The Myth of Falling Behind: Why You’re Exactly Where You Need to Be
I was talking to a friend the other day, and she sighed and said, “I just feel so behind.”
Behind on career goals. Behind on relationships. Behind on life, as if she missed some invisible deadline that everyone else magically seemed to meet.
And honestly? I get it.
We live in a world that constantly measures us—by age, by milestones, by social media highlight reels that make it seem like everyone else has figured out the “right” timeline for success, love, and happiness. It’s easy to feel like you’re running out of time, like you should have more or be further ahead by now.
But here’s what I need you to hear: You are not behind.
You are on your path, not someone else’s. And the idea that there’s a singular, correct timeline for life? That’s a myth.
Why “Falling Behind” Is a Lie
1️⃣ Life isn’t linear.
Despite what we’ve been told, life doesn’t move in a neat, predictable order. Some people meet their soulmate at 22, others at 52. Some people find career success early, others reinvent themselves multiple times before landing where they’re meant to be. There is no single “correct” sequence—only what’s right for you.
2️⃣ Comparison is a trap.
When you feel behind, pause and ask yourself: Compared to what? Or who? Most of the time, we’re measuring ourselves against a mix of societal expectations, family pressure, and social media illusions. But the truth is, no one’s journey is as effortless as it looks from the outside. You are not in competition with anyone else’s timeline.
3️⃣ Timing is personal.
What if the things you’re working toward are taking time because they’re meant to? What if this season—the one that feels slower, messier, or less certain—is exactly what you need to grow into the person who’s ready for what’s next? Sometimes delays aren’t failures; they’re preparation.
How to Let Go of the Fear of Falling Behind
If you’ve been feeling like you’re “late” to something in life, here are a few ways to shift your mindset and reclaim your peace:
✅ Check your timeline expectations.
Where did your idea of what’s “on time” come from? Was it a family expectation? A cultural norm? A self-imposed deadline? Challenge whether it still serves you.
✅ List your real priorities.
If you weren’t worried about comparison, what would you truly want? Sometimes we chase goals just because they seem like the next logical step, not because they align with our values.
✅ Celebrate where you are.
Instead of focusing on what you haven’t done yet, take a moment to acknowledge what you have experienced, learned, and created in your life so far.
✅ Trust that your path is unfolding.
Every experience—even the detours, the pauses, the moments of uncertainty—adds to the person you’re becoming. You don’t need to rush.
✅ Ask: Who benefits from me believing I’m behind?
The idea that we must always be achieving more fuels industries that profit from our self-doubt. What happens if you reject the idea that you’re running out of time?
You’re Exactly Where You’re Meant to Be
There’s no expiration date on growth. No deadline for happiness. No race to the finish line of life.
So if you’ve been feeling behind, take a deep breath and remember: You are not late. You are not off track. You are right on time.
Here’s to releasing the pressure and embracing your path—exactly as it’s unfolding. 💛
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