"There are two things you will be better off excluding from your life: the word "overwhelming" and the phrase "too late"."

Feeling like life is spiraling out of control and that you’re too late to change anything? You’re not alone. The essence here is simple: the words "overwhelming" and "too late" are disempowering. They trap you in a mindset that stifles action and progress. By ditching these words, you’re opening up new avenues for growth and possibilities.

This quote speaks to a very human experience. We all face moments when we’re drowning in responsibilities or when the doors of opportunity seem to have slammed shut. Maybe you’ve got a project deadline that feels impossible or you’re considering going back to school but think you're too old. The historical context doesn’t matter much here because this wisdom is timeless—it’s about how we perceive challenges and opportunities.

Take Marie, for example. She’s 45, and she’s always wanted to write a novel. Yet, life happened—career, kids, bills. Now, she feels like it’s too late to start. The market is saturated, she’s "overwhelmed" with the idea of balancing writing with her life’s responsibilities. But what if Marie drops the idea of feeling overwhelmed? What if she decides it’s never too late? She starts writing a page a day. A year later, she’s got a manuscript. Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s a start. Imagine how different her story would be if she had clung to those limiting words.

To apply this wisdom, start small. When you feel like something’s overwhelming, break it down. Got a big project? What’s the first tiny step you can take? Just do that. Then the next. The trick is not to let the whole picture paralyze you. And about the "too late" part—consider this: the best time to start was yesterday; the next best time is now. Regret is a heavy burden; action lightens the load.

Picture this: You’re at a coffee shop, chatting with a friend. They’re lamenting about how they wish they’d taken that trip abroad in their twenties. Now, they’ve got a job, family commitments, and it feels like they’ve missed their chance. You remind them that there are still weekends, vacation days, and even the possibility of a sabbatical. The world hasn’t gone anywhere. Sure, responsibilities exist, but opportunities haven’t vanished. They just need to approach it differently. Maybe it’s a family trip now, or a solo journey that they save up for. The point is, it’s not "too late."

A relatable story? Think of Joe. He’s just been promoted, and the new role feels like a mountain he’s not ready to climb. The emails, meetings, decisions—everything’s overwhelming. Instead of drowning, Joe takes a breath. He starts by organizing his tasks into manageable chunks. He seeks advice from mentors and doesn’t shy away from asking for help. Slowly but surely, he finds his rhythm. The mountain? It turns into a series of climbs, each one a bit more manageable than he initially thought.

So next time you catch yourself thinking you’re too overwhelmed or too late, flip the script. Break it down. Take a step. Life’s too short to be held back by words that limit your potential. You’ve got this.