Never Too Late To Be Great

1. Success takes time: Embrace the power of slow-cooked achievement

"Che va piano, va longano, e va lontano. 'Who goes slowly, goes long and far.'"

Patience is key. Success rarely happens overnight; it's a gradual process that requires time, effort, and persistence. This "slow-cooked" approach to achievement allows for deeper learning, refinement of skills, and the development of true mastery.

Examples abound. Many renowned figures experienced long periods of apparent obscurity before their breakthroughs:

• Julia Child didn't start learning to cook until age 37
• Grandma Moses began painting at 76
• Harrison Ford was a carpenter well into his 30s before his acting career took off

By embracing a longer-term perspective on success, you can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety about immediate results
• Allow time for experimentation and learning from failures
• Develop resilience and perseverance
• Build a stronger foundation for lasting achievement

2. Longevity revolution: Leverage increased lifespans for multiple chances at success

"With most of us living longer lives, we have an advantage over our ancestors in that we can expect to complete a great project."

Time is on our side. Increased life expectancy in developed countries means we have more years to pursue our goals and reinvent ourselves. This longevity revolution offers unprecedented opportunities for personal growth and achievement.

Key points to consider:

• Average lifespans have increased dramatically in the past century
• Many people remain active and productive well into their 70s, 80s, and beyond
• Multiple careers or significant life changes are becoming more common

This extended timeline allows for:

• Greater experimentation and risk-taking
• The pursuit of passion projects later in life
• Accumulation of diverse experiences and skills
• Multiple attempts at success in different fields

3. The long view: Adopt a different time horizon to join the elite

"Influence lasts longer in proportion to the lateness of its beginning."

Think in decades, not years. Adopting a long-term perspective on your goals and achievements can set you apart from the majority who focus on short-term gains. This mindset shift allows for more strategic planning and patience in pursuit of significant accomplishments.

Benefits of the long view:

• Reduced stress over short-term setbacks
• Ability to weather economic cycles and market fluctuations
• Greater appreciation for compounding effects of small actions
• Alignment of daily choices with long-term aspirations

Examples of long-term thinking:

• Warren Buffett's investment philosophy
• Jeff Bezos' willingness to forgo short-term profits for long-term market dominance
• Olympic athletes training for years for a single competition

4. Lead time matters: Understand the crucial 'time in between'

"Facility will come with labour."

Preparation is essential. The period between conceiving an idea and its successful implementation – the lead time – is crucial for developing skills, gathering resources, and refining plans. This often-overlooked phase is where the foundation for future success is laid.

Key aspects of lead time:

• Skill development and practice (e.g., the "10,000-hour rule")
• Building networks and relationships
• Market research and product refinement
• Personal growth and character development

Examples of significant lead times:

• The Beatles' years playing in Hamburg before fame
• James Dyson's 5,126 prototypes before a successful vacuum design
• J.K. Rowling's years of writing and rejection before Harry Potter's publication

5. The 40 factor: Recognize why many find their stride in their fifth decade

"Life Begins at 40."

Midlife renaissance. Many individuals experience a surge in creativity, productivity, and success around age 40. This phenomenon often results from a combination of accumulated experience, clearer self-knowledge, and a sense of urgency to make a meaningful impact.

Factors contributing to the "40 factor":

• Established professional networks
• Financial stability allowing for calculated risks
• Clearer sense of personal values and priorities
• Reduced family obligations as children grow older

Notable examples:

• Julia Child published her first cookbook at 50
• Vera Wang entered fashion design at 40
• Samuel L. Jackson's breakout role in Pulp Fiction at 46

6. Mid-century magic: Harness the potential of your later years

"Now for my next half-century."

Later-life potential. The years between 50 and 80 can be incredibly productive and fulfilling, offering opportunities for reinvention, legacy-building, and the pursuit of long-held dreams. This period often combines wisdom, financial stability, and reduced family obligations.

Advantages of mid-century pursuits:

• Accumulated life experience and perspective
• Established networks and resources
• Reduced concern for others' opinions
• Clarity about personal values and priorities

Examples of mid-century achievements:

• Grandma Moses began her painting career at 76
• Frank McCourt published Angela's Ashes at 66
• Colonel Sanders founded KFC at 65

7. The 30-year goldmine: Appreciate how many save their best for last

"You have dormant seeds in us, and suddenly we can get a revelation, a ray of light hitting us in a field, Joan of Arc-style, about what it is we should be doing."

Late-life blooming. The final three decades of life can be incredibly productive and fulfilling for many individuals. This period often sees the convergence of wisdom, experience, and the freedom to pursue long-held passions.

Characteristics of the 30-year goldmine:

• Reduced financial and family obligations
• Accumulated knowledge and skills
• Willingness to take risks and try new things
• Desire to leave a lasting legacy

Notable late-life achievements:

• Michelangelo designed St. Peter's Basilica in his 70s and 80s
• Benjamin Franklin helped draft the U.S. Constitution at 81
• Mary Wesley published her first novel at 70

8. People power: Acknowledge how background shapes us, but doesn't define us

"Successful people don't do it alone. Where they come from matters. They're products of particular places and environments."

Nature and nurture interplay. While our backgrounds and environments significantly influence our development, they do not determine our ultimate success. Individual choices, perseverance, and the ability to seize opportunities play crucial roles in shaping our achievements.

Factors to consider:

• Cultural and family influences
• Educational opportunities
• Socioeconomic background
• Personal experiences and challenges

However, many successful individuals have overcome challenging backgrounds:

• Oprah Winfrey's rise from poverty to media mogul
• J.K. Rowling's journey from single mother on welfare to bestselling author
• Richard Branson's dyslexia and academic struggles before entrepreneurial success

9. Start small: Remember that everything big begins modestly

"No matter how dramatic the end result, the good-to-great transformations never happened in one fell swoop."

Embrace humble beginnings. Most significant achievements, businesses, and movements start with small, often unremarkable first steps. Recognizing this can help alleviate pressure and encourage action, even when resources or recognition are limited.

Key principles:

• Focus on consistent, incremental progress
• Celebrate small victories along the way
• Be patient and allow time for growth
• Remain open to pivots and unexpected opportunities

Examples of modest starts:

• Amazon began as an online bookstore in Jeff Bezos' garage
• Apple's first product was hand-built in Steve Jobs' parents' garage
• Google started as a Stanford University research project

Last updated: October 2, 2024