Being 40-something isn't old

Facing 40 (2013)

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Twenty years ago I thought 30 was old. Then I turned 30 and my thoughts quickly changed. In fact for me turning 30 was much harder than turning 40. I spent my 20s establishing my career and my family. When 30 was looming I still had a lot I wanted to accomplish. Because I hadn't reached those goals I viewed myself as a failure. 

Right before my 31st birthday, I made a big move in my career. We uprooted our family which had been planted in Indiana and headed to southern Illinois. On paper, the move was lateral, but I quickly started to climb the ladder at WSIL-TV and became the morning co-anchor. About a year after that our daughter was born. By then I was nearly 33 and felt accomplished. So by the time 40 rolled around, I had no worries.

Eyes on the prize

Now that I'm in my mid-40s, I have my eyes on new prizes. Building the blog, podcast and my presence on social media are all on my new to-do list. Some days I feel like time is slipping away and I'm never going to reach the top of the mountain. Then I'm reminded of others who were well into middle age before they made their impact. Here are some of the inspiring examples I found.

Col. Harland Sanders

We all know KFC and Colonel Sanders. Like many people, I assumed the Colonel had been a long time fixture in the fast food wars. I was wrong. He was 65 years old when his blend of 11 herbs and spices made him a household name. Sanders actually used his social security checks to franchise Kentucky Fried Chicken. 

Grandma Moses in action

Grandma Moses was even older. She became one of the best-known folk artists of all-time and didn't even start painting until age 78. Sam Walton didn't open his first Walmart until he was 44 (the age I just turned last week).

Self-high five for DDP's first world title win
Courtesy: WWE

And finally a wrestling connection to all this. "Diamond" Dallas Page's in-ring career didn't start until age 36. He won his first world championship at 43. He's now one of the most loved and respected figures in the world of sports entertainment.

While I know we're all going to die one day, I also know being middle aged doesn't mean giving up. Too often people hit a point in life and think it's too late or lack the motivation to keep climbing. I just have to work harder to prove myself. I'm patient, I'm hungry and I'm determined.

Motivational Monday: If plan A fails...

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Disclaimer: I am not an expert, but the advice dispensed here has been researched or is something that has worked for me in the past.  Proceed at your own risk...

Goal setting is an important part of finding success.  Many times we are determined to make something happen and only look at one way of accomplishing that goal.  When we fail, we throw our hands up and quit.  But all successful people will tell you failure is many times a reason for their success.

Col. Sanders

Henry Ford went broke five times before creating the Ford Motor Company.   Harland David Sanders, the man we know as Col. Sanders, was reportedly rejected 1,009 times before a restaurant accepted his secret chicken recipe.  The rest is finger-licking good history.  And one of my favorite stories involves Walt Disney. He was fired from a newspaper job because he "lacked imagination and had no good ideas."  We all know what happened after that. Next week's Motivational Monday will be dedicated to Mr. Disney.

There are plenty more success stories who started off as failures.  Abraham Lincoln, the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison and even modern day successes like Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson hit obstacles along the way.  They kept moving forward and wouldn't accept failure.  You shouldn't either. 

If plan A doesn't work, remember, there are 25 more letters in the alphabet.  Heck, if you go through to Z, restart with AA.  You can reach your goals.  Just remove the words "I can't" from your vocabulary.

What's Old Is New

The new Col. Sanders and Hamburglar

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Over the last couple of weeks, fast food giants KFC and McDonald's have announced the return of vintage mascots.  Col. Sanders, the man who started Kentucky Fried Chicken 75 years ago, will be used again in advertising as will the mischievous Hamburglar for McDonald's.

Hamburglar in the 1970's

I have mixed reactions to these iconic characters from my childhood returning.  Yes, I am a fool for old school.  But I think the new Hamburglar is a bit too creepy, even for a bad guy.  I haven't heard any positive comments on this updated version of the fictional thief.  He's a far cry from his cartoonish former self.  He really does look like a criminal.  If Mickey D's wants my attention with a classic character, I'd make the argument to bring back Grimace.  He was always my favorite, even more so than Ronald McDonald himself.  

Vintage Colonel

The new Col. Sanders is being played Saturday Night Live alum Darrell Hammond.  I think the company hit the nail on the head with this selection.  The real Col. Sanders died more than 35 years ago, but the company hopes change its image and bring in new customers with the iconic figure.  The ad campaign rolls out Memorial Day weekend.

I'm no marketing expert, but as a consumer I think it's great that they're reviving characters from my childhood.  I don't eat a lot of fast food, so no matter what gimmick is used, it's not going to persuade or prevent me from eating at their establishments.  I do hope this continues to motivate other companies to revive other blasts from the pasts.  Maybe Herb will be back pitching for Burger King.