Better late than never has long been a phrase that carries the promise of second chances and the quiet power of perseverance. Originating from the Latin potiusque sero quam nunquam and immortalized in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, this idiom is more than just a casual apology for tardiness—it’s an encouragement to pursue goals, regardless of when the journey starts.

Societal pressure can make listeners feel like time’s run out, and social media often magnifies a fear that success only belongs to the young. Yet history and headlines prove otherwise. Legendary Japanese developer Taikichiro Mori, deemed the richest man in the world when he passed at eighty-eight, built his fortune after a humble career as a professor. He transformed Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills neighborhood in his seventies, reminding everyone that new dreams can flourish at any age. Similarly, Vera Wang designed her first wedding dress at forty after decades as a figure skater and fashion editor. Samuel L. Jackson’s star exploded at forty-six, Morgan Freeman’s at fifty, and author Frank McCourt published his Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir at sixty-six.

The lesson for listeners is clear: success doesn’t have an expiration date, and life isn’t a race. Tina Fey didn’t break into comedy writing’s upper echelons until she was thirty, inspiring anyone who has felt overlooked or behind. Gladys Burrill finished her first marathon at eighty-six, going on to set records in her nineties. These stories underscore how late bloomers can change the narrative and give hope to those who wonder if it’s too late.

What holds many back are not real barriers, but labels and invisible timelines imposed by society. If listeners need inspiration, hear this—many of our most vital contributions, creative works, and cultural shifts come from those who simply refused to give up. Perseverance is often the missing ingredient. Whether the goal is artistic recognition, athletic achievement, or a business breakthrough, daily habits and unwavering vision can bring about extraordinary results.

So if you’re listening and worried you’ve missed your moment, remember: better late than never isn’t just a cliché—it’s a call to action. You have permission to begin again, and history is on your side.