If you’ve ever been in a long-term relationship, you’ve probably heard one person or another throw around the concept of the “seven-year itch.”
(A coin of phrase originating from the 1955 American romantic comedy film of the same name directed by Billy Wilder).
This phrase usually refers to a point in a relationship where one or both partners start to become bored or dissatisfied in the relationship. And whilst there is little to no evidence to support this directly, there is an emerging amount of evidence as to why we should pay more attention to it.
The human body constantly develops and changes throughout the human life cycle. The significant stages of the human lifecycle are:
- Pregnancy
- Infancy
- The toddler years
- Childhood
- Puberty
- Older adolescence
- Adulthood
- Middle age
- The senior years
In the Bible, Psalm 90:10 (King James Version)
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten.
And, if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”
In this sense, it was always assumed the average lifespan of humans is around 70 years, and should we survive longer than this, it be a decline in both our ability to function and our desire to do so.
Therefore if we use this as our model, and divide the 9 stages of life across the expected lifespan equally it supports my theory that we actually grow up in years of SEVEN!
7+7+7
For the first 7 years, we have been entirely reliant on others. (Be that parent, Guardian etc)
“Give me a child until he is 7 and I will show you the man.” ― Aristotle
Between 7 and 14, we are learning to become independent. From 14 to 21 we are demanding our independence. From 21 to 28, understanding where our independence fits inside society and the world at large.
From 28-35 many people settle and become co-dependent, and some between 35-42 choose to have their own dependence (and so it goes on).
So what?
Well, knowing this, we can now ‘plot’ what else may be happening in their lives, and where there priorities may lay?
To best give an example of this, I’d like to sell you a washing machine!
You are 25, and you walk into my store advising looking for a washing machine:
“I’ve got just the thing for you. This washing machine comes in 17 different colours, is available on no deposit, with nothing to pay for three months and 0% interest-free finance payable over 4 years. What’s more, we have them all in stock and could have it delivered and fitted for you tomorrow. Would you like to buy a washing machine?”
You are 35, and you walk into my store advising looking for a washing machine:
“I’ve got just the thing for you. This washing machine has won several national and international awards for its eco-credentials, saving both water and electricity. What’s more, with its intelligent programming, App-enabled functionality and 9Kg drum. You can put the whole week’s wash in one load and it will work out what and how to wash effectively. We will also gladly take your old machine away during the installation and recycle it in an ethical manner. Would you like to buy a washing machine?”
You are 45, and you walk into my store advising looking for a washing machine:
“I’ve got just the thing for you. This washing machine is the industry leader and comes with a 10-year guarantee. Not only does it wash, but also has a rapid dry function, a ‘forget-me-not’ draw on the front for those last-minute editions and is the quietest machine on the market. Would you like to buy a washing machine?”
So what?
It’s the same washing machine!
Determining what else you’re likely to have in your life will determine which of these features and benefits are more likely to be of importance to you. And tailored my approach to what to share to demonstrate its suitability!
The Cycle of Life x 4
Just as we’ve looked at the 9 periods within a human life cycle, there is also other life cycles to consider:
- You
- Your team
- Your products/services
- The Industry/Profession you operate within
- You: What period of the life cycle are you? And what are your highest priorities right now?
- Team: Do you have a young, middle-aged or ageing workforce? Who are the emerging leaders ready to take this business to the next level?
- Product/Service: How relevant are you? Are you an innovator, or are you becoming a laggard?
- Industry/Profession: Where in the Industry heading, and are you leading the way or struggling to keep up?
Ready to have a discussion?
We’ve made it our mission to support 1,000,000 Business Owners to Significantly and Sustainable Scale-Up for both themselves and their businesses.