Better Late Than Never: How Second Chances and Perseverance Can Transform Your Life Journey

Welcome, listeners. Today, let’s explore the message behind the phrase “better late than never,” a saying that has echoed through centuries and speaks to the power of perseverance and second chances. The phrase’s roots stretch back to Latin—*potius sero quam nunquam*—and it was popularized in English by Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote, “For better than never is late; never to succeed would be too long a period.” In simple terms, it reminds us that achieving something late is still better than not trying or succeeding at all.

Society often tells us there’s a right time for everything. Finish school by 22, land your dream job before 30, or launch your business young. But history and our everyday lives are filled with stories that prove otherwise. Consider the writer who recently shared her journey in amNY, recounting how a second chance through a support program changed her future. Nervous and uncertain, she joined a community initiative designed to help young people find their footing. Through mentoring and workshops, she learned to advocate for herself, built confidence, and ultimately landed a job that’s now led to a promotion—something she never imagined before receiving that second chance.

This is just one story among many. Famous examples abound—authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first book at 65, and Colonel Sanders didn’t franchise Kentucky Fried Chicken until he was in his sixties. Their achievements remind us that the path to success isn’t always linear or bound by age.

Yet, societal pressures can make people feel like they’ve missed their moment if they fall behind. Remember: only a few people reach every milestone “on time.” Many face setbacks, detours, or simply discover new passions later in life. The phrase “better late than never” isn’t just a consolation; it’s a call to action, urging you to begin, to try, to keep going, even if the world says you’re late.

So, to all listening who feel behind or discouraged—your timeline is your own. Each day is a new opportunity for a fresh start, no matter when you begin. Better late than never.