How to Get Started When You’re Feeling Behind

(especially if you feel like you “should’ve had it all figured out by now”)

First things first: you are not behind.

You are right on time for your life, not anyone else’s. Comparison has a sneaky way of making us feel like we missed some invisible deadline. But spoiler alert: life didn’t stop at 25. Or 30. Or 40. (In fact, some of the best chapters haven’t even been written yet.)

So if you’re ready to shake off the shame spiral and finally get moving, this guide is your fresh start.

Step 1: Forgive the “wasted time”

You didn’t waste time. You gathered data.
Whether you were surviving, supporting others, stuck in a cycle, or figuring stuff out—you were still becoming.

Try this affirmation:
“Nothing has been wasted. I am exactly where I need to be.”

Step 2: Get clear on what you actually want now

Not what you used to want. Not what your younger self said you “should” do.
Ask yourself:

What do I want to feel more of?
What am I curious about now?
What would feel exciting to move toward?

Start small. You don’t need a perfect life plan—you just need the next step.

Step 3: Create a vision that feels like you

This isn’t about vision boards full of yachts and 6 a.m. workouts (unless that’s your thing).
This is about crafting a life that feels aligned. One that lights you up on the inside.

Imagine your ideal day. What time do you wake up? What do you do first?
Where do you live? What kind of work fulfills you?
Write it down, sketch it, or grab your Self Help Planner and use the Dream Life Dash to guide you.

Step 4: Pick a micro-goal and start messy

Let’s ditch perfectionism, shall we?
Start with a Minimum Goal (we love a low bar around here):

Want to get back into movement? Start with stretching for 5 minutes.
Want to find your purpose? Start with journaling once a week.
Want to change careers? Start with researching for 10 minutes.

You don’t need to overhaul your life. You need momentum.

Step 5: **Use the tools that work with your real life**

If you’re busy, overwhelmed, neurodivergent, burnt out, or just easily distracted (hi, same)—you need a system that makes it easy to stay consistent.

That’s why I created the Self Help Planner—a science-backed, flexible planning system that meets you where you are and grows with you.

Let’s Recap:

You are not behind—you’re right on time for your journey.
Start by forgiving the past and focusing on what’s next.
Dream a little. Then take a small, messy step.
Use tools that simplify the process (like the planner made just for this).

💛 Ready to Start Again (Without Starting Over)?
Get the Undated Self Help Planner and create the structure you’ve been craving to follow through on your goals—at your own pace.

📘 Grab yours now