“You’re Not ‘Behind’ — You’re Just on a Different Timeline”

Comparison culture is exhausting. Here’s how to opt out.

The Pressure Is Real

By 25, you’re “supposed” to have:

• A career you love ✅
• A fit body ✅
• A thriving social life ✅
• A stable income ✅
• Zero anxiety ✅

…Cool cool cool. Except almost no one does.

The Problem with Milestones

We treat life like a checklist. But that assumes:

1. Everyone starts at the same place.
2. Everyone wants the same things.
3. Life doesn’t throw curveballs.

Spoiler: None of that is true.

Reality Check

• Oprah got fired at 23.
• Morgan Freeman didn’t get his breakout role until 50.
• Your friend’s “perfect” life on IG is just their highlight reel.

Success is nonlinear. And nobody’s posting their therapy receipts.

3 Mindset Shifts to Try

• Zoom out: What feels like a setback now might be setting you up long-term.
• Define your own metrics: What actually matters to you?
• Unfollow strategically: If it makes you feel behind, mute it.

TL;DR

There is no “right” timeline.
The only person you need to keep up with is yourself.