“Why Trailblazing Women Redefine Success at Any Age”

Rose Odette
Oct 4
2 min read

Introduction - Trailblazing Women Redefine Success

Yesterday on my Bullish on Business Podcast, I had the honor of interviewing Joan H. Young — a woman who proves that dreams have no age limit. At 75, she became the first woman to hike the 4,800-mile North Country Trail twice. Oh, and by the way? She’s also authored 17 books. Joan’s story is a masterclass in relentless growth: it’s not about how old you are, it’s about how bold you are and Trailblazing Women Redefine Success.

On Her Writings

Joan’s books span cozy mysteries, outdoor adventure, and inspiring essays. Some of her titles include News from Dead Mule Swamp, The Hollow Tree at Dead Mule Swamp, Paddy Plays in Dead Mule Swamp, Bury the Hatchet in Dead Mule Swamp, Dead Mule Swamp Druggist, Dead Mule Swamp Mistletoe, Dead Mule Swamp Singer, North Country Cache: Adventures on a National Scenic Trail, The Secret Cellar: A 1950s Children’s Mystery, The Bigg Boss, The Hitchhiker, The ABZ Affair, Accidentally Yours, The Lonely Donkey, Elements of Life, and Short & Fun Stories Vol. 1. Each page she writes, like each mile she hikes, reflects her love of persistence and storytelling.

Five Ideals to Live By

Endurance Over Time – Greatness isn’t one big leap; it’s a million steady steps.
Mental Grit Wins – The hardest trail is the one inside your head.
Purpose Creates Power – With a “why,” you can conquer any “how.”
Age is Not a Ceiling – Milestones aren’t reserved for the young; they’re reserved for the relentless.
Legacy Matters – Books, blogs, and footprints on a trail leave behind inspiration for generations.

Five Action Items for You

Write Your Trailhead Goal – Set down the “impossible” dream you’ve been postponing.
Segment the Journey – Break it down into achievable steps, just like Joan’s miles.
Strengthen Your Mindset – Train yourself to move forward when your mind whispers “stop.”
Document the Path – Journal, blog, or create content — your journey inspires others.
Expand Your Legacy – Start building something lasting: a book, a project, a business, a trail others can follow.

Conclusion

Joan’s words on my podcast still ring in my ears: “The trail teaches you that you’re never really finished.” At 75, she’s out-hiking most people half her age, writing her 18th book, and showing us all that passion can outpace time. The lesson? If Joan can charge forward on a 4,800-mile trail — twice — what’s stopping you from charging after your dream?

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