Hey there. If you’re reading this, I want you to know something right off the bat, you’re not behind. You’re not stuck. You’re exactly where you need to be right now.
I know how easy it is to think you’re running out of time. That feeling like you’ve missed opportunities or should have acted sooner can hit hard. But here’s the truth: You’re right where you need to be because of everything you’ve experienced, both the things you’ve dealt with and the things you’ve avoided. Every decision, every delay, every hard-earned lesson has shaped your perspective and that perspective is powerful.
Your perspective is the secret ingredient that makes your story unique. You might think, “I should have done this sooner” or “Why did it take me so long to get here?” But what if that delay wasn’t wasted time? What if those years spent figuring things out were exactly what you needed to become the person you are right now? Sometimes, decisions take three years instead of three months, and that’s okay. The time it takes doesn’t matter as much as the clarity and growth you gain along the way.
There’s no perfect timeline for personal growth. Some lessons click immediately, and others need to be heard dozens, maybe even hundreds of times before they finally stick. And sometimes, it’s not about taking action right away but shifting your mindset little by little. Life is full of nuance, and your feelings, instincts, and experiences are valid parts of that journey.
Trusting Yourself…Even When You Get It Wrong
I’ve learned to trust my gut, and I encourage you to do the same. It won’t always be right, but that’s okay. The mistakes you make when following your instincts are often the most valuable lessons. You learn through trying, failing, and adjusting. Each misstep is just part of the process of becoming who you’re meant to be.
If you feel like you’re not where you want to be right now, take a moment to step back. Look at where you actually are, what you’ve accomplished, and what you’ve learned. Then ask yourself, where do I want to go from here? When you write it down, you might realize you’re already further along than you thought.
Stop Tearing Yourself Down
I know how easy it is to focus on what you’re not doing. I used to be my harshest critic, thinking that being tough on myself would push me forward. But that constant criticism is like walking in a boot, it slows you down. You might still make progress, but it’s not efficient, and it’s definitely not healthy.
You should be your biggest coach, not your biggest critic. Self-criticism might fuel short-term motivation, but over time, it chips away at your confidence and joy. Being kind to yourself is not weakness, it’s necessary for long-term growth.
Embracing Every Version of You
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t just disconnect from your past self. You can’t bury the person you used to be and expect to move on. That version of you, with all the struggles and insecurities, is still part of who you are today. Instead of trying to run from that person, you need to acknowledge them, appreciate them, and embrace them.
This shows up a lot in body image struggles. You might lose weight or hit a fitness goal, but still feel haunted by the insecurities of your past. That’s because your old self doesn’t just disappear. Instead of trying to bury those feelings, take the time to appreciate the version of yourself that got you through tough times. That person deserves recognition too.
Done Is Better Than Perfect
I spent years doubting myself, thinking I wasn’t good enough to share my thoughts or help others. I sat on my personal training certification for six years after leaving the gym because I didn’t think anyone would take me seriously. When I started creating content, I let perfectionism hold me back. It once took me 45 minutes and countless retakes just to record a 30-second intro video.
What changed for me? I realized that done is better than perfect. Recording one podcast episode turned into a daily practice because I stopped letting fear of imperfection get in the way. Sometimes, the answer is to do the opposite of what you’re used to—stop overthinking and just take action.
You’re Ready, Even If You Don’t Feel Like It
You have everything inside you to do what you want to do. You might not feel ready, but that’s part of the process. The key is to keep showing up for yourself, take action, and believe that you’re capable.
If you’re ready to dive deeper and work on becoming your best self from the inside out, I invite you to join The YLF Experience. Let’s take this journey together and help you become the strongest, most confident version of yourself.