This morning, a poignant post by
(with the compelling title “We’re Next In Line To Die”), reminded me how easy it is to downplay our accomplishments and feel dissatisfied that we haven’t been “more successful.” It prompted me to revisit a short post I wrote on my 74th birthday last year, “The Ambition of Age,” and ask myself today: What does ambition look like after living nearly three-quarters of a century? How am I measuring “success,” and is that measure still important to me?Ambition evolves as we grow older. For me, it has transitioned from proving something to the world to proving something to myself.
Can I still craft a sentence that sings?
Can I still uncover truths that matter?
Can I still pull back a curtain to reveal beauty and wisdom?
Can I still create something that resonates, even if only with one reader?
Can I still educate, entertain, or illuminate?
Can I still connect, comfort, encourage, or inspire?
Ambition at this stage isn’t about racing to the top. It’s about depth over speed, meaning over metrics. It might be finishing the book we’ve always wanted to write, exploring new forms, or preserving family stories before they’re lost. It’s using our accumulated wisdom to shape words that reflect what we’ve seen, felt, and learned.
Perhaps ambition in later years is best measured not in accomplishments but in persistence—the decision to keep going, to keep writing, to keep striving for the best expression of our thoughts. It is knowing that every word we put on the page becomes part of the fabric of our being, even if it never reaches a bestseller list or garners acclaim.
Consider this a clarion call—to myself and to you, my fellow seasoned writers— to seek what’s left to discover, to share, and to enjoy…to embrace the mantra my father lived by until his death at age 95: “I’m going to live until I die.”
We’re alive, so there’s still time. There are still stories to tell.
And for that, I am profoundly grateful.
What does ambition look like for you right now? There’s no wrong answer, but it’s important that you know how you’re measuring success.
About our author: Elizabeth H. Cottrell is a founding member of the Inspired Community and award-winning author. She teaches us how to write heartspoken notes that connect, comfort, encourage, and inspire…notes that nourish our most important personal and professional relationships.
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Thank you Elizabeth. As I age motivation to do good in the world is increasing. Have been so blessed for so long - feel compelled to spread it around.
I currently think in terms of “body of work” which grows with every word written. Every idea crystallized pulls me - and hopefully others - towards our best selves.
Yes, Elizabeth. "We’re alive, so there’s still time. There are still stories to tell." Amen to that.