If you’re like me, you’ve been discouraged at one time or another by the older generation. That’s why I’ve decided I won’t do that to the next generation. Here are three things I think we need to remember as we get older so we don’t make the same mistakes previous generations often do.
As soon as you make a rule, someone will be the exception to it.
- Man will never walk on the moon.
- It’s impossible to run a four minute mile.
- Everything that can be invented has already been invented.
These are just some of the notorious rules older generations have made, that have immediately been proven wrong. In each of those specific cases, not only was there one exception to the rule, there were many.
Don’t ever limit someone just because you think something’s impossible. As soon as you do that, you’re about to be proven wrong.
As soon as you discount someone, you’re about to be left behind.
As an older generation, we have a unique chance to be part of someone’s story. But we can either become the ally who helps the hero accomplish their goal, or we can become the person who didn’t believe in them. And when you’re the latter, you’ll get left behind. You’ll wonder how you missed the boat.
I see this happening already with generations discounting the Millennial generation. Unfortunately, the generation most negatively criticizing Millennials will be left behind – both technologically and in the brand new world of possibilities that are emerging.
As soon as you encourage, your story gets broader.
When you, instead of discounting people or telling them something’s impossible, encourage their dream, you become part of that story. Your story becomes part of a bigger story. You get to share in others’ successes. You create a legacy.
I want to always be the one who encourages. I don’t ever want to dismiss someone or something just because I can’t see the potential.
Real life at it’s best…you are so right and I am inspired by your wisdom!