What should I have accomplished by 54?
See what remarkable builders and entrepreneurs achieved at age 54
Your Position
Notable Achievements at Age 54
Cleveland Cavaliers win first NBA Championship
Under Gilbert's ownership the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Championship—Cleveland's first major professional sports title in 52 years (2016).
Death of father, Pallonji Mistry
Pallonji Mistry, Cyrus's father and head of the Shapoorji Pallonji enterprises and major Tata Sons shareholder, died on 28 June 2022.
Signed Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
On June 25, 2019 signed legalization and regulation of adult-use recreational cannabis; law effective Jan 1, 2020; expungements and community reinvestment provisions included.
Inaugurated as 43rd Governor of Illinois
Sworn in on January 14, 2019 as governor; began administration priorities on fiscal policy, education, healthcare and criminal justice reform.
Suspended 2016 presidential campaign
Ended his presidential bid on Nov 2, 2015, citing Democratic Party rule changes that prevented debate participation.
Announced formal 2016 presidential campaign
Declared candidacy for the Democratic nomination on Sept 6, 2015, aiming to make campaign finance reform the centerpiece of his run.
Awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama
Received the 2013 National Humanities Medal at the White House (awarded in July 2014) for work delving into mysteries of human existence.
Founded Possible Financial Services (later Starling Bank)
Founded an online-only bank originally named Possible Financial Services, tagline 'Bank Possible'.
Assassinated after Rawalpindi rally (Dec 27, 2007)
Shot and then a suicide blast occurred after she left a campaign rally in Rawalpindi; she died en route to hospital. Attack also killed dozens of bystanders.
Founded The Huffington Post (HuffPost)
Co‑founded The Huffington Post with Andrew Breitbart, Kenneth Lerer and Jonah Peretti; launched May 9, 2005 as a commentary/blog/news aggregation site.
Sworn in as 78th U.S. Attorney General (first woman)
Reno was sworn in on March 12, 1993, becoming the first female U.S. Attorney General and overseeing the Department of Justice.
Confirmed by U.S. Senate as Attorney General (98–0)
The Senate confirmed Reno on March 11, 1993 by a 98–0 vote.
Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent struggle for the liberation of Tibet and advocacy of peace.
Keynote speaker, 1988 Democratic National Convention
Delivered the keynote address in Atlanta; speech brought national prominence (notable lines about George H.W. Bush and women in politics).
Awarded Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (shared with Élie Metchnikoff)
Received the 1908 Nobel Prize for contributions to immunology (side-chain theory and immunology research).
Issues the Emancipation Proclamation
Emancipation Proclamation takes effect (Jan 1, 1863), declaring slaves in rebellious states to be forever free; transforms war aims.
Reported total compensation from Nasdaq: $18.5M (2023)
Friedman's total compensation from Nasdaq in 2023 was reported as $18.5 million (CEO-to-median worker pay ratio 157:1).
Fortune: Ranked 55th Most Powerful Women (2023)
Fortune magazine ranked Friedman 55th on its Most Powerful Women list in 2023.
💡 What this means for you
At age 54, you're at a pivotal point where many successful entrepreneurs made their breakthrough. Whether you're building your first company or scaling an existing one, these examples show what's possible with focus and execution.
Share Your Results
🎯 Challenge a Friend
See how your friends and colleagues compare at their age. Share this tool to start a friendly competition!
How Do You Stack Up?
Compare your achievements at age 54 with industry leaders and see where you stand.