Late Bloomer
Do you ever get down on yourself for being in your 40’s or middle-aged and feeling as if you haven’t fulfilled what you were put here to do? That you haven’t accomplished all you’d like to accomplish? That you haven’t found the success you seek? That you’ve let your lack of confidence and fear stifle your contributions?
It’s time to shake off those negative thoughts, shift one’s mindset, and get into action. In mid-life, people tend to come into themselves, develop an ease with and acceptance of who they are, and not let the “should’s” hold them back from committing to their true selves. With this comfort and deepening into oneself, it’s helpful to be reminded that many successful people found success later in life.
In an interview last year, Madeline Albright called herself a “late bloomer,” having found her way to politics at the age of 39, ultimately becoming the first female Secretary of State and continuing to be active in her 60’s, 70’s and now at the age of 80. Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House and the highest ranking female politician in American history, first became a Congresswoman at the age of 47. Martha Stewart wrote her first cookbook in her early 40’s. Even actresses have found success later in life, unusual in an industry that rewards youth. In a 2013 article in The New York Times, Connie Britton (at the time 45 years old) said, “My life started being awesome five years ago [at the age of 40].” Helen Mirren is getting better roles now in her 60’s and 70’s than she did in her youth, garnering an academy award in 2007 for “The Queen” at the age of 61.
Even if not on a nationally or internationally recognized scale, look around and you’ll find women who are ringing up accomplishments post-40, from starting up new ventures and finding second careers to running for a political office or starting a foundation.
Malcolm Gladwell wrote a great article on late bloomers in 2008. While his conclusions may not be the only answers for finding success later in life, it is interesting to note that there are some people who work differently and who need to work hard to find success. For some, success comes easily and naturally. For others, it takes practice and dedicated focus.
Therefore, one should feel emboldened at this age to go for it. There’s still time. You can still change your trajectory by being daring and going after what you want. It’s ridiculous to think you’re “over.” Why not embrace that we’re each on our own journey and path to find our own personally defined success.
The Insight: Never think it’s too late. Have the courage to go after your goals and ambitions now. Some of us may take more time to figure out where we want to fully invest our effort, to fully commit ourselves, or for the spark to show up and connections to align. Your time can be now. You just may be a late bloomer.