Are You too Old?

Mark Martin

I was not planning on this being the topic today, but as we follow our racing theme in the Fast Lane to Success blog, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the history that took place on a race track in Phoenix, Arizona Saturday night. For only the fourth time in NASCAR history a man who has been on this Earth for over half a century won in its premier series. Mark Martin took the checkered flag in first place on Saturday night at age 50 years and 89 days. In what many consider a young man's sport, he proved that perseverance and dedication to accomplishing one's goals does not have to end when one is "over the hill."

Mark Martin went out there and beat the young guys in qualifying by setting the fastest lap and earning the pole position. He followed that by leading the first 102 laps of the race, showing absolute domination against his competitors. As the track changed and the sun went down, he faded back in the pack and off almost everyone's radar. . .until the end of the race, that is, when he came back and sped to a huge 4-second lead over second place. Martin proved he still has what it takes to be a competitor.

What makes Martin's victory even more special is that for the last two seasons he has been running a partial schedule. He has opted to forgo the grueling 36-week NASCAR schedule to spend more time with his family. Many, including Martin himself, thought his days of competing for an entire season to have a shot at the championship were past. That was until Rick Hendrick, one of the sport's most competitive owners, offered Mark a full-time ride in the #5 car for this season. An opportunity to drive for Hendrick meant having fast cars week in and week out and possibly a shot at a championship. So far this year Martin has proved that he should be taken seriously as a contender for the Sprint Cup.

The fact that we are having this conversation about a man who would be way past his prime in most sports, much less one as physically and mentally demanding as NASCAR, speaks loads about the kind of person Mark Martin is. It would be hard to find anyone in the garage area who is in such good physical shape, and I am including guys 30 years his junior.  Mark Martin trains more than almost anyone on the circuit and prepares himself for every race.

The moral of this blog is that no matter what your dreams are, they do not pass you by because of your age. And at no time should you give up because you have not accomplished what you thought you could by a certain age.  Today is always the first day of the rest of your life.  Think of Mark Martin, who came out of semi-retirement to compete and win!  You can win, too!

In past sessions we have set our intentions, been grateful for what we have in our lives, worked on action steps, and worked on loving ourselves. One of the fastest ways to success is to visualize what you desire. Today I want you to start making a vision board. Find pictures of what you wish to accomplish and put them on your vision board. Suggestions might be a magazine cut-out of a classic Corvette or of two people in love or of a well-sculpted body.  Be creative.  Put this board where you will see it often-perhaps by your desk or in your office.  I want you to be constantly reminded of what you are working to accomplish.

Erik Elsea

www.erikelsea.com

Word of the Day!- Esteem-the regard in which one is held; especially: high regard

Let's work on the esteem with which we hold ourselves in.

Quote of the Day!- "POWER is for use."-Marshall Sylver