Finding your purpose—At any age
I recently read Mastery by Robert Greene, and if you've ever pondered, "What's the purpose of my life?" this book is a must-read. It outlines a structured approach to finding your calling, with three key phases of life spanning 3-10 years each. For those in their 20s, it offers a roadmap for lifelong mastery. But what if you're 40-something, 50-something, or 90-something? Can you still discover your purpose after life’s twists and turns? And what if you once found meaning in your work but no longer feel fulfilled? Is it too late to find a new calling? That’s what today’s post is about. Let me tell you three true stories. Enjoy the read. ❤️
Norma Geddes, the artist at 82
Norma Geddes spent her working life as a nurse, but it wasn’t until she was 82 that she discovered her true passion—stained glass art.
What began as a casual 10-day course out of curiosity turned into a full-blown artistic career. Now, her stained-glass work is exhibited widely and sells out fast.
Before glass, Norma had dabbled in various creative pursuits like wool weaving and home renovation. Each time, she moved on after a few years. But glass cutting was different.
“I became so excited at seeing this moon-shaped piece of glass come to life in my hands that it almost made me feel embarrassed. I didn’t know doing something so simple could be so fulfilling. I knew I had to carry on.”
—Norma Geddes.
That moment of joy revealed a sense of fulfillment she'd never experienced before.
What pulled her toward the new pursuit?
Her unrelenting curiosity and willingness to try new things, even if they meant risking failure.
“I’m a curious person. I’m not afraid of failing.”
—Norma Geddes
This mindset kept her exploring until she found what truly lit her up.
Craig Miller, the firefighter at 65
After a thriving journalism career spanning four decades, Craig Miller, at 65, left the hustle of California for the peace and quiet of the Catskill Mountains in New York. He was ready to escape traffic jams, wildfires, and the fast-paced life. But just a year into his rural retirement, he found himself becoming something unexpected: a firefighter.
How did that happen? When Craig moved to a remote community, he noticed a serious shortage of young people available to help. This sparked something inside him—a desire to give back in a meaningful way.
He trained as a volunteer firefighter and, despite thinking he was heading for quiet retirement, discovered a new purpose that connected him deeply with his community.
What pulled him toward his new pursuit?
A sense of responsibility and the desire to help his community when no one else could.
“One of the essential things in life is to feel you have a purpose, and this is mine. I’ll keep going as long as I’m able. It gets in your blood.”
—Craig Miller
Who knew a man trying to retire in a quiet neighborhood would find purpose and fulfillment in firefighting?
Carmen Francesch, the Ironman Ironwoman at 61
At 61, Carmen Francesch was facing a bet she couldn't resist—her husband bet she couldn’t beat him in a triathlon.
What started as a light-hearted challenge turned into something much more. After months of training, Carmen completed her first Ironman—an incredible feat involving a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon.
At an age when many are winding down, Carmen was pushing boundaries she never thought possible. She now says she’s hooked, setting new athletic goals and discovering a new side of herself along the way.
“I only have one day off a week, otherwise I’m always out cycling, running and swimming. It’s amazing to know my body can move like this at my age and I want to show other women that they can do it too.”
—Carmen Francesch
What pulled her toward this pursuit?
A competitive nudge, yes—but also the thrill of discovering new physical and mental strength. Once she started, the process itself became addictive, revealing just how much more she was capable of.
The common thread
These stories inspire us. They show us that purpose isn’t confined to age.
Whether through Norma’s artistic fulfillment, Craig’s sense of community, or Carmen’s physical resilience, each of them found meaning in entirely new ways, long after most would think the window for "purpose" had closed.
So what does it take to find your purpose?
Curiosity – A willingness to explore new things, even if they seem out of your comfort zone.
Adaptability – The ability to shift gears and embrace new opportunities, no matter your age.
Resilience – Understanding that failure or change is part of the process and doesn’t define you.
Action – Taking the first step, no matter how small. Like Carmen starting her training, Craig signing up for firefighter duty, or Norma taking that glass art class.
Your purpose doesn’t have to be grand or world-changing—it just has to matter to you.
Your journey is ongoing. What you thought was the end could actually be the beginning of something even more meaningful. So, take that course, say yes to the challenge, and embrace that new idea bubbling in your mind.
The only limit to finding your purpose is the belief that you're "too old" or it's "too late." It never is.
This is excellent! I especially enjoyed #3 because I’m a triathlete as well!