Better Late Than Never: How Perseverance Trumps Age in Achieving Your Dreams and Finding Success

Welcome to today’s podcast, where we’re diving into the phrase better late than never and exploring the powerful theme of second chances. In a world where society often applauds the young prodigy and overnight success, it can feel daunting—almost shameful—to take the scenic route to your dreams. Social media blasts us with images of people making it by 25, but real life rarely follows such a neat timeline.

The truth is, success doesn’t have an expiration date. According to the site Teyxo, late bloomers like Tina Fey didn’t land her breakthrough at Saturday Night Live until she was 30, and Vera Wang didn’t even design her first wedding dress until 40, after careers in skating and editing. Frank McCourt didn’t publish his first book until he was 66, winning the Pulitzer for Angela’s Ashes. These stories remind us that it’s not about when you start, but that you start at all.

History is filled with such examples. Taikichiro Mori became the world’s richest man after starting his real estate journey well into his later years. He transformed neighborhoods in Japan and always said you’re never too old to reinvent yourself. Then there’s Samuel L. Jackson, who didn’t get his breakout film role until 46, or Gladys Burrill, who ran her first marathon at 86 and became a record holder at 92. The journey is personal. As Tim Denning explains, people often wrongly believe greatness is only for the young. The stories of these late bloomers tell a different tale: it’s perseverance, not youth, that’s the strongest predictor of success.

But what about the pressures we feel? Our culture programs us to believe that missing some invisible deadline means we’ve missed our chance. This mindset is not just harsh, it’s incorrect, and it robs us all of so much human potential and creativity. As recent articles urge, instead of marveling only at young achievers, we should celebrate every journey—regardless of the starting point.

To anyone listening who feels left behind or worried that your opportunity has passed, remember the wisdom captured in better late than never. Every step counts. Success, fulfillment, connection—they’re always worth reaching for, no matter when you begin. Your timeline is your own. Start today—because it truly is better late than never.