In the last year or so I started to see so many people of my age that have done truly incredible things and still doing more.
For the vast majority of my life my only goals were gettimg academic satisfaction and doing unproductive stuff in the free time to get temporary pleasure. No end goal whatsoever.
I kind of don’t know what I’ve been doing in the last 17 years while someone gets a patent on solar systems, other invents a new recyclable plastic, and another found a successful startup. I mean, they all find what they’re supposed to be doing with their lives and excel in them.
I feel overwhelmed for trying to pace up with these kind of people. Yet I don’t like the way the things are and I can’t do anything but envy those people.
Anyone with experience in this regard? How did you deal with this? Did you eventually “pace up” with these people or was it too late or an unattainable goal?
Edit: Whoops, I didn’t expect so many replies! Thanks, I’ll look into them all
Nobody expects anything of that sort from me. I want it myself. I see people from similar backgrounds who has went through a different path than I chose (which was, usually, not based on reason or thought) and achieve great things. I just don’t want to miss more opportunities anymore and it’s incredibly hard to make sure you’re on the right path.
I’m trying to do some stuff and have been semi-successful. But it’s not the same as people starting earlier
Ya, my main point is that at 17 it would be hard for you to start something earlier. You would’ve had to have a lot of guidence and support basically since birth to achieve something particularly noteworthy while under 20. 17 is not too late. 17 is not even starting for 99% of people. You want to take initiative, so maybe make a 5 year plan with realistic and honest goals. Really think about where you want to be and why you want to be there. But seriously, don’t sweat it so much.