How Successful People Do It

I am well along in life, and my creaky knees remind me daily that I won't live forever. I recently looked in the mirror and had a very honest thought: "I'm tired of being average." I want to advance more rapidly, be more focused, and persevere on my way to success. But then the doubt creeps in. I ask myself, "Is it still possible, even at my age?" Can an old dog really learn new tricks, or am I just destined to spend my golden years napping in my favorite recliner?

I did a bit of research and concluded that they are not really very different than the rest of us. As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.

What I found was truly amazing. The top 1% of successful people do not have a magic gene, and they didn't all go to fancy Ivy League schools. The biggest difference is simply how they think. They have what psychologists call a "growth mindset." They believe that with hard work, learning, and God's grace, they can improve at any age. They do not see failure as a stop sign; they see it as a detour sign.

What are some of the most important things to notice about these high achievers? First, notice their daily focus. They don't waste their time complaining about the weather or watching hours of television. Instead, they set clear, daily goals. Another trait that is also important, but significant on a deeper level, is their sense of purpose. For us older folks, that significant purpose often aligns with our Christian faith—serving others, sharing our wisdom, and leaving a godly legacy for our families.

If you are wondering, "What habits should I cherish?", start with your morning routine. The top 1% wake up with gratitude. Before my feet even hit the floor, I thank the Lord for another day of life. Then, I spend time in prayer and reading the Bible. This centers my mind. Factually speaking, studies from the American Psychological Association show that a daily routine of mindfulness and prayer reduces stress and improves mental focus.

Let's look at some factual examples of senior citizens who proved that age is just a number. Did you know Harland Sanders didn't franchise Kentucky Fried Chicken until he was 62 years old? He used his first Social Security check to start his dream! And Grandma Moses didn't start painting seriously until she was 78 years old. If they can find massive success in their later years, we certainly have time to reach our goals, too

Teamwork is also vital for success. You might ask, "How can my spouse help me?" My spouse is my biggest cheerleader and my accountability partner. We pray together about our goals. If I start getting lazy, my spouse lovingly reminds me of my mission—usually while handing me a fresh cup of coffee. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Lean on your spouse or a good Christian friend for support.

Creativity is another hallmark of the top 1%. You do not need to be a famous artist to be creative. Creativity is simply solving problems in new ways. To nurture this, try learning a new hobby, reading books outside your usual genre, or taking a different walking route. According to Harvard Medical School, neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new connections—continues well into our senior years. Keep your brain active!

One practical step you can take today is to write down your top three goals for the week. Keep them simple and actionable. For example: "I will walk for 20 minutes three times," or "I will spend one hour learning about online business." Put this list right on your refrigerator. Every time you go for a snack, you will be reminded of your goals. Just don't let the leftover pie distract you too much!

What might be a good outcome of a positive resolution to all this effort? The outcome is a life lived with joy, purpose, and zero regrets. You will become a beacon of light to your children and grandchildren. They will see that grandma or grandpa didn't just fade away, but finished the race strong, just like the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7. You will leave behind a legacy of hard work and faith.

It is also important to embrace failure with a sense of humor. When I try a new technology and accidentally video-call my neighbor while I'm still in my bathrobe, I just laugh. The top 1% do not take themselves too seriously. They learn from their mistakes and move on. God gives us grace every single day, so we should be kind enough to give ourselves a little grace, too.

To stay focused, you must limit your distractions. Turn off the evening news if it is making you anxious or grumpy. Instead, fill your mind with uplifting Christian music, inspiring sermons, or audiobooks about personal growth. Guard your heart and your mind. What you put into your brain directly affects what comes out in your actions.

So, to my fellow seniors: Yes, there is still plenty of time for us! We have decades of experience, wisdom, and faith to draw upon. We can be focused, creative, and persistent. We can rise above average and join the ranks of high achievers in whatever calling God has placed on our hearts. Let's lace up our comfortable orthopedic shoes and get to work!

SOURCES:

Dr. Carol Dweck's psychological research on the "Growth Mindset" from Stanford University.

American Psychological Association's studies on how mindfulness and routine reduce stress; 

Harvard Medical School's publications on adult neuroplasticity; 

Historical biographies of late-blooming achievers, Harland Sanders and Grandma Moses; and, most importantly, the 

Holy Bible for spiritual truth, wisdom, and guidance.

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