These days we hear about the child-prodigies who are taking over the world. We are often told that if we didn’t start at 7 we are too old for success. And so many of us walk around feeling like we may never accomplish anything great in life.
Some time ago, I had many questions about my career-choices. I wanted to do so much with my life, but I began feeling like I had wasted so much time. So I did what I new how to do best – I picked up a memoir.
Blowing the Bloody doors off by Michael Caine was such a breath of fresh air. Not only did this book cement him as one of the greatest actors of all times in my humble opinion, but it showed me that I still had plenty of time to be successful.
Although he was doing well in his career, he didn’t get into astronomical success until he was in his 60’s. Yes I will say that again – he was in his 60’s. In fact, he had already retired because he felt that his career was done. He felt that he had accomplished some great things, and there was no reason to keep pushing it. He settled down to run his restaurant, but he was encouraged to get back into acting… and what do you know??? He blew up.
It’s funny to me because I don’t think I’ve watched any of his movies where he was younger than 60. And what I like about him is that he doesn’t have to be that old man who is getting all the 20-year old love interests… instead he’s just a 60+ year old man with a 60+ year old love interest, doing the most mischievous and interesting things- almost redefining what it means to be a leading actor.
So there’s still lots of hope for us.
If you’re not in your 60’s yet, you still have time to explore and perfect your craft, and maybe get to that level of success you’ve always dreamed of. And if you’re already over 60 then congratulations, you’ve already won.