It's Never Too Late to Make a Difference!

I’m amazed at how our culture communicates two messages that negatively impact individual achievement and the contributions of those individuals to society. The truth is that we will determine our accomplishments although their full impact may not be made known during our lifetime. Let’s examine the two messages and several examples of individuals who succeeded because they didn’t succumb to them.

First, young people are targeted by relentless marketers with a message that if they haven’t achieved what their parents have in early adulthood that they have failed. The pressure to buy large homes, new cars and all of the material items necessary to achieve that lifestyle in a short period can cause a variety of challenges.

Second, past failures are used as a hammer to keep people from attempting further achievements. An example we often see is in political campaigns where a candidate’s past is scrutinized looking back twenty to thirty years where one incident is given as a reason that someone shouldn’t be elected. Often overlooked is that same individual’s exemplary behavior and consistent achievement in the many years after the one blemish.

The results are discarded dreams, lost opportunities and a future without the positive contributions of the person dissuaded from persevering. Who can calculate the negative impact of one person’s decision to give up prematurely?

Colonel Harlan Sanders, who founded Kentucky Fried Chicken, was modestly successful in business and experienced more than his share of failures as he reached his 65^th birthday. While others his age slowed down and looked to pursuing relaxation and personal satisfaction, he pursued his dream of providing the finest fried chicken available. His vision and perseverance resulted in success beyond his wildest dreams and KFC still impacts countless people long after his lifetime.

Moses was around 80 years old and minding his own business in the desert when he was called to lead his people out of Egypt. Despite his reservations, he obeyed the commands given him. In spite of many obstacles from within and without, he led his people for 40 years and delivered them to the doorstep of their promised land.

Ronald Reagan was a long time Hollywood actor whose decision to turn his passion for America’s future into a career of public service late in life, changed the world. He became governor of California at 55 and was later inaugurated as the oldest person to become president at 69 years old. He surprised many by not only serving two full terms, but also continued to influence the world well into his 80’s. Regardless of one’s view of his politics, he was example of optimism and contributing his talents to others long past the time many of his peers retired.

We all face life one day at a time, and often it is challenging enough to do that. However, it would be premature to think that our opportunity to do something that will impact others has passed. While we may not start a successful business, become an acclaimed religious leader, or two-term President of the United States, we may have an unseen mission over the horizon if we’re prepared when it comes. In the meantime, it is imperative for us to live and learn to build the lifetime of experiences that will enable us to accomplish whatever lies in our future.

© 2006 Richard V. Battle

PS - Thank you your readership, kinds words and sharing this column with others this year. I would like to wish you and your a Merry Christmas, happiest of holiday seasons and a wonderful New Year!

See you in January!