Some people are late bloomers because they develop their skills, strengths, and interests at a slower pace than others. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as a lack of motivation, a lack of access to resources, or a lack of self-confidence. Late bloomers may also have difficulty keeping up with their peers in terms of academic achievement or social opportunities. Additionally, some people are simply slow to mature emotionally or intellectually, and this can lead to a slower development of their skills and interests. Some are late bloomers for more external reasons, having children young, becoming a caregiver for a parent or loved one, illness. There are a myriad of reasons and we humans are limited by time and space. Not everyone can be a success at 21, nor can we all be successful at the same time. I gave up my career in technology and acting to become a long-term caregiver for me father. Everyone has a different reason and everyone has a different path to success.

I would venture to say, from a psychological standpoint, it is possible that late bloomers are often the children of successful, vital and strong parents because these parents teach their children to be resilient and persistent. They instill in their children the value of hard work, dedication and perseverance. These traits are essential to success, and they are often passed down from parent to child. Also, the children of successful parents are likely to receive more support and encouragement, which can help them to reach their goals and realize their potential. I believe late bloomers are often the children of vital, accomplished and long-lived people.

Notable Late Bloomer Success Stories

Grandma Moses, American folk artist, who began her painting career at age 78
Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, who started his business at age 65
Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House on the Prairie series, who began writing at age 65
Julia Child, American celebrity chef, who began her television and book career at age 51
Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald’s, who bought the hamburger chain at age 52
Vera Wang, American fashion designer, who started her career at age 40

The “Late Bloomer” Phenomenon

The term “late bloomer” has been used to describe many people who didn’t hit their stride until later in life. While some may view this as a negative, the truth is that many of these individuals have gone on to accomplish great things. In this blog, we’ll explore the phenomenon of the “late bloomer”, with a particular focus on the current Prince of Wales, Prince Charles III, and how the long life of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, delayed his ascension to the throne of England. We’ll also take a look at some other notable examples of late bloomers, such as Steve Jobs and J.K. Rowling, before exploring the benefits of taking the “slow path” to success. Finally, we’ll discuss how to avoid internalizing ageism and embrace the journey of being a “late bloomer”.

The Long Life of Queen Elizabeth II and Its Effects on Prince Charles III

Since the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne of England in 1952, she has been a source of pride, admiration and strength for the entire royal family. But, her long life has also had an unintended effect on her eldest son, Prince Charles III. As the Prince of Wales, Charles had to wait over 65 years to become king, a period of time that is unprecedented in British history. While Charles has used the time to focus on his humanitarian and charitable efforts, his delayed ascension to the throne has been a source of frustration for many. Charles himself has even made remarks about the situation, stating that “it isn’t always easy to wait for something you’ve been looking forward to for so long.” As a result, the story of Charles has become a prime example of the “late bloomer” phenomenon and the often unexpected delays that can accompany success.

Other Examples of Late Bloomers

Steve Jobs and the Apple Empire

Steve Jobs is one of the most notable examples of a “late bloomer”. After dropping out of college and spending some time travelling, Jobs founded Apple in 1976. While the company was successful early on, it wasn’t until the mid-1980s that Jobs’s vision for the company really began to take shape. With the introduction of the Macintosh computer in 1984, Jobs revolutionized the world of personal computing and today, Apple is one of the most successful and influential companies in the world.

J.K. Rowling’s Incredible Success Story

Another example of a “late bloomer” is J.K. Rowling, the author of the beloved Harry Potter series. After struggling with poverty and depression in her early 20s, Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter novel in her mid-30s. The book was a huge success and Rowling went on to write six more books in the series. Today, the Harry Potter books have sold over 500 million copies and the series has spawned a multi-billion dollar movie franchise. Rowling’s story is an incredible example of the power of resilience and perseverance.

Alan Sugar Didn’t Start Until 33, Became Billionaire

At the age of 53, Alan Sugar founded the electronics company Amstrad. What started as a small business quickly became a multi-billion pound enterprise with Sugar at the helm. Today, Sugar is a household name in the UK thanks to his television show, The Apprentice.

