Business Fit Magazine September 2019 Issue 2 | Page 10

Mindset & Emotion
Life and business strategist, Ismael Cala,
reflects on age and the importance of looking
forward using the lessons learned from the
past, but remembering to live in the here and
now.
Age is always a reason for reflections, especially
for those who link goals with dates and take as
a reference their birthday, to review the story of
their lives. It is true that, as we age, we are more
prone to draw conclusions, look back to check
what we’ve done, and try to look forward. We
must always keep in mind that we can’t go back
to the past to fight, only to learn. In many ways
this can help us prepare for the future, but we
must do so without obsessive anticipation and
always leaving a space to embrace uncertainty.
Aging is not synonymous with expiration. In fact,
the great Chilean psychologist Pilar Sordo always
says, and rightly so, that old age only begins when
memories impose on projects.
In the process of introspection which surrounds
any anniversary or celebration, we must keep
our inner child alive: that being which lives within
us, connects us with our childhood and with the
most genuine dreams we ever had. According
to Paulo Coelho, “we have to listen to the child
we once were”, because nobody “understands
magical moments” better than this child.
As we age,
we are more
prone to draw
conclusions
For example, old age may not have started
for Liudmila Járeva, an 86-year-old Russian
grandmother, named “the oldest volunteer
in the 2018 World Cup.” Mrs. Járeva was a
Spanish teacher, but she wanted to re-practice
our language and feel useful among the fans
attending the event. And she got it.
Last year in Thailand, the king himself handed
Kimlan Jinakul, 91, her bachelor’s degree in
Humanities. If that’s not a record, it’s pretty close
to it. Jinakul is not the exception in that country:
Sukhothai University offers classes for seniors
and has enrolled almost 200 students over 60
years.
Who said
OLD?
We must keep
our inner child
alive
Nowadays, we see intense debates about how
long human beings can live thanks to scientific
development. I agree with the most optimistic of
these, but without disregarding the importance
of the here and now. Now that I am turning 49
and walking towards the “half wheel” (as they say
in my native Cuba when you reach 50), I feel more
inspired than ever to reflect on achievements
and new challenges. This time I want to celebrate
it with the audiobook “Despierta con Cala” (Wake
up with Cala”), a new sound experience for those
who work for a full and balanced life.
Ismael Cala is a life and business strategist, best-selling author, and
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international speaker specialising in personal development and mindful
exponential leadership. The New York Times identified him as “the Latino
Larry King”. He is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA),
USA. Founder and president of CALA Enterprises Corporation - focusing on
leadership, mindfulness, happiness, productivity, and excellence.
www.IsmaelCala.com
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