Chapter 1: Understanding Limitations

The night has fallen, and the icy storm has rendered the roads impassable. The last bus has already left, and the situation seems hopeless.

Just give in; it’s futile to resist. You’ve missed your chance.

That’s the narrative our minds often spin. Every time I consider a new initiative to enhance my life, I hear that nagging voice: What difference will it make? It’s too late; that opportunity has passed.

But is this really the case?

Why Motivation Is Elusive

We frequently hear inspiring stories of individuals like Colonel Sanders, Samuel L. Jackson, and others who found success after the age of thirty. Research even indicates that the likelihood of entrepreneurial success increases with age (source: Wharton).

Yet, if you’re like me, you might dismiss this notion, thinking, That won’t happen for me.

Despite the evidence, that persistent belief that success is out of reach can undermine every step I take towards my aspirations.

Does this resonate with you?

It’s not unusual if you feel this way too. The New Yorker highlights several studies that explain why: Once formed, impressions are remarkably resistant.

From an early age, many of us develop a fixed view of ourselves that can be hard to shake. Any idea that challenges this self-perception can feel implausible—even if we desire it deeply.

Predicting Outcomes

When embarking on something new, you likely already have expectations about your potential success or failure. You subconsciously compare your self-image with this new endeavor, leading to predictions that reflect that comparison.

Are these predictions accurate? While I can’t provide definitive proof, I believe they hold true about half the time:

If you anticipate failure, you’re likely to experience it.

Conversely, when you anticipate success, it still depends on reality’s constraints. However, when you enter a situation convinced you’ll fail, your mind can cleverly sabotage your efforts.

Your brain wants to validate your beliefs—not just about outcomes, but also about your identity. If you succeed at something you thought you were destined to fail at, it can disrupt your self-concept.

And your mind instinctively resists that change.

Redefining Your Identity

Who are you? Who do you aspire to be? If you believe it’s “too late” because you don’t want to be the kind of person who engages in a particular action or lifestyle, that’s perfectly okay! It’s not truly “too late”; it’s about wanting to embody a different identity.

For instance, if you wish to be fit but don’t want to count calories or hit the gym, consider who you want to become. Perhaps you’ve always seen yourself as a dancer who enjoys moving for fun—this could be your route to fitness.

Do you want to become self-employed but dread the idea of selling? Explore the myriad freelancing options available today. Almost everyone is some form of entrepreneur now, including actors who use platforms like YouTube to showcase their talents!

There’s a limit to how much you can alter your essence, as your core identity is fundamentally established. If you’re not inclined to be a certain way, you won’t be able to conform to that ideal, no matter how appealing the outcome seems. To evolve, identify the beliefs about yourself that hinder your progress and acknowledge them.

Let me emphasize this: Honor Who You Are.

Transforming yourself isn’t about changing your core identity; it’s about adjusting your habits and lifestyle. You are inherently wonderful just as you are.

However, your behaviors may need refinement to truly reflect that admirable self within!

If this feels somewhat abstract, consider journaling your thoughts on the following prompts:

• What do I wish to accomplish but struggle to pursue (or maintain)?
• What aspects do I appreciate about this activity?
• What elements do I dislike?
• What alternative actions do I take instead?
• Do I find joy in these distractions?
• What do these distractions reveal about my priorities?
• What is the essence of what I truly want from the neglected activity?
• Are there alternative routes to achieve that core desire?
• Can I envision myself taking any of those alternate paths?
• If not, can I modify the current activity to eliminate the aspects I dislike?

These questions can serve as a useful starting point in uncovering what might be obstructing your path and why you feel it’s “too late” to initiate the desired changes.

I’d love to hear your strategies for overcoming that sinking feeling that you’ve missed the bus regarding your dreams. Do you still feel like it’s too late? Your insights would be greatly appreciated!

Chapter 2: The Impact of Time on Change

In the first video, titled "It's Too Late To Change," viewers are encouraged to explore the idea that it may never truly be too late to embark on a new journey of self-improvement and transformation.

The second video, also titled "It's Too Late To Change," delves deeper into the misconceptions surrounding timing and change, inspiring viewers to take action regardless of their age or past experiences.