The Better Half: Embracing Aging with a Positive Mindset and Soulful Wisdom

A note to older leaders.

This weekend, I attended the 50th birthday of my good friend, Anthony Melov.

Later this year, Anthony, together with his wife and two kids, will do 14-days of mountaineering in the Himalayas. Most 30-year-olds would shudder at the prospect of a fortnight of camping in the snow, but not Anthony.

What’s my point?

The second half of your life can be, and should be, the far better half – if you adopt the right mindset.

According to research by Yale professor, Dr. Becca Levy, people who adopt a positive mindset towards ageing live on average 7.5 years longer than those with a negative mindset. That’s more lifespan than you can add if you stopped smoking at 50 or started exercising at 50.

That’s how much mindset matters.

The legendary Swiss psychologist Carl Yung once remarked that the afternoon light of your life is very different to the morning light. In the first half of your life, the dominant operating system is ego. In the second half, the dominant operating system is your soul.

And soul is so much better than ego when it comes to living an authentic, fulfilling, happy life.

Youth may have its advantages – not least being able to put your socks on in the morning without feeling a twinge in your back – but, provided you have your health, the maturity and wisdom that come with age trump them all.