Ronni Khan founded OzHarvest at 52
Pete Murray started being a serious musician at 30 (learnt the guitar at 22)
Jan Logan started her jewellery business at 50
Ita Buttrose accepted the Chair of the ABC at 77
Bryce Courtney published his first book at 55
Louise Thrum had her first art exhibition at 83
Trinny Woodall started her makeup and skincare brand Trinny London at 52
Age is not the barrier you might think it is
You are neither too old nor too young.
Max Alexander (https://www.instagram.com/couture.to.the.max/) Fashion Designer, started designing and sewing from age 4.
Who says your crazy idea might not be exactly what the world needs? Regardless of how young or old you are.
Creating something for the world, might not be what you want to do, but living more fully in the life uniquely yours – Yes please!
These people could have stopped once they reached an “age”, in fact made a significant contribution “later” in life.
Ronni Kahn is the founder of OZ Harvest (Australia’s largest Food rescue association) and started this at the age of 52. I imagine her and all the people that they help (250 million meals delivered since inception) are glad she didn’t think she was too old. She has changed an entire industry and in fact created a new one for food rescue and diverted 12,716,046 kgs of food from landfill in 2023..
Pete Murray is a musician, and you might be thinking old, what the? He became a serious musician into his thirties. Shocking I know! In an industry where if you haven’t had major success by mid to late 20s, you give up, this is unusual. Pete only started learning guitar at 22, he didn't think he was too old, actually, he did. He was convinced by other musos and has had 3 albums that have achieved Platinum status on the ARIA Charts (Australian Recording Industry Association) as a result.
Jan Logan started her jewellery business at age 50. She had her kids and decided she needed something else in her life (see this article about a country girl to design icon). The designs are just divine and I often lust over them. Thank goodness she didn't think she was too old.
Everyone’s favourite, Ita Buttrose. A very formidable women, having worked in Magazines and Newspapers, when they were male chauvinistic bastions, Ita was invited and accepted the chair of the ABC at the age of 77. She did not think she was too old.
Bryce Courtney published his first fiction book in 1989 - The Power of One. The book is set in South Africa during the 1930s and 1940s, it tells the story of an English boy, who through the course of the story, acquires the name of Peekay. It is written from the first person perspective, with Peekay narrating (as an adult, looking back) and trusting the reader with his thoughts and feelings, as opposed to a detailed description of places and account of actions. A film adaptation was released in 1992. He published over 23 books that sold 20 million copies. Nice living for someone not too old.
Louise Dumbrell had her first art exhibition Thrum at the tender age of 83. her incredibly detailed work is a sight to behold and the crappy iPhone photo does not do them justice. She did not decide she was too old for art or an exhibition.
Louise Dumbrell - Cadence 1971
Finally, Trinny Woodall of Trinny London. Not only did she decide to launch a skincare and make up line at 52, but has grown it into a global phenomenon in such a crowded market space. She had everything stacked against her, aged, female, make up and skin care industry had so many players. She tapped into make up as skin care, specifically for older women and BOOM! Personally (I use her stuff religiously) I am glad she decided she was not too old.
IGNORE the TOO OLD Message
The above people ignored the people who said, “you are too old” and just went ahead and did it anyway. They are very public examples of the people who refused to let age be a barrier. I am sure if you looked around you, you could find loads more.
So, what does this mean for you?
Do not let age be a barrier to you. I want you to do the thing you have been avoiding, thinking it was not right or odd. You are not too old. It is doable. Ignore the naysayers and go do your thing.
Share your amazing thing and be amazed at what you can do, regardless of how old or young you are.
Having a Strategic Life Map gives you enough flexibility to respond to life events, as well as clarity and direction and tangible actions.
The easiest way to get started on your Strategic Life Map would be to join me on Design your Life on Purpose, in March.
You will get a Strategic Life Map for the next 12 months and beyond, as well as access to all the tools, templates and recordings. The format includes:
An initial 6-week group coaching program to get you across all the content with the ability to action in between sessions
A Gallup Strengths assessment
One on One coaching sessions all about you!
6-month program with 2 reflect and refine sessions (think accountability, but way more inspiring)
Access my brain and the latest research and thinking
Get your Strategic Life Map for 2025 and beyond.
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