We should all consider the perks of working until after 95. I argue that we should strive to keep working regardless of our disabilities or age. There is just too much upside. It may seem impossible to work if we have a sickness that prevents us from doing so, and often, it is not possible—at least, not at the moment. But if we can find our way out of the mire, we have much to gain. After all, anything is possible.
Recently, I went to an event attended by some of the wealthiest, most influential people in the world, including royalty. I shook their hands, spoke with them, laughed with them, and exchanged business cards. One of these individuals remembered my name and invited me to his speech. Photographers gathered around me and took photos of me. It was the time of my life. But when I entered the event, I thought I’d be in the shadows, a faded rose in the corner. But, to my surprise, I was welcomed wholeheartedly.
That’s because decades ago, I worked in a disability employment shelter for $5 total every two weeks. I was also in the poverty trap that comes with government assistance. And I was told that I had little potential. It’s similar to senior citizens who live in subsidized housing. They can go from the biggest powerhouses to dependents on the “system” within months. And it’s a trap. They are barely allotted enough to survive. They can have privileges “taken away” if they don’t “behave.” And they are penalized for working.
But is this a natural state? No! People in their 70s and 80s can run a nation! People in their 80s or later can be best-selling authors! People in their 80s or later are the most giant think tanks on the planet—if not forced out of business solely based on age.
And it’s the same for people with disabilities or other so-called limitations. We can be contacts for some of the wealthiest and most influential people! We can earn well over six figures in a profession of our choosing! We can be some of the most prominent think tanks on the planet!
I wish I hadn’t listened to “the system” and instead developed my potential right away. Any system should focus on high-performance psychology, whether we have a disability, are seniors, or contend with other circumstances. Our peak performance, not dependency, should be the goal.
If I realized that the system had it wrong, I would’ve developed my potential at a young age. I may have gone into engineering and done an MBA to rise to the top in an energy firm. But that doesn’t mean it all can’t begin today. I’m paving my way to realizing my potential. We should all pave our way to our potential. And I can’t stress the following enough—we all have the power to achieve the most impossible dreams. And it begins by recognizing that we have unlimited potential.
On a final note, I fetched a coffee in the morning from a mall and came across an older woman, maybe in her 60s, and a man, both roughly dressed and clinging to one another on the floor at the mall entrance. So, I offered to buy them a coffee. Instantly, their appearances changed. The older woman transformed into a beautiful, courteous, young 20-some-year-old as her face broke into a radiant smile. She might have been a model. Her tastes were discerning, too. “Can I have a white hot chocolate?” she asked. And the male demonstrated the manners of a French diplomat on tour in the Vatican as he thanked me profusely. And in that moment, I could see their infinite potential. Had they been at the event with the most powerful and wealthiest people in the world, I would have shaken their hands, wondering if they, too, were royals.