As we get older, society has a way of making us question whether it’s too late to start over, too late to chase a dream, or too late to build something meaningful. But the reality is it’s never too late to succeed. The only thing standing between you and the achievement of your dreams is persistence—the unwavering commitment to keep going, no matter what obstacles come your way.
As Confucius wisely said:
"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."
The Woman Who Refused to Give Up
Meet Beth. At 57, she found herself facing life transitions. She had raised her children and had dedicated decades to a career that no longer fulfilled her. She felt stuck. She had always dreamed of starting her own business, but didn’t know what to do to make that happen. Fears and limiting beliefs told her, You're too old to start now. No one will take you seriously.
However, something inside her wouldn’t let the dream die. She took one small step—signing up for a business workshop. Then another—creating a plan. Then another—launching a small online store selling handmade jewelry, something she had loved making for years.
It wasn’t easy. She was extremely overwhelmed with the technology part of the business. Sales were slow at first. Doubt crept in. But she persisted. She learned, adapted, and refused to quit.
Three years later, by the time she turned 60, her business was thriving. She was earning more than she ever did in her old job and, more importantly, she was passionate about her work. Looking back, she realized that her success had nothing to do with age and everything to do with persistence.
Why Persistence is Hard (But Necessary)
Persistence isn’t easy. It can be frustrating, lonely, and full of self-doubt. It’s easy to let old habits and thoughts creep in rather than holding tight to the belief that success is possible. It’s hard to move beyond what makes us feel comfortable and into the scary unknown. We have fears that if we fail, it will confirm our inadequacies. We worry about rejection or wonder if we are doing the right thing when progress is slow.
But here’s the magic of persistence: Every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to success.
As Thomas Edison famously said: "Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."
The only way to fail is to stop trying.
Tips to Master the Habit of Persistence
If you’re facing challenges in your journey—whether it’s starting a new business, finding love again, getting healthy, or pursuing a passion—you need persistence. Here’s how to strengthen it:
Define Your Why – Why is this goal important to you? When the journey gets tough, your why will keep you going.
Break it Down – Big dreams feel overwhelming. Focus on one small step at a time.
Expect Setbacks – Challenges aren’t signs to quit. They’re part of the process. Learn from them and adjust.
Surround Yourself with Support – Find mentors, coaches, or friends who encourage you.
Celebrate Progress – Acknowledge small wins. Every step forward is a victory.
Visualize Success – Picture yourself achieving your goal. Your mind is a powerful tool.
Commit to One More Step – When you feel like giving up, just commit to one more step. And then another.
It’s Never Too Late
If you’re 50, 60, or beyond, know this: You still have so much life to live. You still have dreams worth chasing. You still have potential waiting to be unlocked.
Beth could have given up at 57. She could have listened to the voice that said it was too late. But she didn’t. And because she persisted, she created a life she loved.
And you can too.
As George Eliot once said:
"It’s never too late to be what you might have been."
So, what’s a dream you’re ready to tackle with persistence?
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