Why it's not too late to start and succeed
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream – CS Lewis
Are you stuck in a rut? Do you feel like it’s too late to start anything new? Are you discouraged by reports of 20-something entrepreneurs and wonder if your life is over before it even started? Well, don’t be. There are plenty of inspiring stories out there about people who achieved success later in life. It’s never too late to start something new or take on a challenge. Not convinced? Read on for 3 quick examples of why it is not too late to start and succeed. Set yourself up for success this year!
1. If they can do it – so can You!
One of the most effective ways of growing your self-belief and overcoming your limiting beliefs, is to read the stories of people who have achieved success similar to what you are aiming for. I’ve compiled a list of a few people who were “late bloomers” who found success in their midlife and senior years, and I’m sure that there will be at least one story that motivates you to realise that if they can do it – so can you!
People who succeeded later in life:
-Colonel Sanders. Colonel Sanders was the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (now known as KFC). At the age of 52, he developed a secret recipe for his chicken that included 11 herbs and spices; this recipe would later become famous as “Kentucky Fried Chicken” (KFC). Sanders franchised his restaurant chain for the first time at age 64, and by 1963 there were over 600 KFC restaurants worldwide
-Vera Wang. Vera Wang is a world-renowned fashion designer. She didn’t start her career in fashion until she was 40 years old, but she quickly became one of the most successful designers in the industry, becoming especially known for her stunning bridal gown designs.
-Ray Kroc. Ray Kroc is the founder of McDonald’s, one of the most successful fast food chains in history. He started the company when he was 52 years old and built it into a global powerhouse. Today, McDonald’s has over 36,000 locations in more than 100 countries.
-Stan Lee. Stan Lee was the co-creator of some of the most iconic comic book characters of all time, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, and The Incredible Hulk. He didn’t start working in comics until he was 39 years old, but went on to become one of the most successful people in the industry.
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-Sam Walton. Sam Walton is best known for being the founder of Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the world. Walton started Walmart in 1962 when he was 44 years old and when it went public in 1970, Walton really started to make a fortune. Today, Walmart has over 11,000 stores worldwide and generates annual revenues of over $500 billion.
-Julia Child. Julia Child wrote her first cookbook at 50 and began hosting a cooking show on public television when she was 51. That same year, Julia published what would become her most famous book Mastering the Art of French Cooking which has sold more than two million copies since its release in 1961. Julia Child showed us all that it’s never too late to follow your dreams no matter how unconventional they may seem at first glance.
-Grandma Moses. Grandma Moses or Anna Mary Robertson Moses was born in 1860 and did not begin her painting career until she was 78 years old! Her first artwork sold for $10,000 and she went on to become an iconic American folk artist. If she can do it at 78, so can you!
2. You don’t always need experience to Succeed!
Many of the examples above prove that it is possible to achieve success without prior experience. They also suggest that age really doesn’t matter, as what really matters is your passion and drive. If you have a vision for something new and are willing to put in the effort necessary to make it happen, then there’s no reason why you cannot succeed. As well, the beauty of being in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, is that you have learned to be capable and resourceful in order to get this far in life. When you apply this resourcefulness to discovering what you need to learn and where and how to get that input, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals, regardless of what prior experience you may or may not have.
3. You have the ability to take action Now!
It may seem intimidating at first, but once you take that first step towards achieving your dreams there will be no looking back. Whether it’s starting a business or taking up a creative hobby – just get started today on making your dreams come true. Indeed, one of the positives of being a midlifer is that you don’t need to wait for permission or be swayed by other people’s opinions. If you are determined to bring your long held dream to life – start today! Who knows? You might even become the next Grandma Moses or Colonel Sanders!
Conclusion
If you’ve been thinking for a while about starting something new but haven’t taken action yet, due to concern that you are too old – don’t let this stop you any longer! As someone who went back to school to train in an entirely different field at age 43, then published their first book at age 51, (now up to number 5 published with another in production) I am very much an advocate for not being limited by how many times you’ve been around the sun! Age is just a number – what really matters is your passion and drive. I hope you’ll decide that this year, you won’t wait any longer. Instead, you are going to take action – starting today – in order to make your dreams come true!
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Cat-this was a timely article for me. Just last week I did my first paid gig outside of my ‘ profession ‘ and I was exhilarated! Thank you for pointing out so many successful people who really hit their stride at mid life…and later in the case of Grandma Moses!
Congratulations to you Trishy and yes, isn’t Grandma Moses inspiring?
Interesting and inspiring article Cat! I do totally agree with what you say and live by these principles as much as I can. It requires belief, passion, commitment and very hard and consistent work. Not always easy…yet necessary if you want to achieve things.
Love the examples of those who found their thing a tad later in their life. It’s never too late to pursue your dream or purpose.