The fear of being too old can be
one of the biggest mental barriers to creativity and success. Society often
pushes the idea that certain achievements must happen by a specific age, making
many people feel like they’ve missed their window of opportunity. This mindset
can drain confidence, making it easy to believe that starting something
new—whether it’s writing a book, launching a business, or learning a new
skill—is no longer an option.
But here’s the truth: creativity
has no expiration date. The only real limitation is the belief that age
determines what’s possible, and overcoming that fear is the first step toward
unlocking new opportunities. Throughout history, countless women have defied
ageist expectations and achieved remarkable things later in life.
If you think you're too old to
start, take a look at these powerhouse women who reached their greatest
achievements after 40, 50, and even 70!
🔹 Toni Morrison
– Published her first novel, The Bluest Eye, at 39 and won the Nobel
Prize in Literature at 62.
🔹 Vera Wang –
Designed her first wedding dress at 40 and built a global fashion empire.
🔹 Julia Child –
Published her first cookbook at 49 and became a TV cooking icon in her 50s.
🔹 Anna Mary
Robertson “Grandma Moses” – Started painting seriously in her late 70s and
became a world-renowned folk artist.
🔹 Dame Judi Dench
– Gained international fame as M in James Bond at 60.
🔹 Dr. Janice R.
Love – Wrote my first book at 51 years old and launched a new business
after retirement. (I figured I would
toot my own not too late horn.)
These women refused to let age
define their potential. Instead, they embraced new opportunities and created
lasting legacies. So why not you?
These are all limiting beliefs—statements
that sound like facts but are actually fears in disguise. The problem is that
when we believe these things, we stop ourselves before we even start.
But let’s flip the script:
✅ "I have a lifetime
of experience to bring to this."
✅
"This is the perfect time for me."
✅
"Better late than never—I'm doing it now!"
✅
"I’d rather try and fail than never try at all."
Are you ready to flip your internal
script that is telling you that you are too old to start?These
suggestions worked for me and perhaps can help you too.
1️. Challenge Limiting Beliefs – Replace
"I'm too old" with "Why not me?" Your mindset shapes your
reality.
2️. Embrace
Lifelong Learning – Every day is an opportunity to grow, develop new
skills, and gain wisdom.
3️. Surround
Yourself with Encouragers – Connect with people who inspire and motivate
you.
4️. Start
Small, but Start Now – Progress is progress, no matter how slow. Take that
first step today.
5️. Find
Role Models – Look to people who achieved success later in life and use
their stories as motivation.
6️. Turn
Doubt into Determination – What if you channeled every “I can’t” into
“Watch me!”?
7️. Take
the Leap – Time will pass anyway. Wouldn’t you rather look back knowing you
tried?
Mindset Shift: Words Matter
These three phrases—"I'm
not," "I'm too," and "I don't"—are some of the
biggest roadblocks to success because they are rooted in self-doubt and
limitation. Do you find yourself using any of these phrases?
"I'm not" –"
When someone constantly says "I'm not," they define
themselves by what they lack instead of what they can develop. Whether it's "I'm
not smart enough," "I'm not experienced," or "I'm
not capable," this mindset shuts down possibilities before they even
have a chance to be explored. Growth happens when we push beyond what we think
we aren’t and work toward who we want to become.
"I'm too" –"I'm
too" keeps people stuck in place, often acting as an excuse disguised
as a fact. "I'm too old," "I'm too young," "I'm
too busy," or "I'm too tired" all serve as barriers
that prevent action. While there may be real challenges, these statements
reinforce limitations instead of solutions. A shift in mindset from "I'm
too" to "How can I?" opens the door to creative
problem-solving and progress.
“I don’t” - "I
don't" is the ultimate confidence killer because it signals a closed
mind. Whether it’s "I don’t know how," "I don’t have
time," or "I don’t think I can," this phrase shuts
down opportunities before they can be explored. Instead of accepting "I
don’t" as the final answer, replacing it with "I’m
learning," "I’m making time," or "I’m willing
to try" creates momentum. Success comes from shifting perspective,
taking action, and refusing to let these limiting phrases define what’s
possible.
Feeling motivated? Here’s how
you can take action right now:
✨ Write Down Your Goal
– Make it clear and specific. Saying “I want to write a book” is great, but “I
will write 150 words a day” is even better.
✨ Take One Small Step –
Sign up for a class, start a side gig, write your first page—just start.
✨ Find a Mentor or Support Group
– Connect with people who have done what you want to do.
✨ Celebrate Every Win –
Success isn’t just the end goal; it’s every step you take along the way.
You’re Not Too Late—You’re Right on Time!
The fear of being too old to start
is just that—a fear. It’s not reality. No matter your age, your dreams are
still valid, and your contributions still matter. So take that first step
today—because the world needs your voice, your talents, and your wisdom more
than ever. As C.S. Lewis said,
“You are never too old to set
another goal or to dream a new dream.”
The only expiration date on your
dreams is the one you create. So, what’s stopping you?
Blessings,
Dr. Janice R. Love
