Have you ever felt pressure from society’s “timeline?” (Of course you have, we’re all human…) There’s an invisible ticking clock, commonly known as society’s timeline, that controls our decisions, goals and outlook on life. I know I’m not the only one who’s ever thought, “I’m not where I’m supposed to be at this stage in my life,” or “I feel like I’m behind on my career, family planning, etc.” Timelines have a deep impact on our lives, and often make us feel like we’re behind.

The unrealistic concept of society’s timeline affects me, too. I felt triggered, overwhelmed and anxious when I thought about my own timeline, and I had to do some deep, self-work in order to remove the power and control it had over me.

So if you’re feeling pressure from the invisible clock telling you where you ‘should’ be, refer to these three easy tips on how to reclaim your timeline:

1. Reframe your mindset around timelines: Instead of focusing on age-specific, generalized timelines, focus on your growth. Focusing on your growth will allow you to see and believe in your progress and how far you’ve come, ultimately reframing your mindset about timelines in general. Reframing creates a shift in your mindset, helping to reduce limiting beliefs and self-doubt. Reframing methods include neurolinguistic programming techniques, as well as journaling, affirmations and mindfulness techniques.
2. Cut out the comparisons: Scrolling on social media can seem harmless, but overexposure can cause more harm than good. The videos you consume can leave a lasting impression, which can make you feel worse about yourself overall. (Comparison is the thief of joy)! Instead, cut out the comparisons by limiting your intake on social media, unfollow any accounts that trigger you and occupy your time with something that brings you joy instead of mindless scrolling. Get outside, snuggle your pets, read a book or listen to a podcast — incorporate an activity that serves as a positive distraction. By doing this, you’ll become less likely to inadvertently reach for your phone and tap on a social media app.
3. Celebrate wins, no matter how small: You’ve overcome so much adversity, and each and every milestone throughout your journey deserves to be celebrated. This may seem challenging or off-putting for someone who puts others before themselves, but it’s time to get comfortable with the uncomfortable (because your wins matter, too)! Think about it this way, you would be supportive and cheer on your loved ones if they accomplished something, right? Give that same energy to yourself because you matter, and you deserve to receive the same praise, love and support that you put out into the world.

We’re often told where we ‘should’ be by a certain age, but that narrative is extremely limiting and detrimental to our overall well-being. Instead, let’s reframe and redefine our timeline, cut out comparisons and celebrate every small win. Most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way. Which of these tips resonates most with you today? Let’s empower each other to embrace our unique timelines and live life at our own pace.

To listen to the corresponding podcast episode, “Reclaim Your Timeline,” click here!