“The version of me I used to worry about was already doing her best with what she knew.”

I used to think my younger self needed better advice.

More confidence.

A clearer plan.

Less fear.

Now, looking back, I don’t think she was lacking any of that.

She was brave in the only way she knew how to be.

If I could sit across from her now, I wouldn’t overwhelm her with life lessons or warnings. I’d say a few simple things. Slowly. Kindly.

You’re not behind. You’re early.

You keep comparing yourself to people who started with different resources, different exposure, different safety nets. Stop measuring your timing against theirs.

Your path was never meant to be fast. It was meant to be formative.

You don’t need to be ready to begin.

You keep waiting to feel confident before saying yes. Confidence will not arrive first. It shows up after you’ve already taken the step, made the mistake, and survived it.

Start anyway.

Feeling out of place doesn’t mean you don’t belong.

You will often be the only one in the room who feels unsure, underqualified, or different. That discomfort isn’t a sign to leave. It’s usually a sign you’re growing into something new.

Stay.

Hard seasons are teaching you more than easy ones ever could.

There will be moments when you feel tired, overlooked, and stretched thin. You’ll question whether it’s worth it. Those moments are quietly building your resilience, your empathy, and your ability to lead.

One day, you’ll recognise those traits as your greatest strengths.

You don’t have to become someone else to succeed.

You’ll try to mould yourself to fit expectations. To sound more polished. To be less sensitive. Less soft. Less you.

Don’t.

The very things you think are weaknesses will become the reason people trust you.

It’s okay to want more.

Wanting growth doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful. Wanting change doesn’t mean you’re disloyal to where you came from. You’re allowed to outgrow versions of your life that once kept you safe.

Growth is not betrayal.

You will figure it out. Just not all at once.

Your life will not unfold in a straight line. Careers will shift. Roles will evolve. Priorities will change. That’s not failure. That’s movement.

Clarity will come later. Action comes first.

If I could say one last thing to my younger self, it would be this:

You’re doing better than you think.

Keep going.

You don’t need to rush to become who you are.

She wouldn’t fully believe me.

And that’s okay.

She’ll learn it in time.

-EG