I have a massive fear of peaking too young. You know the scenario. The guys that were the heroes of high school and now sell used cars or something. The Al Bundys of the world. The Uncle Ricos. I fear becoming these guys, their living in the past, their stunted growth.

In my earlier years, this fear actually led to an idea of “pacing myself”, but these days I see that for just another presentation of fear, this one being that I’m not good enough to climb even higher.

Instead, my focus has become one of lifelong learning. I want to be learning something, be growing in some way, right up until the end. This approach has the added benefit of helping me kick the idea that I’m ever “too old” for something. (Well, the NBA is obviously out, but there are a thousand other skills to learn.)

So, even if I feel over the hill sometimes, I try to remember that I’m still climbing toward the peak, not falling away from it. I started chasing this writing dream in my thirties, and in my forties, I’m working harder on building the art skills I’ve let stagnate since high school.

Next decade? Who knows. I’m thinking something musical, maybe guitar, but that’s for future-Justin to decide when the time comes. As long as I keep climbing, I’m good.