Yes you have been working smart and you've talent…most of the people rely on their talent and assume they will gain success eventually. But it doesn't work most of the time and they are left disappointed and helpless. Hardwork beats talent when talent doesn't work. Let's take an example of a ship and port. You are on the port. You need talent to board the ship but what if the ship doesn't come to you? Well why don't you try to reach the ship all by yourself rather than trying to wait for it on shore? That's where you put hardwork and recognise what you want and work on it. I'm sure there's no barriers regarding the age…we all are in our respective time zones. It's never late to start. Do the hardwork. Recognise your talent. Work smart and reach out to success. It won't come to you for granted.
I really love what you said. In my case, that is what happened. I never gave up. Sometimes I wondered why I keep trying. I supposed I couldn't stop myself, art was in my blood. I lived and breathed it. But God was watching me and knew what was more important to do along the way.