Life is a journey, and as we age, we often find ourselves reflecting on the choices we've made and the paths we've taken. For many men over 50, the reality of time running out becomes more apparent with each passing day. The clock seems to tick louder, and the urgency to make positive changes in our lives becomes undeniable. In a world filled with excuses and distractions, it's essential to remember that it's never too late to start.

Until it is.

The problem with the saying “it’s never too late to start” is that it is a lie.

Tell the man who had a massive coronary, a stroke, or a terminal cancer diagnosis that it’s not too late. When you are 6 feet under or sitting in an urn on your mantle, it’s too late.

In the pivotal moments of our lives, the adage "it's never too late...until it is" serves as a stark reminder of the thin line between opportunity and the point of no return. Tempting fate by kicking the can down the road isn't just a harmless game of procrastination; it's a gamble with stakes as high as our very lives.

Each day we delay taking action towards our health and well-being, we not only lose precious time but also risk encountering an obstacle that doesn't just knock us off our feet—it may very well keep us there.

Imagine, for a moment, that the road you've been traveling with casual disregard becomes suddenly impassable due to an unforeseen health crisis.

The reality is, while you may indeed get back up, the journey thereafter could be vastly different. It may be marred by dependency, limitations, and a quality of life that's merely a shadow of what you once envisioned.

This isn't about fear-mongering; it's about acknowledging the profound truth that while resilience is a formidable force, prevention is an even stronger ally.

By choosing to act now, rather than later, we not only safeguard our future but also enhance our present, embracing a life of vitality, autonomy, and fulfillment that lasts well into our later years.

In issue #068, we explored the top 20 common excuses people use to delay taking action. This article serves as a companion piece, delving deeper into the importance of starting today, not tomorrow. As the old saying goes, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the next best time is today." Let's explore the process of leveling up your life and why the clock should motivate, not paralyze.

The Reality of Aging - Redefining Aging

While conventional wisdom may suggest that our bodies must inevitably undergo changes as we age, it's essential to challenge this notion. We believe that individuals can live healthy, fully functional lives until their last days. However, achieving this requires a different mindset – one that focuses on designing and raising standards in our lives to offset the decline of age.

Yes, aging brings certain realities, but it also presents an opportunity to "opt out" of what we call the "sickcare" system. It's a system where most Americans spend the last 20% of their lives in a state of health decline. We want to avoid this fate by proactively managing our health and well-being.

As we age, it becomes crucial to prioritize our health and mobility, not to accept a decline as an inevitable part of growing older. The goal is to lead a life free from dependence on the “sickcare” system by making conscious lifestyle choices.

Argent Alpha member Clint Murray and his wife Suzette are a couple in their 50’s who are choosing to level up each year. Clint & Suzette live by example by eating healthy diets, moving daily, learning new things, maintaining low body fat, and advising others on their health journey.

They don’t refer to their age as 55, they call it level 55. Their message is clear: they are leveling up with each year. Mentally, physically, and spiritually getting better with each trip around the sun.

Redefining aging starts with changing how you think about it.

Overcoming Common Excuses: Insights from Gay Hendricks and Jocko Willink

In this section, we'll explore how we can overcome common excuses by addressing limiting beliefs, upper limit problems, and taking extreme ownership of our lives, drawing insights from the work of Gay Hendricks and Jocko Willink.

Excuse 1: "I'm too busy."

Gay Hendricks, in his book "The Big Leap," discusses the concept of limiting beliefs and upper limit problems. These are self-imposed barriers that can hold us back from achieving our full potential. The belief that we're too busy may stem from a limiting belief that we don't deserve to prioritize our health or happiness.

Overcoming It: To break free from this excuse, it's essential to recognize and challenge these limiting beliefs. Start by asking yourself why you believe you're too busy. Is it because you're prioritizing other things over your well-being? Are you claiming to be too busy because you don’t want to face the reality of an expanding waistline and declining health and performance? By identifying and addressing these beliefs, you can clear the path to positive change.

Excuse 2: "I'm too old to change."

Jocko Willink, known for his writing on "Extreme Ownership," emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for every aspect of our lives. When we blame our age for our inability to change, we are relinquishing ownership of our choices and actions.

Overcoming It: To overcome this excuse, we must embrace extreme ownership. Take responsibility for your health and well-being, regardless of your age. Recognize that change is possible, and it begins with a mindset shift. Your age is not a limitation; it's an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Excuse 3: "I'll start tomorrow."

