Listen to the children

My grandson, who is 8 years old has a passion for skiing and his goal is to be in the Olympics in 2026. He is good at what he does and has no fear. He placed 18th in his country in his age group which included children from 15 to 8, so he has potential. As I watch him practice and strive for perfection I realized that as a senior I could learn from him. Children can teach us many things if we watch and embrace their ideas and techniques. Here are a few techniques that I learned from watching him that will help you take your game, or your life in retirement, to a whole new level:

1. Once a day playfully imagine that you're already living at that new level. He uses his imagination to see himself doing better, and he listens to others who give him instructions to become better. Finally, he practices what he imagines and what he has been given instruction. He does this every day, either on the slopes, in the gym, or on the playground. When he fails he does not quit, he tries again and again until he gets it right. 

2. Frequently speak in gratitude as if you've already arrived. When my grandson did not win a recent competition because he was competing with children who were at least 6 years older, he just said, "That's OK, I will win it in two or three years." He sees himself as a winner and acts as if he has already arrived. However, he is still 8 years old and plays with his friends and plays other sports such as Aussie Rules Football, Cricket, swimming and Horseback riding

3. Here is something I wish he did, but he does not, I think that he should occasionally do something he never would have done at the old level. He knows he is good, but he does not brag or self-praise, he does like it when others praise him, and his mom and dad, do not pressure him but do reward him when he does well. When he does well, I sometimes will cluck a few times with thumbs under your arms and do the chicken dance, but he never sees me do it.

We can learn from children if we allow them to lead us, another child who is motivating other is  Greta Thunberg who has started an international youth movement against climate change. The Swedish teenager first staged a "School Strike for Climate" in front of the Swedish Parliament in August last year. Her strike has inspired students from around the world, of all ages. As we move on with our lives, we need to listen and learn from the children.

My grandson having fun on the summit jump. He did land it.