Motivational coaches on how age is no bar to achieve your career goals

At 40 table tennis veteran Sharath Kamal is training his sights on the 2024 Paris Olympics smashing the myth that age can hold one back After winning four medals at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham Kamal shares that he tries to keep his mind and body fit to keep up with younger players But what else do veterans need to fuel their drive beyond a certain age irrespective of the field Two experts share a roadmapKeep upskillingPriya Kumar a motivational speaker and an author maintains that people set their own age to retire and that following a yardstick isnrsquot necessary ldquoOne mentally retires before actually retiringrdquo she shares If professionals wish to continue building their career after succeeding in a field Kumar points two things to keep in mind mdash one must be able and relevant The author places emphasis on looking after oneself mdash physically and mentally mdash to continue building a career and to compete with younger entrants in the fieldSecondly Kumar states the importance of staying uptodate in the profession ldquoThis is a sign of growth Every five years take a check on where yoursquore at how the world has progressed and where you need to catch uprdquo says Kumar She adds that professionals must plan their career path and prepare continuously for their goals The author also suggests that veterans should take on the role of a mentor to guide others with their expertise as a way of extending their longevityWork smartAkash Gautam a motivational speaker and a corporate trainer believes that different careers will require different areas of focus and development But a common requirement in pushing yourself as a veteran is selfdiscipline ldquoSuccess brings comfort So donrsquot let your comfort zone or complacency kill your career mind and bodyrdquo he reminds us The reasons for onersquos success mdash aptitude talent and ability mdash will remain the same whether one is in their 20s or 40s he reckonsWork smartly and use your resources well Hire professionals to manage the peripheral areas of work so that you can focus on what is crucial to further your career Gautam says This can include hiring dietitians and physical trainers to stay in shape counsellors to help you understand your vision or finance professionals to manage money ldquoDonrsquot try to do everything by yourself work smartlyrdquo the corporate trainer suggestsInspired by the rhythm of lifeWhen we ask Merlin DrsquoSouza music composer producer director and pianist with Music Mode and BrandMusiq what fuels her drive she replies ldquoIrsquoll answer in one word mdash liferdquo In between juggling performances and rehearsals the pianist tells us ldquoWersquore given one life to use our talents to make it special and make it countrdquo The musician lives by her own motto mdash which she calls Merlinism ldquoMy Merlinism is that Irsquom happy I donrsquot know everything Because if I did Irsquod stop learning Even on the wrong side of 50 I can still learn from my peers I can learn a new scale and keep growingrdquo Therersquos no stopping this pianist one evening shersquos directing a performance with The Orchestra of the Armed Forces and other musicians for Independence Day at the NCPA the next evening shersquos gracing another audience with her music DrsquoSouza notes that while musicians are blessed with extra adrenaline to keep performing a balance is also necessary and itrsquos important to take time off to rest recuperate andbe creative in other fields as well