Procrastination is a common excuse that plagues many of us. It's easy to delay taking action, believing that tomorrow will be a better day to begin. However, this mindset can keep us stuck in a cycle of inaction.

Overcoming It: Both Gay Hendricks and Jocko Willink would agree that owning your choices means taking action today. Don't wait for the perfect moment because it may never come. Instead, acknowledge that the best time to start is now. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, and every day you delay is a missed opportunity for positive change.

The Power of Small Steps: Insights from James Clear and BJ Fogg

When it comes to making lasting changes in our lives, habit experts like James Clear and BJ Fogg have provided valuable insights into the power of small steps. In his book "Atomic Habits," James Clear emphasizes the importance of habits that compound over time. Similarly, BJ Fogg, in his work on behavior design, advocates for starting with tiny habits to create lasting change.

These experts highlight the concept that small, consistent actions can lead to significant transformations. Here's how their principles align with the steps we recommend:

Mindset: Cultivating a growth mindset is essential for embracing change at any age. Start by believing that you can improve, adapt, and thrive. Then prove it to yourself with small daily actions.

Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to support your overall health and well-being. A good night's sleep can enhance your cognitive function, mood, and physical performance.

Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Proper nutrition fuels your body for optimal function.

Fitness: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, tailored to your abilities and preferences. Exercise promotes cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility.

Hydration: Stay adequately hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Proper hydration is essential for overall bodily functions. Add a pinch of sea salt to your water and a twist of lemon.

The five areas above are what we refer to as the Alpha 5. The members of Argent Alpha set standards in each of these areas and track their daily compliance. Check out issue #055 for more on standards.

Seek Support: Working with a medical advisor trained in proactive, root cause medicine, such as a functional doctor like Dr. Mark Hyman, can provide valuable guidance in preventive health. They can help you address underlying issues, optimize your health, and create a personalized plan for long-term well-being.

Building Resilience and Grit: Many people start health programs but need to develop resilience to stick with their program. Building resilience is a part of creating sustainability in the changes you make. Resilience and grit are qualities that can help you overcome setbacks and stay committed to your health goals. Practice perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to bounce back from challenges. Issue #053 and issue #049 can help you build resilience and grit.

The Reality Check

While it's important to maintain a positive attitude and take steps towards a healthier life, it's crucial to acknowledge the limitations that may arise due to unforeseen circumstances. Sometimes, life throws curveballs that can make it genuinely "too late" to start certain aspects of your health journey.

1. Serious Illness: If you are diagnosed with a severe illness, your focus may need to shift from prevention to treatment. However, maintaining a positive mindset and adhering to medical recommendations can still improve your quality of life.

2. Injury: A significant injury can limit your physical abilities. In such cases, it's essential to work closely with healthcare professionals to explore modified exercises or rehabilitation options. Focus on what you CAN do, not what you can’t do.

3. Loss of a Loved One: Grief and loss can be emotionally challenging and may temporarily derail your health goals. It's okay to seek support and take the time you need to heal.

4. End of Life: Sadly, there are situations where it may be too late to make significant health changes due to terminal illnesses or other life-altering events. In such cases, the focus shifts to making the most of the time you have left and ensuring comfort and quality of life.

Embracing Change at Any Age

While it's essential to acknowledge the reality that there are circumstances where it may be "too late" to start certain aspects of your health journey, it's equally important to remember that positive change is possible at any age.

Embracing change means accepting where you are in your journey and making the most of the opportunities that lie ahead. It's about finding joy and fulfillment in the progress you make, no matter how small or large.

Conclusion

For men over 50, the realization that time is finite can serve as a powerful motivator to take charge of their health and well-being. It's never too late to start making positive changes in your life until it is. By overcoming common excuses, addressing limiting beliefs and upper limit problems, taking extreme ownership of your life, being mindful of your health, and building resilience and grit, you can lead a more fulfilling and vibrant life as you age.

Remember, age is just a number, and the journey towards a healthier you begins with a single step. Don't wait for the perfect moment; start today. The best time to plant that tree was 20 years ago, but the next best time is now. Your health and happiness are worth it, and the clock is ticking – make every moment count!

We created a free assessment to help you understand the challenge and opportunity in front of you. For many Men, it’s the first step in realizing they need to take immediate action. You can use your results as a sort of roadmap to start making changes. Or, you can accelerate the process (and results) by visiting us at Argent Alpha.

Our next live event is March 22-24, 2024 in Phoenix, AZ.

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