It’s What You Do – Not When You Do It

I was 24 years old, a recent college graduate, and I was both the highest ranking and youngest employee of the company. Age was definitely something that played a role in getting my job done. It was getting in my way. This was exemplified once when I was at a trade show and an advertising salesperson that I had talked to on the phone came by and quickly tossed a rate sheet at me and said, “Give this to your boss.”

One day a copier salesperson came by to demonstrate the merits of his product, and used a sample document titled, “It’s What You Do – Not When You Do It”. I found what it said to be appropriate given my circumstances. Now, 30 years later, it is once again appropriate. I hope you enjoy it as I have.

Ted Williams, at age 42, slammed a home run in his last official time at bat.

Mickey Mantle, at age 20, hit 23 home runs his first full year in the major leagues.

Golda Meir was 71 when she became Prime Minister of Israel.

William Pitt II was 24 when he became Prime Minister of Great Britain.

George Bernard Shaw was 94 when one of his plays was first produced.

Mozart was just seven when his first composition was published.

Now, how about this?

Benjamin Franklin was a newspaper columnist at 16, and a framer of The United States Constitution when he was 81.

You’re never too young or too old if you’ve got talent.

Let’s recognize that age has little to do with ability.