Dear Gabby,
I’m almost 25 and worried I’m having a midlife crisis already. I know it may sound silly, but it seems to be always in the back of my head bugging me. I feel like I’ve wasted so much time and haven’t accomplished anything, so now I feel like I’m 25 and have nothing. I know I’m young, but it’s like life is so short, like do I really have time to gain back the time I lost or start working toward something? I’m still working toward an associate’s degree and trying to decide what I want to do with my life, but I just feel like I’m drowning and not actually accomplishing anything. Do you think I’m overreacting? I’m getting nervous that I will never measure up to my own standards or have lost too much time. What advice do you have for me?
Lost Timer
Dear Lost Timer,
I don’t think you’re overreacting because I definitely think everyone is entitled to how they feel. However, I do think that you need to take some deep breaths, step back, and view your life from the outside.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the world and start comparing yourself to everyone else—that’s normal. But while you’re stressing and watching other people live their lives and accomplish their goals, you’re still sitting back worrying about things that aren’t necessarily a problem.
I think it’s important to realize where you are but it’s even more important to focus on where you want to go. Write down a list of realistic goals and find a process to help you achieve those goals. No one said you had to be 25 and make a six figure income and have a family and a steady career.
Some people say life is short, but I think it’s quite long and can be full of so many accomplishments and memories. You have time if you start working toward your goals and taking the time to better yourself for the future. Stay motivated and focused—it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.
Unfortunately, you can’t get back the time you’ve lost, but you can start moving forward and taking the time now to really start growing.
Good luck,
Gabby