Better late than never is much more than a polite excuse—it’s a testament to the enduring possibility of second chances and the rewards of perseverance. In today’s world, with trends and technology racing forward, it’s easy to worry time has run out on our goals. But history and countless lives prove otherwise. The phrase itself is ancient, first recorded in English by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales back in 1386, and even earlier as a Latin proverb. Its message urges us to value delayed action over permanent regret and has comforted and inspired generations.

Think about legendary late bloomers whose stories light up this idea. Colonel Harland Sanders began franchising Kentucky Fried Chicken at 62, after a lifetime of odd jobs and setbacks. Vera Wang pivoted from figure skating and magazine editing to becoming one of the world’s foremost fashion designers—she didn’t make her first wedding dress until she was 40. Samuel L. Jackson, a name now synonymous with Hollywood cool, didn’t land his breakout film role until he was 46. Gladys Burrill finished her first marathon at 86 and later became the oldest marathoner ever at 92, showing that age is not a finish line but a marker of more to come.

These stories remind listeners that success isn’t linear and certainly doesn’t belong exclusively to the young. Modern society can pressure us to achieve early, but the truth is that life’s best chapters can be written at any age. Social media’s highlight reels too often leave out the years of quiet effort and rebirth. According to motivational sources like Marie Forleo and VegOut Magazine, late bloomers often succeed not because they suddenly change course, but because they build on decades of experience and cultivate habits that propel them forward when the moment is finally right.

If you’re listening and feel like the window of opportunity has closed, remember you create your own timeline. Take stock of your unique skills and scars—they’re your unfair advantages. Consider what project or dream still calls out to you, recruit support, and give yourself permission to start, no matter how late it feels. Life’s most powerful stories are those where the ending is still unwritten—better late than never.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI