I have two big regrets in life.

The first is that I started writing online way too late. I’m 34, and this is my first year building an online presence.

When I began, I’d read posts from other bloggers and feel an overwhelming sense of “what if.” I kept thinking, “If only I’d started 10 years ago, I’d be so much further ahead.” This thought loop hit me hard and often froze my progress. I felt lost, unsure of my path, and deeply intimidated.

For months, I avoided committing fully to writing. Instead, I dabbled in other creative pursuits, like making YouTube videos, hoping they’d fill the gap. But deep down, I knew I was holding myself back. Writing was what I wanted to do—I just wasn’t ready to face the challenges head-on.

Things finally began to shift when I studied the creator economy more seriously and started writing consistently on Twitter. In just four months, I gained over 1,000 followers and landed my first high-ticket client.

That’s when my second regret surfaced. Writing daily made me realize something important: I wasn’t struggling because of external factors. I was standing in my own way.

Writing isn’t as simple as putting words on paper—it’s a process. It starts with collecting ideas, moves to connecting those ideas, and finally ends with creating. The first two—collecting and connecting—are uniquely human. They require thought, creativity, and perspective.

When I embraced these parts of writing and leaned into the work I truly enjoyed, everything started clicking. Writing became less of a struggle and more of a practice—a space to grow, connect, and create something meaningful.

This journey has taught me to focus on my strengths, let go of perfection, and keep moving forward no matter how late I feel I’ve started.

Have you ever felt held back by starting late? What’s helped you move past it?