People often say, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Usually when I hear it, people are implying that they are unable to learn new ways of being, thinking and doing. However, I have some really good news!
First, if you are reading these words, you are not a dog. The whole “old dog” metaphor is a weak analogy. There are many differences between dogs and humans. While I don’t know a whole lot about dogs yet, I do know a lot about people.
For example, in graduate school I had a professor who stressed the importance of keeping the mind active in later life. Making new connections in the brain is not only possible, it is crucial for ongoing cognitive functioning. My professor used to say, “Use it or lose it.”
Second, even old dogs can learn new tricks. That age old myth was busted by the MythBusters. In just four days they taught a couple of seven-year-old dogs (about 50 human years) to do things like sit, lie down, stay, and shake. To mix metaphors, the cat is out of the bag: old dogs can learn new tricks!
So now we are without excuse. Regardless of our age we can learn new things. From here, then, we just need to deal with the real reasons we are not wanting to change. The biggest reason is fear: fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and worry about what other people think of us.
So I encourage you to go learn some new “tricks.” It is never, ever, too late in life to work to make a difference in the lives of other people.
