George Weah of Liberia first sought for Liberian presidency (2005, aged 39) He failed. Obtained his SSCE (2006, aged 40), his degree (2011, aged 45) and masters (2013, aged 47). He won election to the Liberian Senate (2014, aged 48). He has just been declared the country's president (2017, aged 51).
All under 12 years interval.
Simply put, When you make up your mind to succeed you must also be willing to act on your convictions.