Unlike a bottle of milk, you don’t have an exact expiration date.

As you age, it’s easy to fall into a routine and lose the hunger for learning and achieving more. However, staying relevant and motivated is essential for personal and professional growth and health.

To achieve greatness, you must dare to embrace discomfort. It’s a common instinct to conserve energy and avoid discomfort. Our ancestors had to do this to survive. But today, spending time outside your comfort zone and embracing change leads to the best results.

You, as a modern person, do have the perspective to override your immediate instincts.

Your future depends on your ability to step out of your comfort zone.

For athletes, mental toughness is a critical component of success. They work on their self-confidence, goal-setting, and the ability to block distractions. Rejections and setbacks are part of the journey. How do you deal with this?

By continuously upgrading your skills and compensating for physical limitations, you can become more efficient and effective. Strengthen your courage, curiosity, resilience, and love for learning, even when it takes you beyond your comfort zone.

There is so much inspiration from people who peaked late in life. Let’s take Ray Kroc as an example; he joined McDonald’s as a franchise agent when he was in his 50s. He later bought the company and turned it into one of the world’s most successful fast-food chains.

Or what about Stan Lee, who co-created many of Marvel Comics’ iconic characters, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Avengers? He didn’t create these characters until he was in his 40s and 50s.

Laura Ingalls Wilder is known for her “Little House on the Prairie” series of books. She began writing them in her 60s, and they became immensely popular children’s literature.

These examples demonstrate that it’s never too late to pursue your passions, reinvent yourself, or achieve remarkable success. Age and comfort zones should not deter you from following your dreams and making a significant impact in your chosen field.

The time is now! Why wait for illness, a crisis, or a catastrophe before making changes? Make changes proactively when you have the mental energy and resources to do so. Planning changes 1-3 years ahead is a proactive approach that ensures you don’t become stagnant. Focus on your strengths, use them to your advantage, and derive energy and satisfaction from doing so. Live in alignment with your values and find meaning in your actions.

Take inspiration from the Japanese concept of Ikigai, which emphasizes finding the balance between what you love, what the world needs, what you’re good at, and what you can earn from it. Follow these principles to find meaning and fulfillment in your life.

Don’t be afraid to embrace change, challenge your comfort zone, and follow your Ikigai. Your life’s journey is meant to be a fulfilling and meaningful adventure. Don’t wait; start now. Unlike a bottle of milk, you actually don’t have an exact expiration date.