Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement

by Rich Karlgaard

Remember, when it comes to repotting, late bloomers have a distinct advantage over early bloomers. We’re naturally curious and resilient. We’re not afraid to follow a different path or break free of convention. We genuinely want to see what’s around the corner or over the hill. These late bloomer strengths enable—even propel—the change we need to find the right people and right place to help us thrive. The real benefit of repotting is that we get to define our own life instead of having someone else define it for us. There will never be the perfect pot that can contain us. We will always be growing. We will always be learning. And we can use the experience we gain for our next challenge, our next pot. People who dare to leave their unhappy lives behind give themselves permission to pursue their passions and find a renewed zest for living. Our right to new beginnings, to self-definition and self-determination, has always been among the most foundational of human ideals.