Jeff Hicks, MAI President  Dohring Group RealWired!

What's your personal effective age? As an appraiser, you know what I mean. The apparent age of you personally, both physically and mentally. We all have some deferred maintenance, but have we implemented a cost to cure plan?

Most grumpy old people used to be grumpy young people.  Aging doesn't turn a cheerful person into a grouch.  As we age, we strive to be more emotionally stable and content.  Sure, everyone has something that ails them at times but the larger question is: Are you an Old Thinker?

This is a big question since it applies to your personal and professional life.  I'd like to think I'm a young thinker though I realize oftentimes I am not.  I try to catch myself and redirect my thoughts to more productive, positive things.  Exercise is probably the single most important tool to youth.  It keeps the body and mind in motion.  Regardless of your chronological age, here are some buckets of wisdom to a youthful experience:

• Have a flexible attitude
• When you speak on the phone or in-person, put energy into your voice
• Have less to prove, avoid comparing yourselves with others including your former self
• Seek financial security, experience and more "gravitas"
• Have fun and worry less
• Listen to music for no reason
• Don't look for what's wrong with the world, try to create positive change

I was at a wedding recently where the best man's speech was insightful, notwithstanding its oddity.  He told the groom, "Don't be lazy, both physically and emotionally."  His message to the bride was funnier, "Don't be a psycho hose-beast from the depths of the netherworld, always be authentic and loving." The groom's message is more germane to our discussion about the concept of "old."  As appraisers, most of us are solidly locked into the left-brain hemisphere. 

The concept of learned optimism sounds as implausible as speaking Mandarin. However aging or dying shouldn't really concern anyone. I mean, we are more likely to die from poor health than at the hands of Al-Qaida, Kim Jung Un or a drone.  Don't parrot the negative cable news.  That's what "old" people do.  Also, avoid dark dress socks with shorts and tennis shoes.

I am suggesting there may be a different way to approach that door. To be young, laugh. To be healthy, exercise. To live long, keep your brain going strong always. Truly believe that you are at peace with yourself.  You are smarter, sharper and stronger.  You have more stories to share with the world.  Think about how many skills you have developed, how much knowledge you have gained over the years. Focus on what's important; appreciate family, friends and your appraisal career more.

Don't ever think that you are too old to learn something new or to embark on a different path. It's NEVER too late. Everything is possible as long as you believe in yourself.  Don't resent growing old.  Many are denied the privilege.