Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of a best-selling series of books that chronicled her pioneer childhood in the late 1800s, proved that it is never too late to accomplish great things and to become a highly successful, influential leader.
Wilder left a literary legacy that has positively influenced millions of people—both young and old—for generations. Her books and positive impact were and are so great that her book series even became the basis for the hugely successful television series titled Little House on the Prairie.
Here is what is truly amazing: All of her books were written after she turned age sixty-four. You did not misread that last sentence. Laura Ingalls Wilder did not start writing until after the age of sixty-four!
What an inspiration! As a leader, not only should you be inspired to continue making significant contributions regardless of your age, but you should also be engaging, inspiring, and empowering those you lead to continue making significant contributions regardless of their age. It’s never too late!
In her book Is This Seat Taken? Kristin Kaufman provides an excellent synopsis of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life, and summarizes some of the greatest life and leadership lessons we can learn from her unique experiences and accomplishments:
- “Tragedies and hardships are part of life; it is how we confront them that seals our fate.
- Our destiny is what we ultimately create.
- We are a compilation of all of the experiences in our life; each one teaches us something new.
- Face your fears, as they can light ways to new experiences and opportunities.”
The true and inspiring story of Laura Ingalls Wilder provides all leaders a wonderful opportunity to engage and inspire leaders throughout their organization to continue to lead and contribute, at their highest potential, for as long as possible—regardless of circumstances or age!
What about you and your leadership? Are you coaching, leading, and inspiring all throughout your organization to continue to lead and contribute at their highest potential, for as long as possible, regardless of circumstances or age?
Exemplify and constantly lead and coach with this truth in mind:
“One never knows what the future holds and how daily repetitive rhythms of life may inform how you ultimately contribute to the world. Our lives are a compilation of moments and memories, and our destiny is most certainly what we choose to create from those experiences.”
