It’s Not Too Late

“You can’t go back and make a new start, but you can start right now and make a brand new ending.”

– James R. Sherman

Visiting Haleakalā Crater on Maui feels otherworldly. The volcano stretches just 10,000 feet above the Pacific. But that belies the fact that it descends another 19,000 feet to the sea floor. It’s actually taller than Mount Everest. The crater is dotted with old volcanic cones and spans almost seven miles. An observatory perched near the peak looks like a Martian base. With your head on a swivel, it can be easy to miss one of its most unique residents, the Haleakalā Silversword. 

The aptly named flowers look like porcupines invented by Zoro. Silver, sword-like quills sprout in all directions. Despite the barren landscape, they live for as long as 90 years. They only blossom once. After decades of waiting, inspiration arrives in the form of a spectacular eruption of purple blooms. It’s their last act. Having fulfilled their life’s mission, they cast their seeds for another generation and fade away. 

Haleakalā Silverswords are quite literally the ultimate late bloomers. And that’s my point. It’s never too late. 

Julia Child published Mastering the Art of French Cooking at age 49. Ray Croc was 52 when he launched McDonald’s. Mo Anderson became the president and CEO of Keller Williams at age 58. Momofuku Ando was 48 when he invented instant ramen. There are endless examples but that may be my favorite. I mean, what could college cooks do if not for Momofuku? 

Years ago, we featured three exceptional real estate entrepreneurs at Mega Agent Camp who had achieved sales of $40 million or more in less than five years. This was during the Great Recession. As they left the stage, Gary Keller remarked, “No matter where you are today, you’re just five years from knocking it out of the park.” We all need to hear that from time to time. We didn’t miss the bus. The train didn’t leave the station without us. We just have to start anew today.

One question to ponder in your thinking time: What would you start today if you knew you couldn’t fail?

Make an Impact!
Jay Papasan

Co-author of The One Thing & The Millionaire Real Estate Agent ​