Gwendolyn Bounds began Spartan Racing at 47. She has valuable insights on achieving life goals at any stage.
Setting new goals can feel intimidating, especially as we age. However, it’s entirely within reach. Pursuing new skills, whether learning about investing in stocks or training for a marathon, can lead to surprising benefits, such as enhancing cognitive function as we grow older.
Bounds, author of “Not Too Late: The Power of Pushing Limits At Any Age,” experienced this firsthand when she took on Spartan Racing at age 47. These races consist of steep climbs, crawling under barbed wire, climbing ropes, and navigating monkey bars at great heights. They’re not for the faint of heart.
Whether you’re facing a physical challenge like Spartan Racing or a significant financial objective, such as clearing your debt, learning new approaches requires substantial endurance.
If you’re contemplating a new life goal, Bounds offers three tips for success, regardless of age.
BREAK FREE FROM THE “CYCLE OF SAMENESS”
Before embarking on Spartan Racing, Bounds found herself trapped in what she termed the “cycle of sameness.” This cycle includes repetitive routines: waking up, engaging in the same discussions, going to the same job, and dining at the same places, resembling “The Truman Show.”
While these choices may seem familiar, Bounds stresses the importance of breaking that routine. “Research shows chronic boredom poses real health risks,” she explains. “It can lead to anxiety, depression, and errors in judgment. Recognizing untapped potential within yourself and dedicating time to explore it is a powerful way to disrupt that cycle.”
Interestingly, we can also fall into a “cycle of sameness” with our finances. For instance, is your paycheck still going into an old bank account when you could be switching to a high-yield account for better returns? Such cycles may hinder your path to financial growth.
RECOGNIZE YOUR “TIME SUCK SLICES”
We often lament a lack of hours in the day. But have you scrutinized what consumes your time? Bounds examined her daily routine and identified many “time suck slices.” “These brief 5-10 minute distractions may seem trivial, but they accumulate into a significant amount of time that could be redirected toward more meaningful pursuits,” she states.
By pinpointing mindless activities like online shopping or excessive social media scrolling, you can reclaim time for your goals. If you’re preparing for a physical challenge, those minutes might translate into extra gym time. Alternatively, if you’re saving up for a new home, that reclaimed time could be spent on activities that generate income, like selling items you no longer need.
EMBRACE FEAR AND ANXIETY
Whether it’s Spartan Racing, investing, or acquiring a new skill, Bounds believes that fear is beneficial. It indicates passion. How do we conquer our fears? For Bounds, shifting her focus to the rewards beyond her anxiety was key. “If I wanted to keep racing and succeed, I had to confront my fears,” she affirms.
Many women face similar hurdles in investing, often feeling intimidated by their perceived lack of knowledge. Embracing that fear and uncertainty can pave the way for growth, as they learn to invest progressively.
