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Start Late

Time

“It is never too late. Even if you are going to die tomorrow, keep yourself straight and clear and be a happy human being today.” ~Lama Yeshe

There’s a common misconception that there comes a point when it’s too late to do things you want to do. Maybe one of these statements sounds familiar to you:

“I can’t become a designer. I’m far too old to change my career path.”

“I’ll never get married. It’s too late in the game for that.”

“I couldn’t possibly start yoga. That’s for people much younger than me.”

We choose arbitrary windows of time when we imagine we should have tried something and then believe it’s not possible once those days have past.

The saddest part of this way of thinking is that we’re generally right. Not because it can’t be done, but because we can only do what we believe we can.

If you don’t think it’s possible to begin a new profession, you won’t take a training course, send out resumes, or make the connections you need to succeed.

If you don’t believe it’s possible to fall in love, you likely won’t put yourself out there and open your heart to let someone in.

If you don’t think your body can get stronger and more flexible, you’ll stay on your couch instead of trying a class, going to the next one, and being patient with your progress.

Instead of doing the things that would make you feel alive and proud of yourself, you’ll simply sit back—feeling frustrated, regretful, and maybe even a little jealous of other people who make their own rules.

Barring physical limitations, it is never too late—for anything. No matter what you did yesterday or what type of person you’ve been, you can wake up today and decide who you want to be. Don’t think about as changing. Think about as living this moment as you want to.

You may not accomplish in your remaining time what someone who started decades earlier will, but you won’t accomplish anything if you refuse to start. And more importantly, with each day that passes you’ll feel a greater disconnect between the life you’re living and the life you dream about.

Get started. Take a small step. What you’re seeking isn’t necessarily the end goal you think you need years to reach. It’s a life aligned with who you want to be. You can be that person right now.

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About Lori Deschene

Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.

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[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Chuck, Tiny Buddha. Tiny Buddha said: Do Happy: Start Late http://bit.ly/5xelOs […]

Tracy

This is just the motivation I needed today!! Thank you! 🙂

Jeff

My wife and I started Yoga this week! Although we are only in our mid 20s, we decided it's best to take action whenever you really want something. Don't just think about doing something and end up talking yourself out of it. Turn thoughts into action and reap the benefits!

Marianela

So true! Thank you so much for sharing.

[…] Tweets about this great post on TwittLink.com […]

rkontny

I feel happy just reading this! Talk to people you meet while picking out cards!
I did yesterday and it was a wonderful 30 min. of conversation!

[…] Start Late […]

[…] Do Happy: Start Late […]

trackback

[…] today’s quote resonated with you, you may benefit from reading Do Happy: Start Late. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "March 23, 2010", url: "http://dev.tinybuddha.com/quotes/march-23-2010/" […]

rkontny

I feel happy just reading this! Talk to people you meet while picking out cards!
I did yesterday and it was a wonderful 30 min. of conversation!

[…] 18. Start something you always assumed it was too late to do. Take gymnastics, learn guitar. If it moves you, get started today. It’s never too late. […]

[…] odd as it may sound, it can be comforting to accept that it’s just plain too late for you–that you can’t change careers, fall in love, or do whatever you once wanted to do in […]

[…] odd as it may sound, it can be comforting to accept that it’s just plain too late for you–that you can’t change careers, fall in love, or do whatever you once wanted to do in […]

[…] There is a tendency, sometimes, to think we have it all figured out. When it should happen, how it should happen, who it should happen with—and before it’s “too late.” […]

[…] Instead of idealizing a different time, learn from your interpretation of it. What is it you really want to recreate? What in your life would you like to eliminate? What do you wish you were doing that you’re not, because you’re scared to leave your comfort zone or you’re convinced it’s too late to start? […]

[…] never too late to start something […]

Why S?

@rkontny – was that at the Bed, Bath & Beyond in W. LA? Just wondering.

[…] 18. Start something you always assumed it was too late to do. Take gymnastics, learn guitar. If it moves you, get started today. It’s never too late. […]

[…] 18. Start something you always assumed it was too late to do. Take gymnastics, learn guitar. If it moves you, get started today. It’s never too late. […]

[…] Instead of idealizing a different time, learn from your interpretation of it. What is it you really want to recreate? What in your life would you like to eliminate? What do you wish you were doing that you’re not, because you’re scared to leave your comfort zone or you’re convinced it’s too late to start? […]

hate life

what a load of crap