It Is Never Too Late And The Research Proves It!

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C. S. Lewis

As much as I love this quote, I would change it just a bit to: “It’s never too late to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

In addition to our age, failure, setbacks, and other perceived inadequacies, can make us think our time has come and gone or may never come at all.  If by “our time”, we mean our opportunity to pursue and perform the work we were born to do, as long as we are alive and functional, it is not too late – and the research proves it!

For this post, let us focus on C.S. Lewis’s direct quote.  As it relates to age, current research proves the importance of experience (aka, age) rather than youth (cutting edge tech savvy), as a strong indicator of entrepreneurial startups:

 

• According to a Forbes article by Krisztina Holly:
  • Against all stereotypes, we found that the typical successful founder was 40 years old, with at least 6-10 years of industry experience.
  • Twice as many successful entrepreneurs are more than 50 years of age as under 25

• An article by Tom Agan for The New York Times states:
  • Many medical institutions and universities  have shifted to younger workforces.  But according to research by Benjamin Jones of Northwestern University, a 55-year-old and even a 65-year-old have significantly more innovation potential than a 25-year-old.

• Encore.org reports:
  • Approximately 25 million people – one in four Americans ages 44 to 70 – are interested in starting businesses or nonprofit ventures in the next five to 10 years.
  • More than 12 million of these aspiring entrepreneurs are potential encore entrepreneurs who want to make a positive social impact as well as a living.

Research abounds as to the creativity, innovation, management experience, willingness to take risks, temperament, and various other personality traits that position those in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s for success as an entrepreneur.  I would suggest the same characteristics hold true for starting a successful ministry.

The Encore study revealed encouragement as a significant motivator for women to begin new ventures.   Here is my encouragement to you: No matter your age or station in life, if you are reading these words as this very moment, start or revive a dream for your life, now.  It is not too early or too late!

Here is encouragement from The Lord of The Universe, our Omniscient and Merciful God:
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”: Hebrews 6:10

Whether your calling is through an traditional or ministerial entrepreneurial endeavor, if you are standing on years of work and managerial (including managing the affairs of a home and children) experience, you are poised for success.

Moving forward with your mission could employ or impact the lives of future workers, ministry leaders in your home, neighborhood, city or beyond.

It’s not too late to dream the dream of fulfilling your life’s purpose.  Live your calling!

Need help finding your voice, telling your story, building a platform or publishing your book?  Contact me today for consulting or publishing services: Vanessa@joyinthestory.com or leave me a message, here.