7 Inspiring Examples of People Who Achieved Greatness Later in Life

It’s a common belief that success is something that must be achieved early in life, but is that really the case? 

In this post, we’ll explore the inspiring stories of individuals who achieved greatness later in life and challenge the notion that success has an expiration date. 

From artists to entrepreneurs, we’ll showcase examples of individuals who found their true calling and achieved remarkable success later in life, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and reach your full potential. 

So, if you’re feeling discouraged about your age or the progress you’ve made so far, read on for some motivation and inspiration. 

Example -1

Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci, widely regarded as one of the most creative minds of the Renaissance era, faced several early failures and struggles in his life. Despite being a gifted artist, he struggled to complete many of his early works due to his perfectionism and a lack of funds. 

He also faced challenges in his personal life, including a strained relationship with his father and legal troubles.

However, da Vinci persevered and achieved remarkable success later in life. He created some of the most iconic paintings in history, including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. 

He also made significant contributions to the field of science, with his notebooks featuring designs for flying machines, weapons, and a diving suit, among other inventions.

Da Vinci’s legacy continues to inspire artists and inventors today, and his works remain some of the most highly prized and studied pieces in the world. 

So, if you’re feeling discouraged by your early failures, remember that even a genius like da Vinci faced setbacks. With hard work and perseverance, you too can achieve greatness and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Example -2

Vera Wang 

Vera Wang’s early career began in figure skating, where she competed in the sport for several years and even aspired to compete in the Olympics. However, after failing to make the US Olympic team, she shifted her focus to fashion.

Wang began her career in fashion as an editor at Vogue magazine before eventually transitioning to design. She started working as a design director at Ralph Lauren, where she worked for 17 years before leaving to start her own fashion brand.

Despite her lack of formal design training, Wang’s fashion brand quickly became successful and gained a reputation for its luxurious bridal gowns. Over the years, she has expanded her brand to include ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, fragrances, and home goods.

Wang’s career change to fashion design later in life is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to pursue your passion and make a successful career change. 

So, if you’re considering a career change in midlife, take inspiration from Vera Wang’s story and pursue your dreams with determination and hard work.

Example -3

Ray Kroc 

Ray Kroc’s early career was as a traveling salesman, where he sold a variety of products, including paper cups and milkshake machines. It wasn’t until he was in his fifties that he found success as an entrepreneur.

In 1954, Kroc came across a small fast-food restaurant owned by the McDonald brothers and was impressed by their innovative system of delivering food quickly and efficiently. Kroc saw the potential for franchising the business and made a deal with the brothers to take over the franchise operation.

Under Kroc’s leadership, McDonald’s grew into the world’s largest fast-food chain, with thousands of locations around the globe. He was a true innovator in the fast-food industry, introducing drive-thru windows, play areas for children, and the iconic Big Mac burger.

Kroc’s story is an inspiring example of how it’s never too late to start a successful business and make a significant impact on an industry. 

So, if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, take inspiration from Ray Kroc’s journey and pursue your dreams with passion and perseverance.

Example -4

Grandma Moses 

Grandma Moses, born Anna Mary Robertson Moses, spent most of her early life as a farmer and homemaker, raising five children with her husband in upstate New York. It wasn’t until she was in her seventies that she discovered her passion for painting.

At the age of 78, Moses began painting as a way to pass the time during the winter months when she couldn’t work on the farm. She started by painting scenes from her childhood, including rural landscapes and farm animals, using bright colors and a primitive folk art style.

Moses quickly gained recognition for her unique paintings and became a beloved figure in the art world, even appearing on the cover of Time magazine at the age of 100. Her paintings are now displayed in museums around the world and are highly prized by collectors.

Moses’ story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to discover a new talent and pursue a passion. Her late-blooming career in painting has inspired countless others to pursue their creative dreams, no matter their age or background. 

So, if you’re feeling discouraged about pursuing a new passion later in life, remember Grandma Moses and her remarkable journey.

