Success doesn’t always come overnight. Sometimes, the path to greatness is filled with detours, wrong turns and unexpected setbacks.
But for late bloomers, those winding roads can ultimately lead to their biggest triumphs.
In a world that admires prodigies and expects us to have our futures mapped out by 18, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. But believe it or not, there are powerful benefits and inspiring success stories for those who take their time.
A fully developed mind sets you up for success
As we age, we may assume our cognitive abilities begin to decline, but research tells a different story.
“We get smarter and more creative as we age, research shows. Our brain’s anatomy, neural networks, and cognitive abilities can actually improve with age and increased life experiences,” said Rich Karlgaard in his book, “Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement.”
At 18, we’re suddenly expected to make life-altering decisions about our future. But, as science shows, our brains aren’t fully developed until age 25, according to the National Library of Medicine. It’s no wonder many of us take time to find our calling.
Learning from mistakes paves the way for success
In an article published in Nature, researcher Yang Wang and colleagues found that success comes not from luck, but from learning through our mistakes. However, simply trying again isn’t enough.
Wang emphasizes the importance of incorporating lessons learned and feedback received, allowing us to “fail better.”
Each failed attempt provides us with more knowledge and self understanding, giving us the tools needed to reach our goals and ultimately find success.
Four inspiring stories of famous people who found success later in life
Julia Child
Julia Child, also known as the “Godmother of American cooking,” is one of the world’s greatest culinary icons. But she didn’t begin learning to cook until she was 36.
According to PBS, Julia Child worked for the Office of Strategic Services, a spy agency during World War ll, before her culinary career took off. Cooking was never her initial dream — she aspired to join the military and become a writer.
It wasn’t until she enrolled in a “brides-to-be” cooking class before marrying her husband that her passion for food truly began.
Vera Wang
Vera Wang, the iconic designer behind countless elegant wedding gowns, didn’t always dream of fashion. In an interview with the Harvard Business Review, Wang revealed before making her mark in bridal wear, she pursued a career in figure skating.
After failing to make the U.S. Olympic team, Wang transitioned into fashion, spending 16 years as a Vogue editor before launching her career in design at the age of 40.
Alan Rickman
According to Biography, late actor Alan Rickman, though always drawn to theatrical arts from a young age, initially pursued an education and career in graphic design.
He even started a design company with friends. It wasn’t until later in life Rickman began acting with British theater companies (doing freelance design to support himself), which led to his breakthrough role at the age of 42 as Hans Gruber in “Die Hard.”
Vivienne Westwood
Per the Glam Observer, Westwood is recognized as an unconventional, provocative and progressive British fashion designer, a symbol of the British avant-garde.
However, she never even attended fashion school. Instead, she started her career as a primary school teacher. It wasn’t until her 30s that she pursued fashion. Her fashion career lunged into success in her 40s.