Over the past week I've found myself asking why I've left creating this business so late. Why have I left it so that we hit a pandemic and all the challenges that has thrown up? Why have I left it so that I've got around just fifteen more useful working years (if I'm spared) to create the business I want? Why have I left it to a time when my energy bank is noticeably depleted at the end of each day?
It would have been so much easier if I'd done this in my 40's (I'm now 58) when I had more energy and, frankly, more time.
Maybe because my mind is in this thought process that I've noticed a lot of people having similar thoughts on social media, expressing regret at wasted years, of inaction in the past and of not making use of every single day to the max.
In short, I've had a bit of a pity party this week.
I've spent a fair while considering this during the past few evenings and I wonder how many of you feel the same. Have you left new relationships late? Have you healed rifts that could have been sorted out years ago if you'd put your mind to it? Have you started learning new skills that you love and should have embraced before now? All of it can lead to thoughts of doubt, of having "left it too late".
But here's the thing.
Maybe we're late for a reason. In my case, I wouldn't have thought of this business before because I hadn't had the midlife challenges which led me to writing my book, which led me to starting TOYL. My time would have been split between this business and my children so perhaps I wouldn't actually have had any more time than I do now (when I slump, face forward onto my desk at close of play every night). Maybe it's all about timing.
So, my advice to you if you ever think "I've left it too late" is that you haven't. Maybe you weren't open to the opportunity that now presents itself. Maybe the planets weren't in alignment for you before today. Maybe, just maybe there's truth in "the best is left until last".
What I want you to do is to take every opportunity that comes your way and enjoy whatever you can of it now. For me, yes, you could say I've left it late or you could say that the majority of entrepreneurs who are successful in this world started their businesses after the age of fifty.
Next week's mind set is a glass half full - it's never too late.
Maybe things come to you at a time when you are ready to embrace them? I gave relearnt to ride a bike and starting walking and wish that I had started when younger so I could explore further afield but when I was able I didn’t want to. Youth is definitely wasted on the young. We have to live the best life that we can at the time that we are and always be open to new challenges. Keep going forward.
I love the wisdom in this blog post. Regrets are something that seem to hit us in midlife (and later) – earlier, we were working too hard and having too much fun to worry about too much! But these days, the regrets are many … and so many are accompanied by guilt. We realise that time isn’t infinite after all. When we start to lose the people close to us, we wonder why we didn’t spend more time with them when we could? Or maybe we ask why we toiled for so long in the wrong job, or endured the wrong relationship for as long as we did … I personally think the term forgiveness is too widely (and sloppily) used these days, but I do think in this case we have to look our regret in the face … and forgive ourselves for not doing what we might have done, or not having made that decision many years ago. We did what we did at the time for all the right reasons, and we must be satisfied with that. With regard to TOYL, you bring to this business now all the knowledge, wisdom and maturity you’ve gained over the years – hence the authentic heart and soul of the business, and the inspiration you represent to other women. And as for it never being too late to start something new, it truly isn’t – and one thing I thank social media for is the examples all around me of women embarking on fantastic new projects and challenges regardless of their age. What do they say? It’s all about attitude, not age! Go girls!!
I was absolutely gobsmacked with the quality of products I received in my toyl parcels total 5star for me, I will definitely be ordering again would absolutely recommend love it 💖
You are a true inspiration.
I have started working on something that began just before lockdown .
My husband was made redundant but I am about to start a big adventure.
I was asked to become CEO of a new venture and I was hesitating. Well now I think why not .
Watch this space 😁
Comments will be approved before showing up.
maria gould
October 07, 2021
I have just turned 60 & feel so lost on times & sad about years wasted not putting myself out there. I have loved reading your blog & the lovely comments people have made. It’s inspiring thank you