Better late than never—a phrase rooted in ancient wisdom—reminds us that taking action, even belatedly, is far more valuable than never attempting at all. Derived from the Latin “potius sero quam nunquam,” and first seen in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, this idiom has become part of our everyday language, used both sincerely and with a touch of irony when things don’t arrive quite on time. But beyond its literal meaning, “better late than never” captures a spirit of hope: the idea that second chances and perseverance hold incredible power.

History and current events are filled with stories of individuals who defied the pressures of doing everything young and achieved greatness on their own timelines. Taikichiro Mori became the richest man in the world well into his late sixties, only completing his landmark Roppongi Hills project in his 80s. Vera Wang pivoted to designing wedding dresses at 40 after her career in figure skating and fashion editing. Morgan Freeman wasn’t a household name until his 50s, and Gladys Burrill ran her first marathon at 86, later becoming the oldest marathon runner ever. These late bloomers didn’t just succeed—they transformed their industries and inspired millions.

Society often pushes the narrative that success has a deadline, fueled by social media images of prodigies and young moguls. It’s easy for listeners to fear that missing early opportunities means missing out forever. But research shows our brains keep growing and adapting throughout adulthood—creativity, wisdom, and focus often increase with age and life experience. This challenges the myth that accomplishment is reserved for the young. The pressure to conform to predetermined timelines can be paralyzing, but the most triumphant stories are shaped by persistence and a willingness to keep moving forward despite setbacks. The inspiration in “better late than never” is universal: whether you are starting a passion project in your forties, pursuing a degree in your sixties, or returning to a dream after decades, the most important step is not when you take it, but that you do.

Listeners, embrace your journey. Success is not a race and there are no missed opportunities unless you’re unwilling to begin. Your timeline is yours—and it’s never too late to rewrite your story.