How do I deal with feeling like I'm behind in life?

Feeling behind in life is a common source of Anxiety disorder in our achievement-oriented culture that seems to have invisible timelines for when you should reach certain milestones. You might feel like you should be further along in your career, married by a certain age, own a home, or have children according to some societal schedule that doesn't actually exist. Social media intensifies this feeling by constantly showing you peers who seem to be hitting traditional markers of success while you feel stuck or delayed. The truth is that these timelines are largely arbitrary and don't account for the reality that everyone faces different challenges, opportunities, and circumstances. Some people have advantages like family money, connections, or fewer obstacles that allow them to achieve certain goals earlier. Others face setbacks like illness, family responsibilities, economic hardship, or simply need more time to figure out what they want. There's no universal timeline for a meaningful life, and many people who seem 'ahead' are actually struggling in ways you can't see. Focus on your own values and goals rather than comparing your progress to others. Consider whether the milestones you think you should have reached are actually important to you or just things you've been told should matter. Sometimes feeling behind is actually a sign that you're being thoughtful about your choices rather than rushing into decisions that might not be right for you. Remember that life is not a race, and there are many different paths to fulfillment and success.