The geeks and geezers syndrome refers to the following, fascinating, cultural phenomenon:
The most likely demographic to be engaged in personal development work are people in their late teens and early-to-mid twenties and people approaching their 60s and older.
The period in between — the adult doldrums — tends to be characterized by much less of a focus on personal growth and transformation. Apparently, people just stop growing. At least in a focused intentional way.
Why?
You tell me.
I bet it has something to do with our culture of 9-to-5.
If you are of any age and intentionally engaged in your own personal development and evolution — but especially if you’re in your 30s or 40s — my hat’s off to you.
(If you’re in this last group, I’d like to hear from you. Why is it different for you? What is it like? What are the mindsets you’ve had to adopt?)
So true, Perhaps this doldrums period is related to the research that shows that people are least happy in their middle years – there may be a ‘chicken and egg’ relationship going on there!
I am in my early 40’s and have always been interested in personal development but I must admit that I have experienced a lull in my interest in the last 10 years or so. Coincidentally, this has been the time in my life where financial and work concerns have been the most dominant in my life.
When I observe my midlife aged friends and workmates, I also see a relationship between a disinterest in emotional progress and the trappings of a ‘normal’ life – marriage, mortgage and kids. While these things are obviously not bad in their own right and can offer much joy (except the mortgage obviously), they can influence us to do more conventional and security based things such as staying in an unfulfilling job, settling into a routine and avoiding perceived risk. The middle years seem to be the ‘safe and dull’ years. In our youth we can be experimental without too much disapproval and in our later years we learn not to give a fig about what anyone thinks.
For me, the key to maintaining personal development all comes down to who you associate with. Keeping in touch with positive and interesting people, maintaining reading of challenging books, websites etc, feeding the mind and spirit. This is easier said than done of course, and I fail regularly!
The other thing that I try to do is take (positive) risks and invite change into my life. For example, I went back to university at age 38 to train in a new career. It seemed like a normal thing for me to do but I have been surprised by how unusual this is perceived to be.
Thank you for your positive influence, I came across your work through the Peak Moment video and it seems to have arrived in my life at the right (peak?) moment. Cheers.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
I appreciate what you shared about yourself, and your insights.
~Alan