Old Dogs, New Tricks?
The Role of Coaching in Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs and Societal Truisms
We've all heard the old saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." It's a familiar phrase often used to suggest that once we've reached a certain age or stage in life, we're set in our ways—unable, or unwilling, to learn new things, change behaviors, or grow as individuals. But is this really true?
In reality, the idea that people can’t change or learn after a certain age is outdated and limiting. Modern neuroscience, psychology, and numerous real-life examples tell us that learning, growth, and behavioral change are not only possible at any age but also crucial for leading a fulfilling life. Many of my coaching clients struggle to find the impetus to try new things, show up differently at work and in their personal lives, or change their perspectives on important aspects in their lives. My coaching experience has reinforced my belief that people are infinitely resourceful and creative and can harness those capabilities to learn and grow, regardless of age. Sometimes they just need some support, structure, and encouragement to do so.
The Science Behind Lifelong Learning
One of the most compelling reasons to believe in lifelong learning comes from neuroscience. For decades, it was thought that the human brain reached a point in adulthood where its capacity for growth and change diminished. However, research in the field of neuroplasticity has debunked this myth. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This means that even as we age, our brains can adapt, grow, and acquire new skills. Coaching can create a context for trying new things with structured accountability.
Think about it this way: the brain is like a muscle. When you exercise a muscle, it becomes stronger and more flexible. Similarly, you encourage the growth of new pathways and connections when you challenge your brain—whether by learning a new language, trying a different way of interacting at work, or even altering a long-standing behavior. For clients stuck in a certain way of thinking, I often suggest they start with small changes to daily physical habits - say, brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand, or putting your socks on differently, or switching your typical knife-and-fork configuration. Regardless of age, this process challenges the brain to remain agile and capable.
In fact, learning new things or engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help delay the onset of cognitive decline associated with aging. Regular mental workouts can profoundly benefit your memory, problem-solving abilities, and overall mental well-being.
Related to this idea of learning new ways of thinking and being, I encourage clients to commit to coaching for six months. The primary logic behind this request is that it takes some persistence and repetition (like the gym analogy above) to create lasting behavioral change around meaningful topics.
Behavioral Change: It's Never Too Late
If neuroplasticity allows us to keep learning, what about changing ingrained behaviors? Can old habits be replaced with better ones? This is another area where conventional wisdom and societal truisms fall short.
Psychological research and the growing field of coaching have long supported the idea that change is possible at any age. Often, the reason people resist change isn't because they can’t change, but because they believe they can’t. Limiting beliefs, fear of failure, or a lack of support can all hinder growth. But with the right mindset, tools, and guidance, it's never too late to change behaviors or adopt new habits.
One of the most influential concepts in this area is Carol Dweck’s idea of the growth mindset, first published in 1988. According to Dweck, individuals with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence are static, while those with a growth mindset believe that they can develop and improve through effort, learning, and persistence. A growth mindset is the cornerstone of lifelong learning and personal development because it encourages individuals to embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth, rather than failures. I often discuss these mindsets with clients to get a sense of how they perceive themselves. When processing perceived career or personal setbacks or disappointments, I often ask people to find a gift embedded in the experience rather than only dwell on negative aspects of the experience.
Adopting a growth mindset is particularly powerful for changing behaviors. Whether you want to improve your communication skills, develop healthier lifestyle habits, or foster more positive relationships with co-workers or social contacts, believing in your ability to change is the first step toward making progress.
Why Lifelong Learning Matters
The benefits of lifelong learning go beyond just acquiring new skills or changing behaviors. Continuous growth contributes to a richer, more fulfilling life. It keeps the mind engaged, builds confidence, and can even improve emotional well-being. When we learn, we open ourselves to new perspectives and ideas, which in turn can help us develop greater empathy, adaptability, and resilience. Those skills can make us more productive and energized at work.
Moreover, as the world rapidly changes—technologically, socially, and environmentally—being able to learn and adapt is increasingly important. Those who cultivate a habit of lifelong learning are better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern life and remain relevant in an ever-changing job market.
Practical Tips for Lifelong Learning
If you’re ready to embrace lifelong learning and growth, here are some practical tips to help you get started:
Stay Curious: Foster a sense of curiosity about the world around you. Whether through reading, listening to podcasts, or engaging in meaningful conversations, always be on the lookout for new ideas and perspectives.
Challenge Yourself: Don’t shy away from things that seem difficult. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than viewing them as obstacles. This can be a big part of the value of a coaching relationship.
Set Small Goals: Whether it’s learning a new language or breaking an old habit, start with small, achievable goals. Small victories build momentum and boost your confidence.
Stay Open to Feedback: Growth requires self-awareness, and that often comes from external feedback. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as a tool for improvement.
Surround Yourself with Learners: The people we surround ourselves with can significantly impact our mindset. Being part of a community that values learning and growth can inspire you to keep challenging yourself.
Conclusion: Old Dogs, New Tricks
The saying "You can’t teach an old dog new tricks" might be catchy, but it’s simply not true. Learning and growth are not confined to youth. In fact, the ability to adapt, change, and grow is a lifelong process, available to anyone who is willing to embrace it. By cultivating a growth mindset, staying curious, and remaining open to new experiences, we can continue to evolve—no matter our age.
Coach’s Inquiry: what is something meaningful that you would like to learn in the next six months?
I believe we all can live BETTER with a growth mindset but some people struggle to find the motivation and tools to do so. That’s the place where I often find my coaching so rewarding.
Thank you Josh. I hate this expression. Even within my family I see elders with static and growth mindsets. The difference in how they spent there last decades is significant. One passed away within a year when he stopped working. He had nothing to do. Another who achieved huge success earlier in his career felt his most important work happened in his last decade. I think we can all live with a growth mindset.