SL Life Lessons: It’s Never Too Late

The “Great Recession” has caused many of us to experience life-changing disruption of our careers and finances. If that wasn’t bad enough, the “new normal” economic environment has occurred as we have entered our 40s, 50s and 60s. A time when most of us had strategies in place for retirement, saving for our children’s college education, etc. The rippling effects of the economic turmoil have placed many of us in unchartered territory. Wondering and asking, ‘How can I start over at this stage of my life?’ ‘How do I recreate myself at 40, 50 or 60 years old?’

However, there is evidence that it’s never too late to pursue our dreams. To be the person we always wanted to become. Below is a list of men and women who were able to experience considerable success late in life[1]:

• Samuel L. Jackson- 43-years-old when he landed an award-winning role in “Jungle Fever”. Now he is considered one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood.

• Vera Wang- 40-years-old when she entered the fashion industry. Today, she is a leading women’s designer.

• Henry Ford- 45-years-old when he created the Model T.

• Julia Child- 5o-years-old when she wrote her first cook book, launching her career as a celebrity chef.

• Stan Lee- Approximately 39-years-old when he created his first hit comic. Now Marvel movies are some of the highest grossing in the movie industry.

• Jack Cover- 50-years-old when he invented the Taser gun, earning him millions.

• Ray Kroc- 52-years-old when he purchased McDonald’s, one of the world’s most famous fast-food brands.

• Colonel Sanders- 62-years-old when he franchised Kentucky Fried Chicken. Now there are KFC restaurants in many countries around the world.

Despite the economic disruption that has occurred at this stage of our lives, we should continue to pursue our dreams. As Mary Ann Evans (pen name, George Eliot) eloquently wrote, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

[1] Richard Feloni, “20 People Who Became Highly Successful After Age 40”, Business Insider (9/9/2014).