There’s a cult of youth almost everywhere you look. In entertainment, sport, business and even academia, it’s all about rising stars and the best under-30. The media jumps to celebrate the next Wunderkind who goes to university at age 9 or builds a new social networking application that changes the world in their teens.
But as even the most lenient age bracket on surveys reminds me I’m no longer in my youth, I’ve found reassurance in a new philosophy. That actually for a happier life, it’s better to have left youthful potential unrealised thanks to the various social temptations.
Imagine for a moment that I wasn’t hampered by a lack of athletic ability, and had become a top football or Formula 1 driver. Imagine further that I’d not only been one of that small percentage that can enjoy a career in sport, but had been part of an even smaller group that won championships. Statistically that would have happened in my 20s. And it’s unlikely to have continued at the highest level in my 30s, even if many sportsman do extend their youth by accidentally spreading later and later birthdays.
Now I’d be looking back on my achievements in the knowledge nothing else would ever be likely to match up to them. Will Mark Zuckerberg launch a new project that matches up to Facebook?
Whereas in reality, I regret not pursuing some youthful endeavours with more effort, but there’s no indication I would have excelled in any notable way.
But the big benefit is that by not fulfilling my maximum potential, there’s a good chance the best is yet to come when I dedicate myself. There’s a real possibility I could be fitter, healthier and more successful by the time I’m 40 than I ever managed in my 20s, and I’m much better placed to appreciate both the journey and the reward.
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