People often tell themselves “I wish I would’ve started sooner,” or “It’s too late to start now.” The notion of being unable to excel at something just because one may be too old to start is simply an incorrect and limiting idea that many people unfortunately possess. What many do not realize is that it is never too late to try something. Whether it be picking up a new skill or hobby, starting up that new business or switching majors, it is always possible to make new achievements and excel at something new, regardless of how much time has passed. 

One example of someone who did not let this common idea limit himself is American singer and songwriter, Benson Boone. Boone did not start singing and seriously pursuing music until he was around 17 years old, which is considered a late age to start when it comes to something like singing. Many believe that if they do not start singing and getting lessons from a very young age, they will never have a good voice. However, Boone had never taken lessons, and he taught himself how to sing later in life than most. After gaining some attention on social media, most notably TikTok, Boone realized that he had found his calling in life. This led him to audition for American Idol, one of the largest singing competitions in the country, at age 18 — just one year after he began singing. Performing in front of some of America’s most famous artists: Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, Boone shocked the world after blowing his audition out of the water. Even though he did very well on the show, Boone decided to part from American Idol because he wanted to focus on his music and become popular because of his own work. 

Since then, Boone, currently only 21 years of age, has released two very successful albums, amassed seven million followers on TikTok and has become one of America’s biggest sensations, seemingly overnight. According to Spotify, he has even brought in over 56 million monthly listeners, ranking him at 36th in the world. One of these albums includes his recent album titled “Fireworks and Rollerblades,” which was released in April. This album, containing his hit song “Beautiful Things,” has gained a large amount of traction, with some songs being seen all over social media, the radio and more. 

There are many other examples of successful people with a seemingly late entrance into their profession or skill. David Robinson, who was picked first overall in the 1987 NBA draft, did not start seriously playing basketball until his senior year of high school. Another example is Samuel Jackson, who did not get his first star acting role until age 46. Additionally, Stan Lee, creator of MARVEL, did not catch his first break until he was nearly 40 years old after publishing “The Fantastic Four” comic series.

If anything can be gathered from these various examples, it is that age should never be a limiting factor when trying new things. Many people may refuse to try something simply because it is too late, but that is a restrictive mindset. Some may surprise themselves with what they are capable of if they give something a shot, but they will never know if they do not try.