Declutter: About Falling Behind and Feeling like it's Too Late

(me representing by the most cliche thoughts of the century)

We're almost half way through 2020 and what a year it has been! This week, I took a step back to reflect what I've accomplished thus far since the start of this year. I boldly admit that I did accomplished quite a fair bit on what I've sort out to do.

Over the last few weeks, I chose to cut back on non-essential tasks and give myself a mental break. I spent much time talking to friends - some that I've been keeping in touch with and also those that I've haven't spoken with in months or even year. COVID-19 really does wonders to your social life and in some way, I feel glad for that. Even more, I feel happy to hear how far people have been progressing and improving in their own day to day lives :)!

Because of that, I've been pretty inspired. They reminded me that it's never too late to start on something (I need reminders and a support group too!). We tend to compare ourselves and how there are already so many talented individuals out there, it's probably too late for us to start. We always wished we started earlier. Ironically, we go through this vicious cycle that it's too late to start because we never get any younger.

Here are a few examples of what my friends did:

• at 24, a friend of mine made the choice to do a profession that is totally unrelated to her degree (accounting) and she found something she enjoyed doing and I could really see how much happier she is now.
• at 24, a friend of mine made it a point to learn ukulele and she's now confident enough to share her progress with others
• at 27, a friend of mine picked up mandarin and within 2 years, is fluent in the language in both conversational and business
• in his 40s, an ex-client of mine decided to run a marathon and never looked back - you can hear more of this story here!

These stories made me reflect. If I had a story of my own to be proud of, it was that I was a total bum during I was in primary and secondary school days. I only studied what I liked. While I did end up grinding it out in my junior college years, I think I wouldn't have found so much joy and value in learning if I just went through the motion in my earlier years to get "good grades". 

This curiosity and value in learning somehow translated positively to my days in university and even now in my professional life. I made sure I picked things I enjoyed doing to feel that sense of joy when I learned. In some way, it gave me an appreciation in what I do.

I'll never get why we as humans tend to put ourselves down so quickly, before we start or reach a milestone but falling behind does help you to reflect to find appreciation and the endurance in investing time and effort in the things you do. 

I guess it is a timely reminder that sometimes taking a step back to listen brings you two steps forward :)

This ted talk explains perfectly about how falling behind can get you ahead.