You need to hear this.
It’s never too late to pursue that thing, that itchy, annoying, incessant craving in your heart. There’s something there, and it’s been screaming from the outfield for some attention. And yes, maybe it’s been buried by decades of distractions or dismissed by limiting beliefs, but that doesn’t mean it’s dead.
It’s not too late, you still have time. You can realize success but you have to be the one to believe it.
In order to prove my point and extend a pretty potent dose of inspiration, I’ve included some incredible success stories from people you’ve heard of who didn’t hit it big until they after sprouting some grays. (See below)
If they can do it, so can you. Let 2024 be your year where you put your dreams first and pursue them with unwavering resilience and discipline. Those are my two favorite accountability words for 2024 – I’ve got some lofty goals and I need to muster up as much motivation as possible.
You’ve still got what it takes to make it happen, all you need is to take that very first step. Do it this week, here’s how. First, ask yourself this:
"Is the looming regret worth giving up on the dreams?
Second step, ask yourself this:
“How can I spend 15 minutes a day taking the first, second, then third step toward making my dream a reality?”
You can afford the time because 15 minutes ain’t doo doo, that’s a decent bathroom break. But if you look back in a month, you may be astounded at what you accomplish. Start today and BELIEVE in yourself.
Mark the time in your calendar, put a post-it-note on your bathroom mirror, tell your bestie to help hold you accountable and make that time/effort investment starting today!
You deserve to know you at least gave your dream an honest chance so that you rid yourself of any regret. Sometimes, people find their purpose in the pursuit of their dreams and not in the realization of them. That kind of mindset can free you of overwhelming panic, stress, and doubt.
You got this. Don't give up on your dreams! I believe in you!
Let me know if you took the first step and what you’re working on, all of us could use a little encouragement.
Wishing you a peaceful present, and prosperous New Year!
With Gratitude,
Joe Hehn
Stan Lee created his first hit comic, "The Fantastic Four," just shy of his 39th birthday, in 1961.
Julia Child published her first cookbook at 50 years old. Then, she turned into a celebrity chef with her own TV show.
Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison wrote her first novel, "The Bluest Eye," at age 40, while she was working at Random House as an editor. She won her Pulitzer Prize when she was 56, and her Nobel Prize in Literature at 62.
Samuel L. Jackson has been a Hollywood staple for years now, but he'd had only bit parts before landing an award-winning role at age 43 in Spike Lee's film "Jungle Fever" in 1991.
Sam Walton had a fairly successful retail-management career in his 20s and 30s, but his path to astronomical success began at age 44, when he founded the first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962.
Henry Ford was 45 when he created the revolutionary Model T car in 1908.
Rodney Dangerfield is remembered as a legendary comedian, but he didn't catch a break until he made a hit appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" at age 46.
Betty White was one of the most award-winning comedic actresses in history, but she didn't become an icon until she joined the cast of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" in 1973 at age 51.
Beloved comedian Steve Carell is known for his many blockbuster hits, including "The 40-year-old Virgin" and "The Big Short." But he didn't land his hit role as Michael Scott in "The Office" until he was 42.
Ray Kroc spent his career as a milkshake-device salesman before buying McDonald's at age 52 in 1954. He grew it into the world's biggest fast-food franchise.
Laura Ingalls Wilder spent her later years writing semi-autobiographical stories using her educated daughter, Rose, as an editor. She published the first in the "Little House" books at age 65 in 1932. They soon became children's literary classics and the basis for the TV show "Little House on the Prairie."
Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses, began her prolific painting career at 78. In 2006, one of her paintings sold for $1.2 million.
Harry Bernstein spent a long life writing in obscurity but finally achieved fame at age 96 for his 2007 memoir, "The Invisible Wall: A Love Story That Broke Barriers."