Go for the Fall: Why Starting Late Still Grows Something Beautiful
Growth Doesn’t Expire—It Evolves.
Most people think of spring when they think of planting. Bright sun, fresh soil, the energy of new beginnings. But me? I’ve got seeds going in the middle of summer—prepping for fall. And honestly, it feels like the perfect metaphor for this season of life.
Because sometimes we start things a little later.
And sometimes… that’s exactly when the soil is ready.
We Lead with Resilience
Starting fall seeds isn’t flashy. It takes intention, timing, and a little hope that the weather (and life) will hold. But with the right care, those late-season sprouts will root just as deeply and bloom just as fully as anything planted months earlier.
And isn’t that just like leadership?
Like reinvention?
Like the second curve of life?
Not rushed.
Not too late.
Just… on your own time.
From Seeds to Sprouts to Strength
Gardening has taught me that growth isn’t always instant or obvious. You water dirt for weeks before you see anything shift. And when the sprout does show up, it’s fragile—but powerful.
Leadership is the same way. You show up, serve, listen, learn. And slowly, things begin to take root. Whether it’s in your career, your family, your nonprofit, or your community—growth comes with patience, care, and trust in your own timing.
And if you think that starting late is a disadvantage, here’s what the research actually shows:
What the Research Says About Growth and Timing
Your Brain Still Wants to Grow
Science has our backs. The concept of neuroplasticity proves that the human brain can form new habits, connections, and learning pathways well into later adulthood. A 2017 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that even in midlife and beyond, we can create meaningful cognitive change—especially when we’re intentional about learning and self-reflection.
You’re not stuck. You’re still adaptable.
Just like soil that’s still fertile well past spring.
You Might Grow Stronger After a Setback
Richard Tedeschi’s research on post-traumatic growth shows that people who’ve experienced adversity—grief, loss, transition—often develop greater strength, deeper relationships, and a stronger sense of meaning on the other side. Arthur C. Brooks echoes this in From Strength to Strength, describing the “second curve” as a chance to stop chasing status and start cultivating purpose.
If you’re planting new seeds after a hard season, research says this might be your richest growth yet.
Women in Midlife Are Wired for Flourishing
You might be surprised to know that studies in Developmental Psychology and Harvard Business Review show women in their 40s and 50s often report an increase in confidence, creativity, and clarity of purpose—especially when engaging in purpose-driven work, leadership roles, or expressive outlets like writing, volunteering, or mentorship.
Fall isn’t fading. It’s flourishing.
A Seed I Planted Late—And Why I’m So Glad I Did
One of the most meaningful seeds I’ve planted later in life is going back to school.
When I enrolled to earn my degree in Communication Studies, I wasn’t 20 and figuring it out for the first time—I was working full-time, and already deeply involved in nonprofit work. I had every reason to say, “It’s too late.” But I didn’t.
And you know what I’ve learned?
The timing wasn’t traditional—but it was right.
I’ve brought life experience into every assignment, seen leadership through a lived lens, and used every lecture as fuel to grow not just academically, but personally. My degree won’t just be a piece of paper—it’s a symbol of perseverance, purpose, and planting anyway.
Life Seeds We’re Scared to Sow
Let’s be honest, there are things we all want to do but avoid because we think we’ve missed our window. But some of the most powerful seeds in life are planted later:
Going back to school
Speaking up where we used to stay quiet
Starting a new career path
Building new relationships after loss or change
Beginning therapy or healing work
Launching a blog, business, or creative project
Volunteering or stepping into leadership in your community
We hesitate because we’re told that late = behind.
But that’s not true.
It’s never too late—just different timing.
And women—like fall gardens—thrive when they adapt.
🦋 Berry Bold Reflections
What seed are you being called to plant—even if it feels late in the season?
Where can you give yourself grace for your season of growth?
What would shift if you trusted that your timeline is valid, even if it’s not conventional?
Start anyway.
Grow anyway.
The harvest is still coming.
Even if it starts in the fall.
🖤Stephanie