Is it Ever Too Late?
On Growth, Grit, and Getting Started—Whenever You're Ready
Hey Readers!
So, this past week I had the amazing opportunity to see NY Times Bestselling Author and Award Winning Podcast Host, Mel Robbins LIVE in Boston!
About Mel
I first learned about Mel from my daughter, who has followed Mel’s podcast forever (okay, maybe not forever, but a long time). I quickly became a fan. From The High Five Habit, The Five Second Rule, and the Let Them Theory, along with her eye opening and inspirational podcast, Mel is empowering others each day to get their power back. With her own inspirational story (just 15 years ago she was unemployed, drowning in debt, and so depressed, she could barely get out of bed), she’s now taking the world by storm. And like her podcast, her live show was just as moving.
The Big Questions
Something that has been on my mind since hearing Mel speak is this question: Is it ever too late to go after your dreams?
And it’s not my only question.
What if everything in the world is against you? What if just getting out of bed is hard? How do you push forward when things are falling apart? And what if you accomplished your dream? Then what? Do we ever stop growing? Plateau?
These are hard questions and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The fact is, we all carry something. We all have fears, perhaps even traumas or other experiences that made us question ourselves, our dreams, and ponder our purpose.
Maybe you’re afraid to try something new. Step outside your comfort zone. Maybe you think: I’ve messed up already, what’s the point?
There’s always a point.
The Power of Time
During the show, Mel shared this chart. It’s a chart of all the weeks you have if you live to be 100. Take a look:
5,200 weeks. That’s all you get. Where are you on this chart? What will you do with your time?
So many of us complain about time. Never enough time, right? But here’s the thing: there will always be time for the things that matter, if you make it.
For one day, take stock of your time. How much of it do you spend on social media? Watching television? Staring at your phone? You have more time than you think.
Do we ever stop growing?
What if you accomplished that big dream? Got that degree, took that trip, did that thing you thought you never could? Then what? We don’t talk enough about that. The let down when you met your goal and wonder, now what?
When I’m searching for clarity, I often look at nature. You can learn a lot by studying the natural patterns of the world. Take a tree, for instance. A tree might stop growing taller, at some point, but it never stops growing wider, deeper, or stronger. Its roots dig into the earth, often connecting to other trees. Providing shelter for other animals, insects, etc.
Likewise, you may reach a goal. But that doesn’t mean you stop growing. No, you shift in how you grow.
There is always room for a new dream. You can always extend your roots, emotionally, intellectually, creatively, spiritually. Growth continues for a lifetime — if you allow yourself to keep learning.
Is there a magic trick to success?
People often ask me, how do you do it all? How are you a mom, wife, writer, attorney, mentor, teacher . . . how do you get it done? I’m asked as if it’s some kind of magic trick.
There is no magic trick.
It’s about showing up when you don’t feel like it. Doing the thing you don’t want to do. Even with the things you love, there will be days when enthusiasm is lacking. It takes hard work to build consistency, skill, face rejection, and keep going.
Sometimes, yes, even getting out of bed can be hard. Overwhelming. In the words of Nike, Just Do It.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Small steps make big impact. The best fix to anytime you are feeling stuck is to take action. Positive action. Whether small or big, do something. Stretch. Call a friend. Make a list. Just get going. And do it day after day after day. Even ten minutes a day. You’d be surprised at what you can accomplish in just ten minutes a day! It’s consistency that builds.
Choose Your Hard
And I know it’s hard. Life is hard. But choose your hard. Someone said that to me recently, and it stuck. Choose your hard. It’s hard to eat healthy, exercise, but it’s harder to be unhealthy. It’s hard to take a class after work, spend your spare time learning a new skill, but being stuck in a job that doesn’t serve you is hard too. Which hard do you want?
The Most Important Step
The most important step you can take is the one you take right now. There’s no better time than now. It’s never too late. Even if you are on the last day of your life, something you do or say, might just be what inspires someone else. Saves a life. The actions we take ripple toward others. Which action will you take?
Final Thoughts
So, in closing, I don’t have a list of tips. No magic tricks here. Just one last thought: Always remember, no matter who you are, what you’ve been through, you matter. You are loved. And you got this.
XOXO
Sarah
AKA A Busy Lady
P.S. I’ve got some great posts lined up! This month’s Rebel Writer’s Edition will feature historic author Edith Wharton. Also, I was so inspired by my latest interview with John Truby, I’ve decided to do more video interviews! Stay tuned for the fantastic writer/artist guest I’ll be interviewing soon. If you love comics, you’ll love this next guest coming in June!
In the meantime, I’m doing lots of book events and finishing my latest novel (three chapters to go). I can’t wait to share my next story with you.
Don’t forget to check out my website for details. In the meantime, here’s some pics from my most recent signing at Barnes & Noble! As well as a link to a video from the Quiet Corner Sci-Fi & Comic Experience which I recently participated in!
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A Busy Lady is written by an actual human—no AI, just chocolate, creativity, and a love for storytelling. This also means there may be an occasional typo, just to prove a human did it ;)
I loved this, Sarah. I saved it for when I had time to really look at it. I printed the chart.
I was listening to an Oprah podcast a few years ago. I don't remember who she had on, but they told the story of Death coming for a 52 year old man. The man begged
MAN: Please just give me 2 more weeks. There's so much I want to do.
DEATH: I gave you 52 years already.
Sometimes it feels like I'm busting my butt for nothing. Nobody gets out alive, right? I think about sitting on my patio, feeling the sun on my face while I read all the books. So many I can't begin to list. I often wonder if the time is better spent doing that, than the uphill climb I do every day. Since I don't have an answer to that, I continue the climb.
Thanks for the gentle reminder.
helpful, meaningful and hits home