Julia Child didn’t find success until she was 49

Julia Child became a success with the publication of her first book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, in 1961. At the time, she was 49 years old. Julia Child was in her early 50s when she published her first cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. The book was an instant success and Child became a household name in the culinary world. She went on to star in her own cooking show and publish several more books. Child’s legacy continues to live on today, with her recipes and teachings still inspiring home cooks around the world.

Taking the “slow path” to success can often be viewed as a negative, but there are actually many benefits to taking your time. By taking the “slow path”, individuals can take the time to build a strong foundation, hone their craft and develop a network of resources that will prove invaluable to them in the future. Let’s explore these benefits in more detail.

Finding Your Way as a Late Bloomer

Brego is 52 and only at the start of the pandemic and after many years of being a caregiver for his father did he start his journey toward success. So these tips are being given from first-hand experience.

Building a Stronger Foundation: Taking the “slow path” to success allows individuals to take the time to develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. This is especially important for those in creative fields, such as writing, music and art. By taking the time to develop a strong foundation, individuals can ensure that their work is of the highest caliber and that they are well-prepared for any challenge that may come their way.
Honing Your Craft: Taking the “slow path” also gives individuals the opportunity to hone their craft. By taking the time to refine their skills, individuals can ensure that their work is of the highest quality. This can also help individuals stand out from the competition and increase their chances of success.
Developing a Network of Resources: Finally, taking the “slow path” to success allows individuals to develop a network of resources that can help them in the future. This network can include mentors, colleagues, friends and others who can provide valuable advice and support when needed.
By taking the “slow path”, individuals can ensure that they are well-prepared for any challenges that come their way. While it may take longer to reach the goal, the rewards can be well worth the wait.

Late Bloomer Tips for Building a Stronger Foundation

Find a mentor or coach who can provide guidance and advice.
Set aside time each day to practice and refine your craft.
Read books, watch tutorials and take classes to learn new skills.
Network with other professionals in your field.
Find an accountability partner who can help keep you on track.
Identify your weaknesses and focus on improving them.
Never be afraid to ask for help.

Late Bloomer Tips for Honing Your Craft

Be willing to take risks and try new things.
Set specific goals to help you stay focused.
Find constructive feedback from peers and mentors.
Keep track of your progress and adjust your plan accordingly.
Take time to research and learn from others in your field.
Practice, practice, practice!
Be open to criticism and take it as an opportunity to grow.

Late Bloomer Tips for Developing a Network of Resources

Attend events, conferences and workshops related to your field.
Join online communities and forums for your industry.
Reach out to those who inspire you and ask for advice.
Be open to new opportunities and collaborations.
Keep in touch with colleagues and former classmates.
Volunteer your time to help others in your field.
Engage in conversations and be open to new ideas.

When it comes to avoiding internalized ageism, it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to achieve success and the idea that one must “hurry up” to succeed is simply untrue. It’s important to remember that age is just a number and that success can come at any age. By avoiding negative self-talk and embracing our individual journeys, we can achieve our goals and celebrate the “late bloomer” in us all.

Late Bloomer Tips for Eradicating Negative Self-Talk

Surround yourself with positive people who support you.
Focus on the progress you have made and celebrate your successes.
Don’t compare yourself to others – focus on your own journey.
Remember that age is just a number and success can come at any age.
Set achievable goals that will help you reach your ultimate goals.
Take time for self-care and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Focus on the present and don’t dwell on the past.

Late Bloomer Tips for Embracing Your Unique Journey

Focus on the things that make you unique.
Stay true to yourself and don’t give in to societal pressures.
Remember that success looks different for everyone.
Be open to new opportunities and don’t be afraid to take risks.
Reflect on your experiences and use them to inform your future decisions.
Learn from your mistakes and use them as a chance to grow.
Surround yourself with people who celebrate your unique journey.

Conclusion: Celebrating the “Late Bloomer”

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that success can come at any age. The “late bloomer” phenomenon is proof that it doesn’t matter when you start, but how you finish. By avoiding negative self-talk, embracing our unique journeys and taking the time to develop a strong foundation, we can all achieve our goals and celebrate the “late bloomer” in us all.

Inspirational Quotes for Late Bloomers

“There is no royal road to anything, one thing at a time, all things in succession. That which grows fast, withers as rapidly. That which grows slowly, endures.” – Josiah Gilbert Holland

“Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.” ― Moliere