You Might Be a Late Bloomer
Seven Takeaways:
To its detriment, modern society is structured to promote early bloomers. But research shows that the talents that blossom in early life can often be more consequential. On Average, Nobel Prize winners make their landmark discoveries at the age of 44. Studies show that A tech founder who is 50 is twice as likely to start a successful company as one who is 30.
So why do some people hit their stride later than others? The article calls to traits of late bloomers that differentiate them from early bloomers.
- Intrinsic Motivation: Late bloomers may have difficulty caring about the external reward systems that often guide us in life– and are often embraced by early bloomers– such as grades, salary, and positive feedback from superiors. They are self-motivated, driven by their own curiosity, and their own obsessions.
- Early Screw-ups: Late bloomers often don’t fit into existing systems, which can lead to trouble within conventional systems in their younger years. Late bloomers often have a rebellious side to them, and a willingness to battle with authority.
- Diversive Curiosity: Late bloomers often report that early in life they enjoy a lot of different activities and fascinations. Using younger years as a sort of “sampling period” can lead to a breadth of knowledge that benefits them later in life.
- the Ability to Self-Teach: Late bloomers discover their calling later in life, once they’re finished with traditional education systems. They have to teach themselves, requiring and thus must embark on a path of self-education. This requires dedication and sustained curiosity.
- The Ability to Finally Commit: After a period of “wandering”– waiting to find the talent or niche or idea that best suits them– they pursue their chosen path with unwavering commitment and drive.
- Crankiness in old age: Having amassed achievements and endured challenges– and having had the time to refine their skills– they are fiercely protective of their time. They are direct in their efforts because they have spent so much time getting mistakes and learning out of the way.
- Wisdom: this is more than just accumulated knowledge; it is the ability to see things from multiple points of view, the ability to aggregate perspectives and rest in the tensions between them– then apply them to your work.
Overall, Brooks reminds us that whether one is an early or late bloomer, the common link is the drive to improve, flourish, and, well, bloom.
From David Brooks at The Atlantic:
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