Work In Colour - Work. Think. Live. In Colour
Tuesday 26th July 2011 | 13 comments
A couple of weeks ago I spotted an article on SMH online about finding success later in life. Apart from the rather strange belief that age 30 constituted 'later in life,' it was a fascinating read.
One of the lynchpins was a reference to a chapter in a book called What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell. The relevant chapter was called 'Late Bloomers: Why Do We Equate Genius With Precocity?' and I was so intrigued that I downloaded the book onto my Kindle on the spot.
Gladwell's argument is fascinating - that while some people 'get' their career direction and their talent very early on, many people do not. In particular, Gladwell reckons that we assume genius is obvious from an early age, but the truth is that it can come to fruition at any age. Gladwell (relying on research by a bloke called Galenson) distinguishes between two types:
They're not better or worse than each other, just different styles.
As a decided late bloomer, I LOVED this distinction. Gladwell tells stories about a number of people who came into full flower later in life, and whose work was the better for it. People who stumbled towards a finish line they couldn't see or define, who let each project shape and define the next, people who changed careers or even their sense of self more than once.
(So, there's still hope...)
Often, experimental types have a sense of lack of progress or even failure because they don't get it together in their twenties (or even their thirties). The thing that distinguishes the late successes from the never-successes is of course persistence - and, I think, the willingness to try new things, to learn and change and slowly accumulate people who believe in you. What you don't need is unshakable self-belief, which is a really important point...
I see clients like this quite often. They come to me almost in despair, as if I am their last staging post before giving up entirely. Occasionally, they seem to be daring me not to believe in the possibility of late blooming, of true satisfaction, even worldly success in middle age (or any age, for that matter). They seem to want me to tell them it's too hard, not possible, that there's no hope. To let them give up their dream and justify a life of quiet desperation.
But I always have hope. I always believe.
I always hold the possibility of finding your abilities or talents or potential and turning it to something tangible in the world. I hold the possibility because I've done it. Many of my clients have done it.
Maybe you can too. Do you have an unlived dream, or even a vague sense of unfulfilled potential? Then keep inching towards the light, and never say die!
Tag: career
Thanks Joanna. Had seen this story in the paper but didn't get around to reading it until now. A great and inspiring read for sure. I'm working on being a late bloomer - just need some heavy-duty fertiliser to get me there it seems.
My husband is 64 years old. He has worked all his life in the paint industry but always half heartedly, letting others do all the thinking; him all the labour, but never enjoying it. 6 month sago he seemed to get his"second wind" and absolutely loves painting...colours, the houses, the clients. It is an amazing turn around for someone who was only interested in retiring to Queensland!
Ambra, love the fertilizer analogy, have filed it away for future use already!
Lucia, thank you. I'm inspired by the idea of a second wind in your 60s. I really believe the age/vitality/career/retirement stereotypes are being rightly challenged all over the place right now, and your husband's story is just one more example!
Thanks Joanna, I've been questioning my deepest dream... to write and get more stuff published, for it to be an integrated ongoing part of my life.
I've run out of energy, with now almost 6 years of multiple family health issues (major ones, with many in the family sick at the same time). 2 current ones. More hospital visits pending...
You need energy to write. But I also have to not let it be excuses. A balance there.
Being judgemental of me, instead of gracious doesn't help.
Thanks for your encouragement... how about blooming in your 50's, or rather, planting more seeds to bear fruit a bit later on? More life experiences to enrich the writing.
Leanne Bowie
Another great metaphor, thanks Leanne. I think in fact that's what I am doing, planting seeds to bear fruit later. Describing it that way makes a good context for me...
Joanne, an inspiring read as always. I love how you download stuff to your Kindle on the spot, I barely know what a Kindle is! For a self-professed late bloomer, you're certainly ahead of the pack on a lot of fronts. I love that about you... I myself am immersed in two businesses, but am in the throes of making decisions about exactly what I want out of both of them and how I'm going to tweak here and overhaul there... watch this space. I'm a work in progress and always will be. You're never too old or too late to try something new - all you need is an open mind (oh, and watch out for the 'coincidences' - that's when life is trying to tell me an important message and help me out on my journey and give me new beginnings, I find).
Amanda, thank you for these kind words - and I agree, 'coincidences' are always worth your attention!
As a member of the 'lost' generation (Gen X born early 70s), I have always felt behind the 8 ball. I've never known what I've wanted, no true direction, just following a path that someone else offered as a good idea. I'm still finding my way and only now just discovering that I have the slow burn of genius glowing somewhere within, the strength to take action, the willingness to change, the self-confidence to step up and an enquiring mind to stay open to new possibilities. Thanks Joanne.
Naomi, thank you. Keep the glow going and I'm sure you'll get there.
Hi Joanna
A woman after my own heart. I was having far too much fun in my 20's to do anything serious, I was having babies in my 30's and it's only now in my 40's I'm ready to come out and play in the 'grown up' world. As I say on my bio ... I'm late to get started. Thx for a great read.
Thanks for this great post Joanna. I'm going to grab a copy of Gladwell's book too (to add to the towering reading pile!)
I love the tag of "experimental" talent. I think that I've evolved into this style over the last 4 years or so - after having taken a break from a successful career to pursue other interests. I now find that I don't want to go back and that there are many more fun, fulfilling (and profitable) options out there! And at 36, I still have at least 30 years of career left in me.
I agree with you Joanna - follow the dream, investigate that "vague sense of unfulfilled potential", do what feels right - it's never too late.
Melissa, thank you. And yes, at least 30 more years...