Chasing Dreams: Why It’s Never Too Late

We’re told to dream big throughout our adolescence. But as we grow older, that message starts to fade and we hear, “Be realistic, just find a stable job with benefits,” more often. With the books we read and the media we consume, we see endless opportunities for what we’re capable of and what could be. Life is seen as a car and we’re in the driver's seat. We can become and pursue anything our heart desires. 

But of course, it’s easier said than done. Life goes by in a blink of an eye and often unfolds in unpredictable ways. Amidst its twists and turns, dreams easily get placed on the back burner, or even worse, dubbed as unattainable before even trying. Yet, the truth of the matter is: that it's never too late to turn your aspirations into reality, regardless of age or circumstances. The pivotal factor lies not in the amount of experience one possesses but it’s about engaging in achievable steps toward fulfilling your dreams and trusting the process. The hardest step can be the first one so if you take that leap, consider yourself one of the courageous few. 

THE MYTH OF TIMELINES

Society often imposes rigid timelines on success, propagating the belief that dreams have an expiration date. It creates the concept that success should be achieved at a certain age or within a specific timeframe. However, history has repeatedly proven otherwise. Countless individuals achieved greatness after years of perseverance and dedication. Martha Stewart didn’t find real success until she was 41. Vera Wang didn’t start her business until she was 40. Nelson Mandela emerged after 27 years in jail and became his country’s president at 76. Their stories among plenty of others stand testament to the fact that dreams are not bound by age. You may take a different path or go at a different pace but in the end, you'll still make it to the same destination as others. 

MAKE A PLAN WITH ACHIEVABLE STEPS 

Speaking from experience, one of the most daunting parts of going into something that you’re not familiar with is not knowing where to start. Let this serve as a reminder that everyone starts somewhere. No one is an expert in their craft overnight. Similar to how you would treat an academic course, it’s beneficial to show up consistently to actually learn and create deadlines to get shit done. It’s important to define your goals and break them down into habits and milestones. Setting times in between your journey to celebrate yourself will be that much of a motivation push. Want to write a novel? Start with writing a page a day. Dream of starting a business? Begin with a solid business plan and identify your target persona. WellBeing People also noted that “having short-term goals minimizes procrastination – you will get there much quicker! They are about the present.”

Each action, no matter how modest, is progress. 

OVERCOME FEARS AND CHALLENGES

Obstacles are an inevitable part of any journey. The fear of failure, financial constraints, or the imposter syndrome from starting “too late” can be overwhelming. However, these challenges are not roadblocks but mere detours. Setbacks could be seen as lessons and opportunities for growth.

Canon events, if you will. BuzzFeed defined the term ‘canon event’ as “something that has to happen in your life/storyline in order to build character and make you who you are.” I’m happy TikTok has normalized people having canon events because it sheds light that they’re unavoidable and a necessary part of the human experience. We'll find comedic relief in them sooner or later.

Sometimes you need to go down an unexpected path to learn or come to realizations you wouldn’t have otherwise. 

CREATE YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS

Success is a deeply personal journey, with varying definitions unique to each person. We get caught up in comparing our lives with those around us or cultural narratives to only realize that what we thought was 'success' isn't even what we want for ourselves. It's someone else’s definition. Be authentic in who you are, what you’re passionate about, and define success on your own terms.

Without all the noise, who do you want to become and what will it take to get there? What would you enjoy doing with/without a paycheck? Where do you see yourself most at peace in life? What does ‘thriving’ look like to you? These are just a few questions you should be asking in the process. 

Again, remember to celebrate small wins. The most fulfilling part of pursuing dreams can be the transformation that occurs throughout and being able to look back at everything accomplished.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO BEGIN

As we go through life, it dawns upon us that time spent doubting ourselves could have been time spent pursuing our dreams. Embrace the truth that it's never too late to begin anew and get started. Take me as an example. I’ve been wanting to start this blog for a couple of years now. Then one day, I finally sat down and did the damn work. I’m still learning every day and will continue taking action with my future self in mind. 

Have the courage to be a beginner. Forbes said it best that “most of us tend to start developing a comfort zone, and it becomes very easy to stay within it most of the time. But it’s hard to grow very much when you stick with what is already comfortable.” 

Be open to admitting that you may not know everything and use a beginner's mentality to your advantage. Continue to be curious. Ask questions. And most importantly, stay humble. We’re students forever and deciding you can’t do it before you even start is the only thing getting in the way.

It's never too late and you’re never too old to dream. So what're you waiting for?

You got this!

With Love, 

Kaitlin