It’s a feeling almost all of us know, especially as young adults: that gnawing sense that you’re too late in life. Maybe your friends are buying houses, getting promotions, or tying the knot, while you’re still figuring things out. You scroll through social media, bombarded with highlight reels, and a heavy question settles in your chest: “Am I lagging in life?” This feeling is incredibly common, and it’s valid. You’re not alone in wondering, “Why do I feel like I am not making progress?”

The Danger of Comparisons

Social media, while connecting us, has also amplified the comparison trap. We’re constantly exposed to curated versions of other people’s successes, leading us to measure our own worth against an often-unrealistic yardstick. This constant comparison is a thief of joy. Instead of celebrating our own milestones, no matter how small, we fixate on what others have achieved and what we haven’t. This mental game leaves us feeling inadequate and defeated, convincing us that we’re somehow failing or that our time has passed.

The Blessing of the Lord’s Timeline

When we operate on the world’s timeline, we’re setting ourselves up for anxiety and disappointment. The world dictates that by a certain age, you should have X, Y, and Z. But what if there’s a different, more liberating timeline at play? What if God’s plan for your life isn’t bound by societal expectations or the highlight reels of others?

The truth is, God’s timetable is perfect, and it often looks very different from ours. His wisdom is far beyond our comprehension, and His timing is always for our ultimate good. When we surrender our anxieties about being “too late” and embrace the Lord’s timeline, we find immense hope and peace. His plan for you is unique, unfolding exactly as it should. This doesn’t mean passively waiting; it means actively trusting that He is working all things together for your good, even when it feels like you’re in a waiting period.

5 Things to Do When You Feel Too Late

So, when that feeling of being behind creeps in, what can you do?

1. Still Do Your Best

Even if you feel like you’re not where you “should” be, keep striving. Give your best effort in whatever you’re doing right now. Whether it’s your job, your studies, your relationships, or your personal growth, commit to excellence. God honors diligence and faithfulness, regardless of the outcome or the perceived pace. Your effort today is never wasted, even if its purpose isn’t immediately clear.

2. Ask the Lord What He Thinks of You and Your Progress

This is a powerful exercise. Instead of listening to the lies of comparison, go directly to the source of truth. Spend time in prayer and ask God: “Lord, what do You think of my progress? What do You see in me right now?”

Remember the story of David. Before he was king, he was a shepherd boy, seemingly overlooked. Yet, God saw his heart and his faithfulness in the humble tasks he was given. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God tells Samuel, “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” God isn’t looking at your resume or your social media feed; He’s looking at your heart and your obedience. He sees your worth and your journey, even when you can’t.

3. Think About Your Own Progress – How Far You’ve Come

It’s easy to focus on what you haven’t done. Instead, consciously shift your gaze to how far you have come. Think about past challenges you’ve overcome, skills you’ve learned, personal growth you’ve experienced, or even small victories. You are not the same person you were a year ago, or even six months ago. Acknowledge your resilience and the strides you’ve made on your unique path.

4. Redirect Comparison

When you catch yourself comparing, intentionally redirect your thoughts. Instead of letting it steal your joy, use it as a prompt to pray for that person you’re comparing yourself to, or to celebrate their success genuinely. Then, pivot your focus back to your own journey and your relationship with God. Remind yourself that your path is divinely designed and perfectly timed for you.

5. Trust God

Ultimately, the antidote to feeling “too late” is unwavering trust in God. He is sovereign, good, and deeply invested in your life. He knows the desires of your heart, and He has a plan to prosper you and not to harm you, a plan to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Release the burden of control and the pressure of external timelines. Lean into His faithfulness, knowing that He is working all things for your good, in His perfect timing.

Conclusion

Feeling like you’re too late in life is a challenging emotion, especially in our fast-paced world. But remember, your worth isn’t determined by societal benchmarks or the achievements of others. You are deeply loved and purposed by a God whose timeline is perfect. Embrace your unique journey, trust in His plan, and keep taking faithful steps forward. Your story is still being written, and it’s a masterpiece in the making.