Example -5

Stan Lee 

Stan Lee began his career in comic book writing in the early 1940s, working as an assistant at Timely Comics (which would later become Marvel Comics). He started out by writing filler text for comics and eventually moved on to writing full stories.

Lee’s big break came in the 1960s when he co-created the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, the Hulk, and many other iconic superheroes with artist Jack Kirby. He revolutionized the comic book industry by creating complex characters with relatable flaws and struggles.

Under Lee’s leadership, Marvel Comics became the dominant force in the comic book industry, with its characters and stories becoming beloved by fans around the world. Lee also became known for his enthusiastic personality and frequent appearances in cameo roles in Marvel movies and TV shows.

Lee’s legacy as a comic book creator and pop culture icon continues to inspire fans of all ages. His creativity and dedication to his craft serve as a reminder to pursue your passions and never give up on your dreams.

Example -6

Laura Ingalls Wilder 

Laura Ingalls Wilder was born in 1867 and spent her early life as a homesteader and farmer, moving frequently with her family throughout the Midwest. She later married and settled in Missouri, where she continued to work as a farmer and journalist.

It wasn’t until Wilder was in her sixties that she began her career as a children’s author. 

She drew upon her own experiences growing up on the prairie to write a series of beloved children’s books, starting with “Little House in the Big Woods,” published in 1932 when she was 65 years old. 

The series, which includes classics such as “Little House on the Prairie” and “By the Shores of Silver Lake,” became an instant sensation and has since sold millions of copies worldwide.

Wilder’s writing style was straightforward and honest, and she captured the realities of life on the frontier in a way that resonated with readers of all ages. Her books have been adapted into TV shows and stage plays, and her legacy as a children’s author continues to inspire new generations of readers.

Wilder’s story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to pursue a passion or achieve success. She discovered her talent for writing later in life and went on to become one of the most beloved authors in children’s literature. 

So, if you’re thinking of pursuing a new creative endeavor, take inspiration from Laura Ingalls Wilder and follow your dreams with passion and perseverance.

Example -7

Julia Child 

Julia Child had an unusual early life, working as a spy for the United States Office of Strategic Services during World War II and later as a diplomat’s wife in France. It wasn’t until she was in her forties that she discovered her passion for cooking, while living in Paris with her husband.

Child enrolled in the famous Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris and quickly became an accomplished chef. She later co-authored the landmark cookbook “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” which was published in 1961 and became an instant classic. 

The book’s clear instructions and detailed recipes helped to demystify French cooking for American audiences and made Child a household name.

Child went on to host several successful cooking shows on television, including “The French Chef,” which premiered in 1963 and ran for 10 years. Her enthusiastic personality and love of food made her a beloved figure in the culinary world, and she inspired countless people to try new recipes and techniques in the kitchen.

Child’s story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to discover a new passion and achieve success. She discovered her love of cooking in her forties and went on to become one of the most influential chefs of the 20th century. Her legacy as a chef, author, and television personality continues to inspire new generations of home cooks and food enthusiasts.

Conclusion 

In this post, we explored the inspiring stories of several individuals who achieved great success later in life. We looked at figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Vera Wang, Ray Kroc, Grandma Moses, Stan Lee, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Julia Child, each of whom found their true calling and achieved remarkable success in their later years.

These stories serve as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a passion or achieve success. Whether you’re in your twenties or your eighties, it’s never too late to start something new and make your mark on the world. 

All of these individuals found success through hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks and try new things.

If you’re feeling stuck or discouraged in your own life, take inspiration from these stories and let them motivate you to keep pursuing your dreams. Remember that success can come at any age, and it’s never too late to start living the life you truly want.

So, go out there and chase your dreams with passion and determination. You never know where they might take you! And if you need some extra inspiration or motivation along the way, just remember the stories of these remarkable individuals who achieved success later in life.

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