Whether you’re 21 and just figuring out how to do your own laundry (don’t worry, we’ve all been there) or you’re 52, starting over after a divorce and trying to make sense of life’s next chapter, I’m here to tell you one thing: success doesn’t have an expiration date.
There’s this common belief floating around: after a certain age—say, 50—you’re “set in your ways.” You can’t do anything extraordinary anymore because the train has left the station, and you’re stuck on the tracks you’ve been riding for the past few decades. People say, “You’ve done what you’re gonna do. You have wisdom, but you don’t have the energy anymore.”
But here’s the truth—who are these people who get to decide that? And why are we letting them define our limits?
Only you can decide fate.
The Myth of “Too Late”
Let me tell you a quick story. There’s this guy—we’ll call him Dave (because Dave always seems to have something going on). Dave turns 50, went through a divorce, felt burned out in his career, and thought, “This is it. I’ll just keep doing what I’ve always done.” Then one day, he decided to start painting. Just as a hobby. A couple of years later, he’s selling those paintings at local galleries and living his best life in a completely new career—at 55!
So what’s the moral of this story here? The idea that you’re “done” after 50 is just that—an idea. A limiting belief. And it’s one we need to let go of, fast.
What’s the Real Definition of Success?
Success isn’t some finish line you cross when you hit a certain age or achieve a specific milestone. It’s not something you “arrive” at and then just maintain. Success is fluid—it evolves with you. It’s about growth, about becoming more, no matter where you start or what age you are. Whether you’re 21, still figuring out the world, or 52, starting over after a life-changing event, success means you are constantly becoming more.
And here’s the big one: You are not all that you’re ever going to be. You can keep growing. And you will do extraordinary things—if you believe it’s possible.
The Stats and Possibilities: Is It Too Late After 50?
Let’s throw some numbers at this “too late” myth. Some of the most successful people in history didn’t hit their stride until later in life. Colonel Sanders was 62 when KFC became a franchise. Vera Wang didn’t design her first dress until she was 40. Ray Kroc? He was in his 50s when he bought McDonald’s and turned it into a global empire.
And the statistics back it up: many people actually achieve their greatest professional and financial success between the ages of 50 and 65. Why? Because by this point, you’ve learned from your mistakes, you’ve built resilience, and—get this—you still have time. Sure, you might not have the energy of your 25-year-old self, but you make up for it with wisdom and a laser-like focus on what really matters.
How Do You Beat the Odds?
So how do you defy these odds? Whether you’re just starting out or starting over, here’s your blueprint for breaking beyond the norm and becoming more.
Get Aggressive (with Your Investments)
For young adults, time is your greatest asset. You can afford to take bigger risks and invest aggressively. Whether it’s in stocks, real estate, or even your own skills—play the long game. The stock market may have ups and downs, but historically, it trends upward.
For those 50+, yes, it’s time to be a little bolder with your financial decisions. Financial advisors will say, “Be conservative as you age.” But let me tell you—if you want to live comfortably in 10 years, you need to invest aggressively now. You don’t have 30 years to let it compound—so find diversified portfolios, take calculated risks, and let your money grow.
Invest in Your Health
You want to be around to enjoy your success, right? Whether you’re 25 or 55, make health a priority. You don’t need to start running marathons, but regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental health practices like meditation or therapy are essential. Think of it as investing in your most important asset—yourself.
This goes beyond financial security—longevity and vitality are your tools for sustaining success over the long haul. And let’s be honest: it’s hard to focus on financial gains when you’re constantly dealing with preventable health issues.
Build Daily Discipline
Whether you’re just starting your career or trying to reinvent yourself, the key to success is consistent action. Every. Single. Day. It’s not about the big, flashy changes; it’s about the small, everyday habits that compound over time. Want to learn something new? Read for 30 minutes every day. Want to get in better shape? Do a little bit every day.
This isn’t glamorous—it’s not Instagram-worthy—but it works. Every successful person, from CEOs to athletes, will tell you that discipline beats motivation every time. Start building daily habits now, and watch how much you grow in the next five years.
Diversify Your Income Streams
Side hustles aren’t just for millennials. It doesn’t matter if you’re 22 or 62—you can create multiple sources of income. For young adults, this is the time to try new things and discover how you can generate extra cash on the side. For those 50+, it might mean taking a hobby you’ve always loved and turning it into a business. It might mean investing in rental properties, launching an online course, or writing a book. The more streams of income you have, the less reliant you are on one thing—and that’s how you secure your future.
Invest in Yourself
You are your greatest asset. Whether it means going back to school, taking an online course, or learning something new, don’t stop growing. The more you invest in your education and skills, the more valuable you become to the marketplace—and the more opportunities you create for yourself. Learning is the one investment that never depreciates.
Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded People
Your circle matters. You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s true—who you spend time with directly impacts your mindset and your success. If you’re constantly surrounded by people who think small, you’ll find yourself thinking small. But if you surround yourself with people who believe in growth, who are doing big things, and who push you to think bigger—you’ll rise to that level.
What’s Next? How to Break Beyond and Be Better
So, where do we go from here? The key to beating the odds and surpassing every expectation is to stay hungry, stay curious, and most importantly—stay bold. Whether you’re starting out in your 20s or starting over in your 50s, don’t settle for the life you’ve always had. Push for the life you’ve always wanted.
Young adults, the future is in your hands. Start investing in your future now, take risks while you have the time to recover, and don’t let fear hold you back. You have the power to design the life you want.
To my middle-aged friends, don’t believe the myth that your best days are behind you. You’ve got the wisdom, and you still have the energy—you just need to channel it into something that excites you and brings you joy.
Time Is On Your Side—Use It
No matter where you are in life, the process of becoming whole again, of redefining success, is all about using your time wisely. Yes, the clock is ticking, but that’s not something to fear. That’s what makes it exciting! Time isn’t your enemy—it’s your opportunity.
So, invest in yourself, take calculated risks, and be aggressive with your growth. Because the second half of your life just might be the best half. I believe in young now with you believing in you and taking actions I know that I will see you on the other side of your dreams soon.
Love Always
John Maurice