How to succeed like a late bloomer

Novelist Robert Louis Stephenson once said, “Living with who we really are and becoming what we are meant to be is life’s only destination.” ^{[1] X Maxwell Research Source , JC (2008). Today Matters: 12 Daily Practices to Guarantee Tomorrow’s Success. Center Street.} In other words, the most rewarding purpose in life is to be yourself, no matter what that means to you. Personal growth can be unfolded in a variety of ways, depending on the individual’s circumstances. ^{[2] X Research Sources Gilligan, C. (1993). In a Different Voice: Psychpogical Theory and Women’s Development (Reissue edition). Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press.} Therefore, it is wrong to assume that personal growth must conform to the expectations that have been formed in our thinking. ^{[3] X Research Sources Burman, E. (2007). Deconstructing Developmental Psychpogy. Routledge.} Just because you feel you haven’t reached your full potential doesn’t mean you’ll never be wildly successful or unable to become the person you truly want to be. There are endless possibilities to which the human mind and body can reach, even in the later stages of life. ^{[4] X Research Source} No matter your age or social status, you can actively pursue your dreams. Maybe you will become a late bloomer, someone who becomes himself later than others.

Table of Contents

Understand and push your boundaries

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Decide if you want to be a “late bloomer”. “Late blooming flower” implies a person reaching his or her full potential later in life compared to friends or colleagues. They are not losers, they just succeed later than others. There are many types of “late bloomer”:

“Late blooming” in education. Maybe your academic performance in your school was still average before, until one day suddenly you “bloomed” and outperformed many other students in an exam. Maybe it’s because you’ve connected what you learned in school to some goal in your future life. Or maybe you can use what you’re learning to make your life better right now. Either way, you’re more likely to shine in a learning environment if you find meaning in what you’re learning. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
“Late bloom” in career. Maybe since you are an adult, you spend the first 15-20 years wondering what career you want to pursue. Then suddenly you enter the profession by accident and with great success. To shine in your career, you must find passion in what you do. Maybe you find enthusiasm with the people you work with or with the achievements you have achieved. ^{[6] X Research Sources Robinson, K., & Aronica, L. (2009). The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything (Reprint edition). Concordville, Pa.; Norwood, Mass.: Penguin Books.} If you don’t feel passionate about those things, try asking friends and family if they find passion in their profession. Or you can try to find new careers that are likely to fulfill your passions.
“Late blooming” in social life. While all friends have experienced first love, the idea of making new friends and dating is still strange, even scary. Until one day, you suddenly realize that talking to people is actually not as scary as you thought, and so your social life begins to “bloom”.

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Think about the things that are holding you back. We often make decisions based on how safe our environment is, especially during adolescence. Equally important is our ability to engage with others. ^{[7] X Credible Sources International DOI Foundation (IDF) Go to the Source} Even as adults, fears stemming from childhood insecurities can overwhelm our actions.

By experimenting with stepping outside of your familiar surroundings, you can combat your insecurities. From there, you will discover new possibilities for your life. ^{[8] X Research Sources Schrage, M. (1999). Serious Play: How the World’s Best Companies Simulate to Innovate (1 edition). Boston, mass: Harvard Business Review Press.}
To get out of your confinement wall, you need to try new things in many areas of your life. Every time you get the chance, you should try new experiences. The next steps will give you specific suggestions.

READ More: How to Kill Yellow Bees

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Experiment with your daily activities. Psychologists believe that individual human capacities are closely related to the environment we live in. ^{[9] X Trusted Source International DOI Foundation (IDF) Go to the Source} Try experimenting with these situations by pushing yourself to step out of your comfort zone.

For example, imagine if you spend most of your time at home alone or working separately in your own office, you will have little chance of developing your competencies in areas like physical activity or socializing. . This is true, even though these areas are part of your innate qualities.
To overcome these limitations, you can take a weekly fitness class. Or maybe you just need to make up your mind to go to the park more. Either way, experiencing changes in circumstances or pushing yourself to do something new can spark new feelings and ideas about what might happen.

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Develop new relationships. If you only come into contact with the same people that you meet every day, your abilities will not be able to develop in a new direction. Exposure to people with opposing views can help open up opportunities for you and for everyone else.

You can broaden your horizons when interacting with new people. It will help you fight stereotypes and prejudices, and give you the opportunity to experience new lifestyles. ^{[10] X Trusted Source International DOI Foundation (IDF) Go to Source}
Start a conversation with a stranger in a coffee shop or join a social group of people who share your interests.
If you feel like you can’t meet new people but still want someone new to talk to, you can consider the help of a mental health professional or life skills coach. They can listen and advise you on strategies to push yourself out of your comfort zone and into contact with others.

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Reconsider your concept of yourself. We often hold ourselves back from reaching our potential due to unrealistic expectations of who we should be. ^{[11] X Research Sources} These expectations are rooted in childhood, and possibly from our parents’ expectations. Even a fleeting thought of comparison on Facebook creates unrealistic expectations about life.

No matter where those beliefs come from, what you need to do is fight back whenever you feel them getting in the way. When those thoughts come to you, take a deep breath and focus on what you can do right now to make your life better.
Try setting expectations for the future with your awareness in the present moment. Focus on progress toward the goal instead of just the outcome.
For example, imagine you are in need of a new friend. Think about how to achieve that goal starting now. Can you make a new friend with just the thought of making a friend, or do you have to talk to someone new first? Perhaps the first step you need to take is to be among new people.

