Dear Lyfteenites,
I know that in today’s world, it can feel like everyone is racing to success. You hear stories about people starting businesses before they even finish high school, buying their first property in their teens, or working multiple jobs to stack up wealth. It’s impressive, no doubt. But here’s the thing: just because that worked for someone doesn’t mean you have to push yourself to those extremes to succeed.
Take a deep breath and realise that success isn’t about rushing or comparing your journey to others. It’s about taking one step at a time and understanding that your path will look different from anyone else’s—and that’s perfectly okay.
Let’s look at it this way. Have you ever tried building something? Maybe a LEGO set or a DIY project? The pieces don’t all fall into place at once. You follow instructions step by step, and before you know it, you’ve created something amazing. Life is similar. You don’t have to do everything at once, and you don’t need to overload yourself with stress or responsibility. What matters is consistency and staying true to what’s important to you.
See, lyfteenites, one of the biggest mistakes teenagers make is believing they must have everything figured out by a certain age. The pressure comes from social media, friends, and even family, but the truth is that life does not come with instructions. There is no need to complete everything by 18, 21, or even 25. Teenage years are a time to explore, learn, and grow without feeling overwhelmed.
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” This is a verse from Proverbs 16:9 that reminds us that we can make all the plans in the world, but it’s God who truly sets the pace. Instead of trying to force everything to happen at once, trust that God has a plan for you, one that unfolds in His perfect timing.
Think about your priorities right now. Maybe you’re focusing on school, trying to balance part-time work, or planning your next steps after graduation. That’s a lot! But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it all at once. Instead of worrying about the future, focus on what’s in front of you today. Set small, achievable goals and work towards them steadily.
For example, if you’re trying to save money, you don’t need to give up every social event or fun experience. Budgeting doesn’t mean deprivation. It means balance. Save a portion, but also allow yourself to enjoy life. Life is about more than work; it’s also about experiences, friendships, and memories. Likewise, if you’re thinking about your future career, take time to explore different paths, ask questions, and learn. You don’t need to have it all figured out immediately.
Lyfteenites, expect a lot of people to tell you that success requires sacrifice. Well, it’s true that sometimes you’ll have to make tough choices. But sacrifice doesn’t mean giving up your happiness, sanity, health, or youth. It’s about smart decisions, not burning yourself out. If someone achieved success by working nonstop and skipping out on all the fun, that was their choice. You don’t have to do the same.
There’s a time for everything. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This is a powerful reminder that each season of life has its own purpose. Your teenage years are a season to learn, grow, and enjoy new experiences. While it’s important to think about your future, it’s equally important to live in the present and enjoy the moment.
You might ask, “But what if I don’t succeed?” There is no set deadline for success. It’s not something you “miss out” on if you take life one step at a time. In fact, by pacing yourself, you’re more likely to succeed because you’ll avoid burnout, stress, and feeling overwhelmed. Small steps build strong foundations. Trying to sprint through life only leads to exhaustion.
So, next time you feel pressured to have everything figured out or feel like you’re falling behind, remember this: everyone’s timeline is different. Your life is a journey, not a race. Focus on doing your best today, and trust that the rest will come in time.
Keep your faith strong and your goals steady. God is working in you and through you, guiding your steps. Don’t feel like you need to go overboard to succeed. Instead, enjoy the process, trust God’s plan, and remember, you’re doing just fine.
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