Vol 9: The Myth of Youthful Energy

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Last week was a whole month. Literally the busiest week of my year. A productive, fun, meaningful busy - but busy nonetheless.

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It made me think about how people say they appreciate someone's "youthful energy" when the other person is doing a lot, and that's always stuck with me, but not in the way those people intend.

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"Youthful energy" is a myth.

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Putting myself in these shoes: I know people older than me who are working harder than me (Ruben Henderson, Noah Brandon, Shyra Moran, Aleisha Johnson Cook, every CEO or entrepreneur I know - I could go on).

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I also know people younger than me not doing anything. And everyone in between.

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That shows that it's not about "youth" - it's about drive.

About doing.

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Now let me clarify this: you don't NEED to do things!! Live the life that brings you fulfillment and purpose while not hurting yourself or others. (And let's not confuse "youthful energy" with "the spirit of youth," which is real and relates to the mentality of play, curiosity, lack of social embarrassment, and creativity. Another topic!)

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But the idea that how much I do is because of "youthful energy" is:

1. A secondhand insult to me, implying that I'm able to do this much simply because I'm young.
2. An excuse as to why you're not doing this much because you're older, even though you can.

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It's not "youthful energy." I'm just working hard.

I'm managing my time.

I'm prioritizing my tasks.

I'm making sacrifices where I view them valuable.

I'm taking care of my body and mind to provide myself with energy and resting when I need it.

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If we chalk people's efforts up to "youthful energy," we excuse our lack of effort while discrediting theirs.

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Give people their credit and own yours. It's about hard work. We can all do it. It has nothing to do with youth.

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That means it's in your control. And that excites me.

I hope it excites you too.

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See you next Thursday, Steppers.

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We will succeed,

Grayson

​graysonstepanek.com​

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Song of the Week:

safety greek PREVIEW   ​

This guy opened for EDEN on Sunday, and he's phenomenal. The whole time I was in awe and just thinking "How does a voice like that come out of a body like that?" Literal Brent Faiyaz, Frank Ocean (Channel Orange era), Daniel Caesar vibes. He's got a new fan. (Also EDEN's concert was a 10/10. I teared up twice. Will be posting about it soon!)