What Dreams Are You Deferring or Denying Because You Think It’s Too Late?
As I look ahead to celebrating my birthday in October, I find myself reflecting on the journey of the past year—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
I firmly believe in celebrating every milestone, no matter how small.
This celebratory mood brings to mind an inspiring story about my cousin, who recently completed his doctorate in management.
Now, you might think, “What’s so unusual about earning a doctorate?” But here’s the twist: my cousin is 63 years old.
At 53, he made a bold decision to start college while holding down a full-time job and raising his children.
Once he embarked on this path, he found himself motivated to keep reaching for the next level.
Over nearly ten years, through countless papers, tests, and late-night study sessions, he persevered until he earned that coveted doctorate degree.
- What career dreams are you deferring or denying because you think it’s too late to achieve them?
- What steps are you not taking today because you’ve convinced yourself that it’s too late to get started?
- More importantly, what dream crushers have you let into your life, telling you that your time has passed?
My cousin’s accomplishment is a powerful reminder: It’s never too late for personal and career success.
Today, my cousin works as a professor at the same university where his daughter received her master’s degree. Talk about full-circle inspiration!
So, what’s holding you back?
Society often tells us that dreams have an expiration date, but that’s a myth.
The reality is, the clock is ticking—but it’s ticking to remind us to act, not to stop us.
The Myth of “Too Late”
Let’s debunk the myth of “too late.”
This myth suggests that if you haven’t achieved your dreams by a certain age, you should pack up and go home.
It whispers that the best opportunities are behind you. But let’s get real: age is just a number, and dreams are timeless.
Consider some of history’s greatest achievers:
– Colonel Sanders founded KFC at 65.
– Vera Wang entered the fashion industry at 40.
– Grandma Moses started her painting career in her 70s.
These individuals didn’t let age dictate their potential, instead, they redefined success on their own terms.
Taking the First Step
What’s stopping you from taking the first step?
Fear?
Doubt?
Lack of time?
These are all valid concerns, but they’re also obstacles that can be overcome.
Here are some actionable steps to help you start today:
- Identify Your Dream: What is it that you’ve always wanted to do?
Write it down. Make it real.
- Break It Down: Divide your big dream into smaller, manageable goals.
What can you do today that brings you one step closer?
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community.
Find mentors, join groups, or connect with like-minded individuals who can cheer you on.
- Learn Continuously: Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve your dream.
Enroll in courses, attend workshops, or simply start reading.
- Stay Persistent: Remember, persistence is key.
There will be setbacks and challenges, but each one is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Crushing the Dream Crushers
We all have dream crushers—those voices, whether internal or external, that tell us it’s too late.
These could be well-meaning friends or family members, societal expectations, or even our own self-doubt.
It’s time to silence those voices. Believe in your capability and your worth.
Remember my cousin? He didn’t let age, responsibilities, or naysayers stop him. He chose to believe in his potential and took consistent action toward his goal.
Your Turn
Imagine looking back in ten years.
Do you want to see a decade of deferred dreams or a journey of bold steps and realized potential? The choice is yours.
Your career dreams are valid at any age. The steps you take today, no matter how small, are building blocks for your future.
And those dream crushers? They’re powerless against your determination and resilience.
So, what will you do today to move closer to your dream?
Start now. Because it’s never too late to redefine success and achieve the extraordinary.
Your story is still being written, and the best chapters are yet to come.
