VIM Executive Coaching doesn’t purport that it is a medical research powerhouse, however we know of at least three folks, in their late seventies, early eighties who continue to learn and study. No surprise, they remain mentally sharp, intellectually engaged and retain focus.
It turns out that we can modify risk factors by remaining engaged, limiting risky behaviors and being socially involved. No one, especially us would suggest miracle mental breakthroughs in those learning to play (or trying to learn) the complete works of Mozart on the harpsicord or learning to speak Finnish at age 85 but as they say, “It can’t hurt!”
The folks we know from above were in different walks of life; a mid-level insurance executive, a home builder and a yoga instructor. The three were “educated,” but none were intellectual giants (that is not disparagement) they are surely intelligent but by their own admissions “of average IQ.” As research points out, having a superhuman IQ or phenomenal education are not necessary for staving off a decline in sharpness.
Of our three friends, the former insurance executive loves tinkering with old cars and talking with old car enthusiasts. He can assemble and reassemble MG and Jaguar engines; our friend the home builder is a bridge and card game addict and belongs to a few groups; the yoga instructor belongs to a senior softball league, enjoys a Chinese chef class and volunteers at a local dog and cat shelter.
Common Threads?
Can we make assumptions as to why the three remain so involved with life? We admit that would be “risky” for us. We are business coaches not psychologists. However, to note on a casual level, our friend the insurance executive routinely meditates; our home builder loves to mentor and encourage other home builders; our yoga instructor, through years of teaching, is passionate about working with those who have suffered physical and mental trauma.
We are struck by their awareness and the focus on the now. In their conversations they would much rather talk about their life passions and interests, from helping people to helping elevate their professions to nurturing and rehabilitating dogs and cats. For they do not descend into politics or biases or undue judgment.
They feel they are much too busy to waste time. To be sure, they have political opinions and such, but their lives are not defined by what an on-air personality has droned on about on a cable news roundtable. They have never stopped learning whether the subject matter concerns dog training or cards or antique cars.
In short, our three acquaintances are mindful of time, of responding to life and to the needs of others. Their attitudes have much to teach all of us.
Of Business Coaching
There is an irony in all of this. The typical VIM Executive Coaching client is typically decades younger than the three people we have been talking about. Quite often our clients have not been encouraged to be mindful or responsive or engaged with their subordinates and peers. It has held them back professionally but more importantly, with themselves. They can shut down or “process” others.
Mindfulness is a life skill. Mindfulness encourages executive leaders to be in the present moment, to respond to people rather than react, to develop greater authenticity and compassion. We can easily blame the pandemic or virtual interactions or social media for the decline of mindfulness. However, far better to reignite mindfulness than to assign blame.
What we treasure about those who “look forward to today” and being in the moment is their absolute dedication to never stopping to learn and remain engaged. Our wish for you, always, is that you remain mindful and present. Never stop being curious about the world around you.