The phrase better late than never has roots stretching back centuries, but its message is as relevant as ever in 2025. Attributed to both the Roman historian Livy and later popularized in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales in the 14th century, this idiom reassures us that it’s always worthwhile to take action or pursue a goal, even if it happens long after the “ideal” time.

In a world obsessed with early achievement—where social media often highlights twenty-something prodigies and overnight successes—it’s easy for listeners to feel behind or discouraged. Yet, as the stories of so-called late bloomers show, society’s timelines are not destiny. People like Vera Wang, who entered the fashion world and designed her first dress at 40, or Frank McCourt, who published his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir Angela’s Ashes at 66, remind us that remarkable accomplishments can come at any stage of life. Even Susan Boyle, who stunned global audiences with her singing at age 47 and returned from a stroke in 2023 to perform once more, embodies the power of perseverance and the reality that talent has no expiration date.

The pressure to succeed young can make setbacks feel insurmountable. Yet, as Mary Mandell reflected in her essay, being a late bloomer is often a gift. The journey, with its detours and delays, allows for deep relationships, personal growth, and the perspective to see that failures are not flaws but valuable lessons. Tina Fey didn’t become the first female head writer at Saturday Night Live until she was 30, and Morgan Freeman’s iconic film career only took off in his fifties, showing that timelines for success are deeply personal and shouldn’t be dictated by external expectations.

For every listener feeling like you’ve missed your moment, remember—success doesn’t have an expiration date. Your story is yours to write, and it’s never too late to begin. As the idiom reminds us, better late than never. Pursue your dreams, take that next step, and celebrate every milestone on your own timeline.