if we let it in.

It’s never too late to learn to love, and when you do, life starts to change. You stop seeing people as objects that you can extract value from, and you realise that they’re your family. All these humans on two legs with all of their problems are outrageously awesome, and we should admire and love them.

“Hate is what will make you feel ten times older. Love is what will make you feel like Peter Pan”

 

3. Dancing

It’s never too late to dance. That’s right. Whenever you are at an event that has music, be you and dance in a way that feels natural. Feeling phenomenal at any age is about not caring whether you will be judged

Dancing creates all sorts of positive feelings in our mind and it brings us together rather than tearing us apart like the wars that our ancestors fought.

 

4. Extreme sports

Who says you can’t snowboard or bungee jump? Learning an outrageously extreme sport will add years to your life not take them away. Anything can be learned. As you get older and more mature, you will be able to deal with adversity better.

Use this secret power for good. Let go of all your baggage and rules, and take up an extreme sport that you’ve always wanted to try. Slap the two digits of your age on the face and show them who’s boss.

 

5. Startups

Whether you’re five years old or ninety-five years old, building a startup can happen at any time. Even if you have no business experience, you can always surround yourself with people who do. If you’re stressed about how old you are, you can even hire younger people.

Just because you may have been in a corporate job all your life, doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to add value and build your own business. Everything required has already been learned in your 9-5 or prior business ventures.

The hidden cryptogram is not so hidden after all. Find a way to create value and then exploit it with every bone in your body. Squeeze every ounce of juice from your passion and unleash your creativity. It’s never too late to do this. Customers want amazing products, not youthful founders.

 

6. Not being nervous

Nerves are normal. An oversized meal of them is delivered to the front door of your mind when you focus on you. It’s not about you remember?

Lose the thoughts of you, and your nerves will be manageable. You can never eliminate them, but you can learn to use them to overflow your energy and demonstrate passion that is off the dials.

 

7. Inspiring strangers

I’ll admit, I cheated on this whole list. Many of these points have come from my recent experiences, and inspiring strangers is at the top of what I preach.

When you’ve had way too many people email you with suicidal thoughts and made them think differently, you’ll see why this point is so compelling. Inspiring strangers can be done at any age. All it takes is a gentle soul like you to listen and gives some positive advice.

This advice will take the focus off the pain, and help the person to rebuild their inner world.

 

8. Finding your why

The question everyone came to planet Earth for. The answer can come at any age, and it will come if you spend time on it. Don’t worry about when you find it. Only ensure that you never stop searching until you veer round the corner of an explored aspect of your life, and see the light shining in the middle of the darkness.

Learning what it’s like to discover your why will help you forget about your age. It will instead give your mind something else to think about it. When you find it, you’re not going to have the time to worry about a stupid number. Instead, you’re going to be on the road to being phenomenal. Isn’t that much cooler than a pathetic number that we celebrate every year?

What are some things you’ve learned at different ages? Let me know on my website timdenning.net or my Facebook.

Aussie Blogger with 500M+ views — Writer for CNBC & Business Insider. Inspiring the world through Personal Development and Entrepreneurship You can connect with Tim through his website www.timdenning.com

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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how to build self-confidence through action
Image Credit: Midjourney

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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Success Advice

Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)

The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

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Why one-size-fits-all leadership doesn’t work
Image Credit: Midjourney

Leadership has always been as much about people as it is about performance. Ken Blanchard, in his influential book, “The One Minute Manager”, put it simply: different strokes for different folks. (more…)

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Success Advice

What Every New CEO Must Do in Their First 100 Days (or Risk Failure)

Your first 100 days as CEO could define your entire legacy, here’s how to make every move count

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leadership tips for new CEO
Image Credit: Midjourney

When Tim Cook took over from Steve Jobs at Apple, the world watched with bated breath. Jobs wasn’t just a CEO; he was a visionary, an icon, and a legend of innovative leadership. (more…)

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Entrepreneurs

The Leadership Shift Every Company Needs in 2025

Struggling to keep your team engaged? Here’s how leaders can turn frustrated employees into loyal advocates.

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Bridging the gap between employees and employers
Image Credit: Midjourney

In workplaces around the world, there’s a growing gap between employers and employees and between superiors and their teams. It’s a common refrain: “People don’t leave companies, they leave bad bosses.”

While there are, of course, cases where management could do better, this isn’t just a “bad boss” problem. The relationship between leaders and employees is complex. Instead of assigning blame, we should explore practical solutions to build stronger, healthier workplaces where everyone thrives.

Why This Gap Exists

Every workplace needs someone to guide, supervise, and provide feedback. That’s essential for productivity and performance. But because there are usually far more employees than managers, dissatisfaction, fair or not, spreads quickly.

What if, instead of focusing on blame, we focused on building trust, empathy, and communication? This is where modern leadership and human-centered management can make a difference.

Tools and Techniques to Bridge the Gap

Here are proven strategies leaders and employees can use to foster stronger relationships and create a workplace where people actually want to stay.

1. Practice Mutual Empathy

Both managers and employees need to recognize they are ultimately on the same team. Leaders have to balance people and performance, and often face intense pressure to hit targets. Employees who understand this reality are more likely to cooperate and problem-solve collaboratively.

2. Maintain Professional Boundaries

Superiors should separate personal issues from professional decision-making. Consistency, fairness, and integrity build trust, and trust is the foundation of a motivated team.

3. Follow the Golden Rule

Treat people how you would like to be treated. This simple principle encourages compassion and respect, two qualities every effective leader must demonstrate.

4. Avoid Micromanagement

Micromanaging stifles creativity and damages morale. Great leaders see themselves as partners, not just bosses, and treat their teams as collaborators working toward a shared goal.

5. Empower Employees to Grow

Empowerment means giving employees responsibility that matches their capacity, and then trusting them to deliver. Encourage them to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and problem-solve independently. If something goes wrong, turn it into a learning opportunity, not a reprimand.

6. Communicate in All Directions

Communication shouldn’t just be top-down. Invite feedback, create open channels for suggestions, and genuinely listen to what your people have to say. Healthy upward communication closes gaps before they become conflicts.

7. Overcome Insecurities

Many leaders secretly fear being outshone by younger, more tech-savvy employees. Instead of resisting, embrace the chance to learn from them. Humility earns respect and helps the team innovate faster.

8. Invest in Coaching and Mentorship

True leaders grow other leaders. Provide mentorship, career guidance, and stretch opportunities so employees can develop new skills. Leadership is learned through experience, but guided experience is even more powerful.

9. Eliminate Favoritism

Avoid cliques and office politics. Decisions should be based on facts and fairness, not gossip. Objective, transparent decision-making builds credibility.

10. Recognize Efforts Promptly

Recognition often matters more than rewards. Publicly appreciate employees’ contributions and do so consistently and fairly. A timely “thank you” can be more motivating than a quarterly bonus.

11. Conduct Thoughtful Exit Interviews

When employees leave, treat it as an opportunity to learn. Keep interviews confidential and use the insights to improve management practices and culture.

12. Provide Leadership Development

Train managers to lead, not just supervise. Leadership development programs help shift mindsets from “command and control” to “coach and empower.” This transformation has a direct impact on morale and retention.

13. Adopt Soft Leadership Principles

Today’s workforce, largely millennials and Gen Z, value collaboration over hierarchy. Soft leadership focuses on partnership, mutual respect, and shared purpose, rather than rigid top-down control.

The Bigger Picture: HR’s Role

Mercer’s global research highlights five key priorities for organizations:

  • Build diverse talent pipelines

  • Embrace flexible work models

  • Design compelling career paths

  • Simplify HR processes

  • Redefine the value HR brings

The challenge? Employers and employees often view these priorities differently. Bridging that perception gap is just as important as bridging the relational gap between leaders and staff.

Treat Employees Like Associates, Not Just Staff

When you treat employees like partners, they bring their best selves to work. HR leaders must develop strategies to keep talent engaged, empowered, and prepared for the future.

Organizational success starts with people, always. Build the relationship with your team first, and the results will follow.

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