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Avoid comparing your life with others. Each of us is a unique individual with unique physical abilities and biological makeup. That means everyone develops at a different rhythm and pace. People often reach certain developmental milestones at different speeds and in their own ways. ^{[12] X Trusted Source International DOI Foundation (IDF) Go to Source}

The late 20s are a time when many people’s bodies and minds no longer develop at the same steady rate as before. However, the body still maintains a certain flexibility throughout life. This is the potential for dramatic changes in a person’s personality and behavior at some point, even late in life. ^{[13] X Research Source Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science (1 Reprint edition). New York: Penguin Books.}
The human body develops at a pace and trajectory like no other. That means it’s entirely possible for you to reach biological and intellectual milestones at different times in your life than anyone else’s. Even if you don’t hit those milestones sometimes, it’s completely normal.
For example, puberty can begin at very different ages, depending on factors such as race, body fat composition, and stress levels. ^{[14] X Research Source} You can’t force yourself into puberty before your body is ready. You will only create unnecessary pressure on yourself by trying to be someone who is not who you really are.
When you find yourself comparing your life and abilities to others, take a deep breath and try to focus on the present moment. Finding joy and passion in the activities you participate in every day is the best way to shine at any age.

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Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. Meditation and deep breathing exercises will help you focus on your body in the present moment. They are excellent tools for pushing away obsessive or unhelpful thoughts about the past or future. ^{[15] X Trusted Source International DOI Foundation (IDF) Go to Source}

You can practice meditation simply by sitting in a comfortable place, with your hands resting on your lap. Take a deep breath and feel the air flowing through your body. Concentrate completely on the breathing exercise. If your thoughts start to wander, try to refocus on your breath and the present moment. ^{[16] X Research Source}
As you become more proficient at focusing on the present, allow yourself to indulge in activities you enjoy. In this way, your goals and expectations for the future can grow out of your own desires and passions.

Make the most of your strengths

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Connect with your inner self. Lately successful people are often deep thinkers. They often try to control more aspects of their lives than others. ^{[17] X Trusted Source International DOI Foundation (IDF) Go to the source} Maybe you’re smart; Find ways to use your reflective nature to your advantage.

Your penchant for reflection and restraint may mean that others achieve their goals faster than you. However, by taking the time to reflect, you can be more capable than most and ready to take the lead once the opportunity arises.
Writing practice. If you’re usually at home or just want to find a way to pass the time, try composing. You can write in poetry or prose. Either way, writing can be a great way to unleash your creativity. ^{[18] X Research Resources} This can help you grow and shine in an unexpected field.
Try getting into art or music. If composing isn’t your thing, then painting, photography or music might be the right options. These activities can also help you connect with your creativity.

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Record your thoughts. Following your thoughts and ideas will help you connect with your desires and potential. Further, in the process of getting to your feet, you can help others, especially family members.

Your qualities can be passed on to others. If your children or another family member learns from your experiences, you have helped others have a better life.
Daily journaling. Journaling can be a great way to explore emotions and allow them to flow into your daily life. ^{[19] X Trusted Source International DOI Foundation (IDF) Go to the source} Don’t try to force yourself to write in a certain structure. Write down any ideas that come to mind. Sit down and start letting your mind think and fly – you’ll be amazed at the words flowing under your pen. This is also a good way to encourage reflection and deeper thinking.
Always keep your “idea book” with you. Set aside a notebook to jot down your ideas. You can keep it by your bed or in your pocket. The idea book will help you in moments of hesitation or hesitation. Make a note of it every time an idea pops into your head. Lately successful people are often full of ideas, sometimes so much that they don’t know what to do. You may hesitate when an idea pops into your head, but the idea still makes sense, and it might come in handy later when you come back to it. ^{[20] X Research Sources}

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Know your strengths. Lately successful people often have many very valuable qualities. It is contemplation, consideration, and patience. They often have high abstract thinking ability and creative mind. ^{[21] X Research Source}

Use those strengths to build self-confidence and to support yourself through life’s difficult times.
Due to your persistent and thoughtful nature, people can turn to you whenever they are in trouble. Use your skills to help them. Your patience and contemplation are also qualities that you can use in choosing a career or lifestyle. For example, you can become an excellent lawyer or academician.

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Believe in yourself and your abilities. You are moving forward and can overcome life’s challenges. If at any point you start to feel down, remind yourself that you are a gifted person with valuable skills.

It may take you longer than others to achieve your goals. However, don’t forget that quick success is not always like a fairy tale turned into reality. Many people hesitate to take decisive steps because they are too hasty and do not know what they are doing. Late achievers avoid that feeling by going slower and knowing for sure what they’re doing.
At the same time, you also need to learn from your mistakes. The obstacles on the way to success are not failures. They can become valuable lessons to help you reflect on how to do better next time. ^{[22] X Research Source}

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Enjoy your achievements and keep going. When you achieve something in life, acknowledge your achievement. Use that success to motivate you to reach new achievements. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

It may take you a long time to achieve your goals. But maybe that’s why you know what you’re doing better than early achievers.
People may start looking to you for help when they see your experience and knowledge. You’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on life. What’s more, you’ve drawn your own conclusions instead of taking it from others.

Advice

Help other “late bloomers” find their way in life. Assure them that they are not slow or less intelligent than others. Each of us has value and each has his or her own purpose.
Cultivate a sense of humour. Laugh often, especially at yourself. Laughter can reduce stress and make life’s difficulties easier to handle.

Steps

Understand and push your boundaries

Make the most of your strengths

Advice

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