No matter how old you are, there’s always someone who’s younger. No matter how good you are at what you’re doing, there’s always someone better. And like this, I could go on forever. The thing I didn’t realise for a long time was that I don’t have to be the best — or follow anyone else’s timeline but my own timeline.
I thought we choose the best, we choose the prettiest, we choose the best deal. But I don’t think it’s entirely true. How do we as humans choose? Based on aesthetics, price, knowledge, sympathies? I see it myself — marketing now more than ever is about personal brand. In an abundance of choices, what actually makes the difference? The fact that you as a creator are authentically you. And with your own timeline, this is what makes your story unique.
The ‘I’m Behind’ Feeling Nobody Talks About
Have you ever scrolled through your feed and suddenly felt like everyone else had it all figured out while you were still trying to work out what you actually want from life? Yeah. Me too.
Everyone else seemed to have it figured out — and I was still Googling “what am I doing with my life.” Okay, not literally, but you know what I want to say. I must admit, in my case this came with age more than anything. Until I was over 30, I really didn’t even think I was late for anything.
The “I’m behind” feeling really came with me engaging more with social media. I know we can all relate. There’s for sure someone you follow who has the life, career, follower count, or whatever else you dream of having. And they’re likely younger than you are.
Comparison, urgency, shame — those are the things messing with our heads. And of course, milestones. 35 is a big one, you see. Especially for millennials, who I feel carried a very specific kind of pressure — we grew up being told to follow one path, and then the world completely changed the rules halfway through. No other generation had to navigate quite that shift. Gen Z came in already playing a different game entirely, and somehow that makes the comparison sting even more.
And on top of all of that, imposter syndrome. It’s incredibly common in our generation, and honestly, it makes sense. When you are raised to blend in, to follow the same steps as everyone else, building confidence in your own unique path becomes one of the hardest things to do.
Where Does the “Timeline” Even Come From?
Who knows. Society, family, social media, culture. But the timeline was never yours to begin with. Since I was born I was compared to others — but how is that a solid starting point? It’s not.
The only timeline you should follow is your own personal and authentic one, and that one has no limits.
So you don’t need to hear why we compare to each other — but to what exactly?
What I have learned by going through all possible stages of personal development, healing, crunching, and living abroad is that every detour brings new skills, perspective, and resilience — and that’s the important part — that the on-time path never would have given you.
So yeah, the timeline is interesting. The thing is, it’s not enough to just sit and wait, but we all know that already and have probably tried it — and it wasn’t a comfortable feeling. Even if it’s not clear yet where you’re going, what you want to do, you haven’t started a business, you don’t have thousands of followers, or whatever you desire — everything you do that moves you in any direction is the thing you need to do.
When I accepted this, a huge stone lifted from my chest. Because the biggest pressure on myself was coming from me.
That’s why I don’t regret things. Everything that happens, good or bad, is a learning curve and it’s great.
My timeline
I was 28 when I left to live in Australia. I was 31 when I reached the professional English level I had wanted for so long. I was 30 when I met my husband. I was 33 when I met my best friend, and I haven’t found or created my dream job until today. But everything happens for a reason. I know that because I am doing, trying, improving, making mistakes, evolving — this time is not lost, it’s my own timeline and it’s unique to me. And you know what? I wouldn’t change any of it. Because every time something magnificent happens, my first thought is that it wouldn’t have happened if my timeline had been different or not mine.
So that feeling that you’re behind — it’s a great reminder that you are aware of your timeline. It’s a signal, not a verdict.
Next time you catch yourself comparing to the influencer who has your dream life, pause and compare your today with yourself a year ago — and be proud. This is extremely important, especially because the “behind” feeling keeps your vibration low. The shift to “today’s me vs. last year’s me — I’m exactly where I need to be to get where I’m going” changes everything, including your vibration. And remember, what you focus on expands.
Practical Shifts That Actually Helped
No deadlines — I mean, how can you even create them? It’s just a number in your head that makes things feel pushed, out of alignment, and not authentic.
Measure backwards, not forwards — where were you a year ago, three years ago? You will be proud of yourself.
Social media — please unfollow any accounts that create negative feelings towards your timeline. It doesn’t have to be visible to everyone, but you know which accounts I’m talking about. If the one that once inspired you now makes you feel like you are less or behind, it’s not your content anymore — and that’s absolutely fine.
My next steps, not the next steps — don’t ask what you should do, but what feels like the right move for you.
“Who am I to…” — swap it to “I am me and that’s my power, and if I want to do it, that’s enough and I will do it.”
The Truth About Timing
The thing I need to remind myself sometimes is that growth is not linear, and neither is life.
The comparison feeling might always be there, but it loses its power over you. The most important thing is that everyone runs their own race, and “ahead” is actually only your own perspective.
“You’re not behind. You’re building.”
“The only timeline that matters is the one you actually want to live.”
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