Educational articles | Greenwich College

Afraid success has passed you by?

Written by Ana Camara | Tuesday, 9 July 2024, 07:43 AM

To be remarkably successful, science says time (and mastery) is truly on your side

Feeling like success has slipped away? You're not alone. Many worry they've missed their chance, but science shows time and mastery are on your side for achieving remarkable success.

Society often thinks success must happen early in life, focusing on young prodigies and their achievements. Stories of tech moguls and athletes who achieved significant success before turning 30 dominate headlines. But what about the rest of us? Is it too late if you haven't reached your goals by a certain age?

Science says: It's never too late

Research debunks the myth that success is exclusively a young person's game. Studies have shown that significant achievements can occur at any age. Research by Albert-László Barabási shows that important discoveries can happen at any age, not just in your 20s or 30s.

The key factor? Mastery of one’s craft. The more time you dedicate to honing your skills, the more likely you are to achieve remarkable success.

The power of deliberate practice

Success isn’t just about natural talent; it’s about the time and effort invested in deliberate practice. This concept, popularized by psychologist Anders Ericsson, emphasizes that consistent, focused practice over time leads to mastery. Whether you're learning a new instrument, mastering a sport, or advancing in your career, the hours you put in will pay off.

Embrace the journey

Instead of fixating on quick success, embrace the journey of continuous improvement. Each step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals. Celebrate your progress and remember that every expert was once a beginner. 

Examples of late bloomers

History is filled with examples of late bloomers who achieved remarkable success later in life:

  • Vivienne Westwood didn't start her fashion career until she hit her 30s.
  • Colonel Sanders founded KFC at 65, making his love for cooking a worldwide success.
  • Vera Wang entered the fashion industry at 40, becoming one of the most influential designers in the world.
  • Ray Kroc joined McDonald’s at 52, transforming a small restaurant into an international fast-food empire.
  • Julia Child published her first cookbook at 50, becoming an iconic television chef and author.

These individuals prove that it's never too late to pursue your dreams and find success.

Time is your ally

The notion that time is against you is a myth. Instead, view time as an ally. Each year learning, growing, and perfecting your skills increases your potential for success. Patience and persistence are powerful tools in your journey.

Act today

Feeling disheartened? Remember, success is a marathon, not a sprint. Start today by setting clear goals, dedicating time to practice, and embracing the learning process. Your unique path to success is waiting for you, regardless of your age.

Don’t let the fear that success has passed you by hold you back. Charles Darwin created his theory of evolution in his 50s. Harland Sanders, also known as Colonel Sanders, founded Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) at the age of 65. His success story shows that it's never too late to achieve your dreams.

Science affirms that time and mastery are on your side. If you commit to always getting better and enjoy the process, you can succeed no matter where you are in life. It's never too late to be who you might have been.

Explore the range of courses Greenwich College offers, and find your next career path.

English Courses:

- General English

- Pronunciation in Context

- IELTS Preparation

- Cambridge Exam Preparation

- English for Business

- English for Academic Purposes

- English for Vocational Studies (EVS)

- English+ Creative Technology

- Young Learners

Management Courses:

- BSB20120 Certificate II in Workplace Skills

- BSB40120 Certificate IV in Business

- BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership & Management

- BSB40920 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice

- BSB40820 Certificate IV in Marketing & Communication

- BSB50120 Diploma of Business (Digital Transformation)

- BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership & Management

- BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management

- BSB50620 Diploma of Marketing & Communication

- BSB60720 Advanced Diploma of Program Management

- BSB60420 Advanced Diploma of Leadership & Management

- BSB80120 Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning)

- 11269NAT Diploma of E-commerce

Hospitality Courses:

- SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management

- SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management

- SIT60322 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management

Health and Care Courses:

- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)

- CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support

- CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)

 

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