How do I deal with feeling like I'm not where I should be in life?

Feeling like you're not where you should be in life is a common source of Anxiety disorder that often stems from comparing your actual experience to some idealized timeline or external expectations about what success should look like. This feeling typically intensifies during major life transitions, milestone birthdays, or when you see peers achieving things you haven't yet accomplished. Social media exacerbates this by showing you everyone else's achievements and milestones without the context of their struggles, setbacks, or different circumstances. The phrase 'should be' is particularly problematic because it implies there's a universal standard for where people ought to be at certain ages or stages, which simply isn't true. Life is inherently unpredictable, and everyone faces different challenges, opportunities, and circumstances that affect their timeline. Some people find their career path early while others change directions multiple times. Some achieve financial stability quickly while others face economic hardships beyond their control. Some find love young while others discover meaningful Interpersonal relationship later in life. These different paths don't indicate success or failure - they reflect the reality that we're all different people with different needs, values, and circumstances. Sometimes the feeling of being behind comes from pursuing goals that others chose for you rather than following your own interests and values. You might be successful by external standards but feel unfulfilled because you're not living according to your authentic desires. It's important to question whose expectations you're trying to meet and whether they align with what actually matters to you. Focus on your own personal growth and progress rather than external comparisons. Celebrate the steps you've taken and the lessons you've learned, even if they don't look like traditional achievements. Remember that many successful and fulfilled people didn't find their stride until later in life, and there's no expiration date on personal development, life changes, or new beginnings. Your timeline is your own, and you're exactly where you need to be for your unique journey.