Hey Guys, Wait Up
By Paul Meshanko
Topics covered: generations, self-esteem, stereotypes | 1 comment
Are you really aware of all the stereotypes you have? Probably not. Most of us aren’t. A stereotype is often defined as a simplified mental image that is held in common by members of a group. Below, learn how a morning run by Paul forced him to confront his own age-related stereotypes and how he turned it into a positive experience.
A Lesson in Stereotypes
It started out like any other July morning. Well, any other July morning that’s 64 degrees – but that’s another story. Anyway, it was a great morning for a run, and I intended to get a good one in. I woke up at 5:30, got the coffee maker set for Kim, slipped on my shorts and running shoes, and quietly slipped out the garage door so as not to wake the kids. Ah, the cool morning air was magnificent and I immediately began stretching my legs and back. I checked my watch, made a mental note of my intended route (about 4.3 miles) and off I went.
I could immediately tell that I was going to be on a record pace…at least for me. I really hadn’t been running long – about 3 months – and I was already down to about an 8 ½ minute mile. As I passed the one mile point, I checked my watch. 8 minutes…I was jamming! As I turned right out of our development and headed up the hill on Bainbridge Rd., I immediately caught sight of three older men, also out for a run. I estimated by their looks (and their rather dated running attire), that they were probably in their mid-sixties. They were jogging along, casually chatting and laughing away. “How cool is that”, I thought. Never too old to exercise and stay in shape!
About the author: Paul Meshanko is an author, speaker and business leader with over 20 years of experience in corporate training and culture change. As a presenter, he has captivated over a quarter million leaders and business professionals on five continents. His company, Legacy Business Cultures, is a global provider of organizational survey and training services. Paul holds a BSBA from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace College. Author's Website
A timely story with age discrmination currently on the rise and a reminder of the importance of approaching others with curiosity rather than assumptions.