Embracing the Benefits of Getting Older

In episode 14 of the English with Neil podcast, the host challenges the common societal narrative that aging is primarily associated with decline, such as "bad health" or "not being able to move." While acknowledging that "senior citizens" or "elderly people" often face physical challenges, the host—a 35-year-old entrepreneur and father—argues that aging brings distinct personal and professional advantages. Through his own "life experience," he identifies three core benefits that accompany the maturation process.

1. Cultivating a New Perspective

One of the most significant shifts identified by the host is the development of a "new perspective." When he was younger, specifically in high school or college, he admits to being "careless with my time." However, as his responsibilities grew—balancing marriage, fatherhood, and running a business—he began to deeply "value my time."

This shift in perspective has led to a more intentional way of living. The host explains that he no longer "engages" in things that do not provide value. If an activity or a social interaction is deemed "ridiculous" or detrimental to his well-being, he chooses not to "take part in it or entertain it." This selective approach is a hallmark of the maturity gained through the responsibilities of adulthood.

2. Gaining Deeper Understanding

Beyond time management, the host highlights the acquisition of a "new understanding" of complex systems such as "business, money, government, and the economy." This wisdom is directly tied to his role as a "full-time entrepreneur," where he carries the weight of responsibility toward his "staff, my family, and my community."

He reflects on his younger self as being less "mature," noting that he was not as "responsible" as he is now. This growth represents a transition from a carefree youth to a grounded adult who understands the intricacies of how the world functions and the importance of accountability in one's personal and professional spheres.

3. The Virtue of Patience

Perhaps the most transformative lesson the host discusses is learning how to "slow down and be patient." In his youth, he suffered from a lack of patience, often wanting results "quickly, quickly, quickly." This impatience led him to occasionally "cut corners"—a term he defines as "cheating a little bit" to skip the necessary steps of a process.

Using the example of learning a language, such as his own journey to becoming "fluent in Japanese," the host emphasizes that true mastery requires "time," often measured in "months and years, maybe even decades." He clarifies that patience is not synonymous with being "lazy" or doing nothing. Instead, it is an active state: "You keep working. You keep doing the work. You keep practicing."

Conclusion

By shifting his mindset, the host demonstrates that aging is not merely a process of physical decline, but a continuous journey of growth. Through gaining a "new perspective," achieving a "new understanding" of life's complexities, and mastering the art of "patience," the host illustrates that the benefits of getting older are rooted in the wisdom and discipline that can only be earned through the passage of time.