I was rearranging my apartment one Saturday morning when the words screamed out from my television. “Back to school…..back to school.” Adam Sandler made these words famous in his goofy film, Billy Madison, where he plays a 30 year old who makes a deal with his father to go back to school from grades K through 12 in order to graduate and take over the family business. As expected, he graduates and takes over the business. As ridiculous and playful as the movie was, there was one rather profound keynote. No where in the film did Sandler’s character question or allow himself to be concerned with his age. In the real world it would be pretty ridiculous to be a full grown adult, sitting around with 5 year olds, waiting for a bedtime story and nap time. Billy Madison paid no mind – he simply had a goal and was willing to do what he had to in order to accomplish it.
I am sure there are plenty of people out there from ages 25 to 75 years old that are concerned with some clock ticking. Perhaps the older you are, the louder and faster it ticks. Well, let me ask this question and try and save you some time. What is it that you really want to do? If we only have 24 hours in a day, and the average life these days is 78 years on this planet, then what the hell are we all waiting for? It’s almost as if our thoughts and curiosities reign supreme over us instead of our safe time realities. Don’t grow too fond of what you don’t know is even there.
If you are 55 and reading this blog, and are insecure about your age or think it’s way too late to make a change, then you are wrong. Remember, what is it you really want to do? Maybe it’s to work with wood and build custom doors, or maybe it’s shooting guns or playing the guitar. Maybe you love numbers and always wondered how you would do at accounting or engineering.
Our fast paced, high tech world does have its benefits. Things are being created every day to make our lives easier and more convenient. There are plenty of online schools to choose from offering a variety of degrees from vocational to doctorate level programs. Don’t wonder a day longer. Pick something you really enjoy and make it happen! “Back to school…..back to school.”