Hey there. You ever feel like you've wasted too much time to change? Like there's some invisible deadline for when you're supposed to have everything figured out? I think we all, at some point, buy into this idea that life has a set timeline. That we need to hit certain milestones at certain ages. And we stick with this belief… until we decide not to.
If you’re thinking, "I’m too old to start over" or "I’ve wasted too much time," let me remind you of something. Your life could end tomorrow, or you could live for another nine decades. Either way, the time you have left is unknown. So why would you assume it’s too late when you have no idea how much time you actually have? The truth is, the best time to change is now, because now is the only time you have.
I don’t want you looking back years from now thinking, "I should have made a change but didn’t." I also don’t want you believing that you’ve wasted time. You haven’t. Every experience, even the ones that felt like a complete waste, led you to this exact moment. Every choice, mistake, and setback played a role in shaping who you are. Instead of regretting the past, embrace it. It got you here. And here is where change happens.
Letting Go of Regret
Regret is a heavy weight to carry, and it serves no real purpose. If you’re stuck thinking, "If only I knew then what I know now," remind yourself that you didn’t. There was no way for you to have that knowledge without experiencing what you did. Growth only happens through experience. So instead of beating yourself up over what could have been, focus on what can be.
Once you accept where you are and what you’ve been through, the next step is to appreciate it. That means letting go of regret. It means understanding that everything in your past, even the difficult moments, contributed to your growth. And now that you’re here, you have a choice. You can keep dwelling on what’s behind you, or you can start moving forward.
Getting Clear on What Matters
Now that you’re ready to move forward, the next step is figuring out what actually matters to you. Not what you're supposed to believe, not what others expect of you, but what you truly value. Your priorities have likely changed over time, and that’s a good thing. Who you were ten years ago isn't who you are today, so why should your goals and beliefs stay the same?
Ask yourself: What do I actually want? Where do I want to go? And am I making choices based on my true values or just following what I think I should do? These are questions you’ll need to revisit regularly because as life shifts, so will your direction. What you want today might not be what you want five years from now, and that’s okay.
Taking Action Without Overthinking
Most people get stuck at this point. They spend so much time analyzing, planning, and waiting for the perfect moment that they never actually do anything. Change doesn’t happen through endless visualization. It happens through action.
You don’t need to make a massive shift overnight. Small, intentional actions add up over time. The way you think and approach things will shift first, and that will naturally lead to new habits and decisions. Most of these changes won’t be obvious at first. And honestly, most people around you won’t even notice because they’re too busy focusing on their own lives.
As you start changing, you’ll also notice that the people who have access to you may need to change too. Some relationships will naturally shift, and that’s okay. You don’t need a dramatic confrontation or a big announcement. Just start making the adjustments that feel right.
You Can Change Anytime
The more you reinforce the belief that you can change, the more confident you’ll feel navigating whatever life throws at you. Course correction isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process. But once you truly connect with who you are and where you want to go, you’ll stop hesitating. You’ll just start moving.
So if you’re wondering if it’s too late, the answer is simple. It’s not. The best time to change is right now.
Want More Guidance on This?
If you’re serious about working through this process and making real changes, check out The YLF Experience. It’s where we dive deeper into the inside/out process, and I’ll personally help guide you through it.