Get Inspiration From Late-Bloomer Celebs
Spring is synonymous with a fresh start. If you’ve been lagging on your New Year’s resolutions or you just want to make a change – now is the time to turn over a new leaf.
However, change is not always easy.
Especially the 10th, 20th or even 50th time around. Today I want to celebrate this list of people who found success a little later in life. Proving that it’s really is never too late to change your ways!
Julia Child – Probably the most famous late bloomer, Julia didn’t develop an interest in cooking until she was in her late thirties. She went on to publish nearly twenty cooking books, many of which where tied to her popular television shows.
Vera Wang – Vera had many missteps before she became a successful designer. In her youth she was an avid figure skater, but failed to make the US Olympic team. Later she would rise the ladder at Vogue, but was constantly overlooked for the editor-in-chief position. So at 40 she decided to go out on her own, initially by designing wedding gowns. Now she’s broken into the mainstream and even designed lines for more affordable retailers like David’s Bridal, Zales and Kohl’s.
Harrison Ford – After struggling to make it as an actor in Hollywood, Harrison quit to become a carpenter! Can you believe it? He actually met George Lucas after he was hired to build some cabinets for him. Lucas would later cast him in the role of Hans Solo. However Ford’s big career break didn’t happen until he was 35.
David Seidler – You probably haven’t heard of David, but you are probably well aware of his most well known screenplay – The King’s Speech. David’s didn’t start his career as a writer until he was in his 40s. He also spent nearly 30 years working on the script. Proving that dedication really does pay off.
Colonel Sanders – Yes that Colonel. Harland Sanders did run a relatively successful restaurant in Kentucky for most of his life. However it was until he was 65 that he created the franchise now known around the world as KFC.
Now that you’ve got a little inspiration — what have you been putting off that needs to be added to your list?
Checklist to Spring Clean Your Desktop
It may seem simple but clearing clutter will do a world of difference for your stress levels. In fact – there was a UCLA study that found whenever a woman is around clutter, her stress hormones skyrocket. We don’t want that! So let’s start small — like by decluttering your desktop.
I can’t believe how long I let my desktop stay littered with photos, documents and even shortcuts that I never used. I would navigate around all the clutter and it would slow me down. Don’t forget — every second counts! So just having to clear away unnecessary photos and folders or wasting time looking for something you “know is here somewhere,” takes up your precious time. Well let’s take it back!
Here’s how:
1. Create categorized folders like ‘photos’ and ‘documents’.
2. Move all the picture files into the photos folder, etc.
3. Look at the remaining files, think – do I really need this? If you haven’t looked at it in over a year the answer is probably no.
4. If you still have files left over put them in an ‘Odds and Ends’ folder.
5. Revisit this practice every so often. I’d say every 3 or 4 months. Because even though now you have folders and order — sometimes it’s tough to keep to using them.
Once you get in the groove of clearing digital clutter — you can attack your Facebook page, Twitter feed and even your apps.
What are some other ways to clean out your digital life?
Biz Coach Ali Brown Had Me on Her Podcast!
I’ve mentioned before that I’m a huge fan I am of Ali Brown’s Glambition Radio podcast. I’ve actually listened to every single episode.
They’re great for keeping me company on the subway and teaching me a thing or two. So I’m very excited to reveal that I was fortunate enough to be a guest and chat with her about productivity, lists and how I got into the television business.
I first reached out to Ali when my book was still in the works because I thought it would be right up her alley. She revealed that she was a list maker in one of her podcasts or an interview I’d heard her give. So I thought she’d love it. Turns out — she did! And she was kind enough to endorse Listful Thinking.
I highly recommend you take a listen to the podcast . We talk about what got me started as a list maker and where I think the future of lists is headed. I also touch on the best way to structure your lists, and even how to pitch media if you ever find yourself in such a position.