We recently asked our followers on Instagram, ‘Do you feel behind for not achieving something major by your 20s?’ The answers were overwhelmingly relatable, with many sharing similar feelings of self-doubt and pressure to ‘make it’ early in life.

In a world where social media bombards us with images of “successful” young people, it’s hard not to feel like we’re falling behind.

As someone who’s just 22, I know that pressure all too well.

But recently, I came across a post that made me think differently: “What failure are you talking about in your 20s? Out of those years, 10 were childhood, and 10 were adolescence. What grand achievement were you expecting to accomplish as a toddler or an infant?”

This simple statement was a reminder that, for most of us, our lives are really just beginning. So, why are we in such a rush?

The Myth of the “Successful 20-Year-Old”

Let’s face it: the pressure to “achieve” by your early 20s is unrealistic.

We scroll through Instagram, seeing people who’ve supposedly “made it” by 21 or 25, and suddenly, we feel like we’re doing something wrong.

But how much of that is even real? Social media often shows us a highlight reel, a carefully curated version of people’s lives. Rarely do we see the struggles, doubts, and failures behind the scenes.

The truth is, everyone is on their own timeline.

Those who seem to have their lives perfectly planned out by their 20s are the exception, not the rule.

It’s okay to not have everything figured out right now. Success isn’t a race; it’s a journey, and we each get to define what it looks like for us.

“Behind” Compared to What?

One of the most common feelings I saw in responses to our Instagram story was the sense of “falling behind.” But behind whom, exactly? Behind a friend who’s landed a “dream job”? Or maybe someone who’s already buying a home?

But here’s the thing: comparing your path to someone else’s is like comparing a marathon to a sprint.

Your 20s are a time of self-discovery. They’re about figuring out who you are and what you want—not ticking boxes on a societal checklist.

So what if you haven’t landed your dream job or made a life-changing accomplishment? You’re still growing, learning, and discovering talents you didn’t know you had. And that’s just as valuable.

The Real Achievements Often Go Unnoticed

When we talk about achievements, we often focus on tangible milestones—graduations, promotions, buying a car. But what about the smaller, everyday victories?

Maybe you finally figured out a career path that excites you, or you realized a hobby that brings you joy.

Maybe you’ve become more patient, or you’ve learned how to handle difficult emotions. These are real, personal achievements that often go unnoticed but are crucial for long-term growth.

Redefining Success: It’s Not About Money or Fame

Society has a narrow definition of success, but that doesn’t mean you have to adopt it. For some, success might look like financial stability or fame.

But for others, it could be about finding a sense of peace, building meaningful relationships, or contributing to the community.

Your version of success might not fit into a social media post, and that’s okay.

You’re Not Alone

If you’re feeling behind, know that you’re not alone. Many of us in our 20s are still trying to figure it all out. We’re not supposed to have all the answers yet, and that’s okay. This time is about growth, exploration, and self-discovery, not checking off boxes.

As one respondent to our story put it: “Not at all. I’m going step by step and achieving small bits and pieces and enjoying my 20s as well.”

In a world obsessed with instant success, remember that life is long, and there’s no need to rush.

Take each stage of life as it comes, without judging yourself by another’s dreams or timeline. You have time to discover your passions, make mistakes, and eventually, find your own version of success.

Your 20s are your time to dream, to try new things, and to take your time finding your path.

No one expects a child to achieve great things, so why should we expect someone barely out of their teens to have life all figured out?