How to stay relevant and young is a question that frequently pops into our minds as we age. As women over 40, we still think youthfully, feel vibrant and healthy. When looking in the mirror (even though we can clearly see lines), our eyes see youthfulness, and our minds vigorously think in a dynamically forward attitude.
The Modernity of the X-Generation
We Reject Ageism!
I speak for most X-Generation women when I say we don’t fear aging, but we reject ageism! Our generation broke critical social boundaries and fiercely embraced liberation, equality, sexual freedom, and technology. Speaking of which, we were the first to enthusiastically adopt the Internet, buy the latest iPods, mobile phones and join social media. In fact, forward-thinking is a natural inclination for women’s modern minds. Fashion and the desire to have a young and healthy body are usual trends we grew up with. Let’s say that Generation X made the Internet, mobile phones, and brand names mainstream!
So how can we possibly accept ageism or accept being labeled old? Reality is, we are aging, and we are slowly being replaced by a younger workforce. In a world bias towards age and a workforce favoring the young, we seek to maintain our edge, coolness, and freshness.
Why is it important to stay current and relevant in society and at work?
Humans are social animals, always craving acceptance and belonging. Maintaining an edge and a modern status is one of the most important ways to feel accepted. And we do so by exuding confidence, gaining authority and credibility. While we live in a fast and furiously changing world, maintaining relevance becomes essential in society. The best way to describe relevance is to think of oneself as a high tech company. To remain competitive, the company has to stay current and relevant to consumers! If a high-tech company loses its ‘edge’, it loses grounds and authority among its clients and the market.
Here are 11 tips for maintaining relevance and staying current in society and at work?
State your accomplishments
Talking about life achievements (big or small) is a way to showcase wisdom and gain credibility among friends, colleagues, and clients. People aspire to a good story to learn and gain confidence in what they are doing. Therefore, stating your achievements are great testaments for the young to pursue and to aspire to achieve. Basically, what I’m saying is: your achievements are inspirations to many, mostly the young. They should consider you an expert and a coach, someone who will guide them to growth. And that’s one way to maintain relevance.
Seek new learnings and skills
You are never too old to learn! Research continues to prove that learning and acquiring new skills keep the brain active and young. And guess what? Learning expands your skill level at work and in life, which in turn helps you stay relevant. As well, it’s the best way to keep current in business and career. Thus, acquiring new skills can be obtained through several means. This includes attending conferences, taking online or offline courses, private lessons, and reading books or newspapers.
Expand your network
Whether you have a corporate career, an entrepreneur, or a full-time mom, networking offers opportunities to meet influencers, mentors, and clients. It is a way to exchange new ideas and develop current trends, news, and markets. Consequently, if you seek a new career, business growth, or enrich your life, find a networking group relevant to your aspirations. And make it a personal goal to attend their events. I made a conscientious decision to attend networking events whenever possible. It enables me to acquire knowledge and connections which help me stay relevant in society.
Mentor a younger person
Aspiring young individuals seek mentors to guide them through career and life choices. Becoming a mentor carves the way to acquiring and enhancing leadership skills – another way to grow and maintain relevance. Plus, young people offer knowledge about trending technologies, art, and modern culture. So mentoring is a win-win situation for both parties.
Accept change and learn to “pivot”
2020 is the epidemy of change! We’re experiencing the biggest challenge of the 21st century. This year, humanity learned to pivot, adapt, and make the best out of the worst. Although the change is uncomfortable and challenging, it enabled us to adapt, survive, and continue being relevant and productive. We learned to embrace change – a fundamental aspect of relevance and growth.
Build your personal brand and share your knowledge
As an entrepreneur or a corporate pro over 40, relevance means maintaining your name, credibility, and visibility in a youthful competitive environment. One way to do so is to polish your bio (personal brand) that reflects your expertise. Another way is to share your knowledge via writing articles and blogs on various media platforms.
Stay in good shape
Get off the couch and exercise! Building stamina and strength as we age helps reduce the risk of twisting or pulling a muscle or ligament. There’s nothing worst than struggling to get off a chair or losing breath lifting a small box! Aim to go for daily walks, biking, do yoga, or hire a personal trainer. A trainer can help you design a reasonable exercise routine for your lifestyle.
Stay up to date with technology
One of the most common ways to stay relevant is adopting the latest technological gimmicks. Upgrade your phone, technology gadgets, and know about the latest apps, social media platforms, games and gadgets. And if you don’t know the newest tech hypes, just ask a teenager! They are the most tech-savvy and a source of the latest trends, which help us stay current and relevant.
Try a trendy hobby
Hobbies are great to relieve stress and sustain an active and alert brain. Some of the best trending hobbies are photography, rock climbing, coloring, knitting, cooking, floral arrangements, and so many more. And don’t ignore trending online and digital games, which prove to be the secret to staying current and maintaining relevance.
Embrace modern culture
If you want to stay relevant and modern, it’s crucial to accept modern culture. This includes the latest songs, fashion, new lingo (words and jargon), latest social and health trends. If you’re going to spend your day with people, you’re bound to discuss the latest cultural trends—things like the song of the season, shows, and health trends such as juicing and veganism.
Stop complaining about getting old
Keep a positive attitude and enthusiasm about age, and don’t place a deadline for living a youthful life. There’s no deadline for learning, starting a new hobby, exercising, meeting new people, or living! Remember to live your life like twenty and set new goals and personal dreams to achieve with every passing year.
In summary, aging is a natural process we should embrace but it should not stop us from being relevant and desirable. Therefore, maintaining a vigorous and youthful outlook on life is the best way to stay relevant in society and the workplace.
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