(one's) start The beginning point of or first opportunity in one's career. Often followed by 'in (something).' I got my start in publishing as an editorial assistant, and I just kept climbing the ranks from there. The only timeline you are up against is your own. Stop telling yourself it’s too late. Start telling yourself you’re right on time. Stop selling yourself short and letting your self-doubt get in the way. No matter what age you are, if you are alive, it’s never too late to start something new, accomplish your goals and amaze the world.

• Start Your Day With Something Sweet
• Start Your Day With Something Sweet Quotes

How often do you tell yourself you want to start something new but it’s too late?

How often do you have the mindset that you’ll never accomplish your goals or make your dreams come true?

I’m pretty sure if you’re a human being, you can relate. Self-doubt is something we all experience.

My Personal Battle with Self-Doubt

I remember a time in my life when my self-doubt was at an all-time high. I was thirty years old and I got really sick. It took the doctors months to even diagnose me. My symptoms were debilitating, and for over a year, I thought, ok, maybe this is my new reality. Maybe I just need to give up on the dreams and plans I had and accept my illness.

Related: Learn more about my journey back to health.

But three years later, with a lot of soul searching, western medications, eastern modalities and a concerted effort to embrace a more healthy lifestyle, I got better.

When I was battling the worst of my symptoms I always told myself, if I can just feel normal again and exercise the way I used to, I promise I’ll run another marathon. Or, if my hair starts to grow back and my red, blotchy skin returns to a normal hue, I’ll put myself out there and start dating again. And, if I was able to jump back into the workforce, I would find a job that gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Once I got better, many of these promises I made to myself went out the window. I gave myself a million excuses. I was too busy, or too stressed. But those aren’t really the reasons I didn’t move forward with some of my goals. In reality, I was scared and full of self-doubt. And there was a voice in my head that kept saying, “You’re too old to do start over or create something new.”

So for a while, I gave up. I let other people and outside forces dictate the course of my life.

But you know what? I finally got so fed up with living this way that I pushed myself to take action. I told the voice in my head to shut up. And now, even though I haven’t accomplished my goals yet, (because, girl, there are so many!), I am on the right path. And that means EVERYTHING to me.

I know your story is probably different than mine, but we all end up in the same place. We have dreams and goals, but we don’t move forward because our mindset is giving us a million excuses. And probably one of the most common ones we tell ourselves is the one I told myself: it’s too late.

Well, I’m here to tell you, no matter how old you are, it’s NEVER too late.

Some Motivation for You

I’ve compiled a list of incredible accomplishments by people ALL over the age of FORTY. In fact, most of the people on this list were in their fifties or older.

This list is ample proof (take a look at #2 and #20 if you don’t believe me), that it is literally never too late to start working on your goals, pursuing your passions, and making your dreams come true.

Proof That Age is Just a Number

1. Maya Angelou published her first book, “I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing” at age 42.
2. Gladys Burrill ran a marathon at age 92. Let me repeat that. This woman ran a marathon at AGE 92!
3. John Glenn went to space at age 77.
4. Colonel Sanders (yes, there is a real Colonel Sanders!) started KFC at age 65.
5. At 75, cancer survivor Barbara Hillary became one of the oldest people, and the first black woman, to reach the North Pole.
6. Paul Cezanne had his first art exhibit at age 56.
7. Julia Child began her PBS cooking show at age 51.
8. Umberto Eco, a professor of semiotics, wrote his first novel, “The Name of the Rose” at age 48.
9. At 71, Katsusuke Yanagisawa, a retired Japanese school teacher, became the oldest person to climb Mount Everest.
10. At 72, Margaret Ringenberg flew around the world.
11. Pablo Picasso painted his masterpiece, “Guernica” at age 55.
12. Marc Chagall became the first living artist to be exhibited at the Louvre Museum at age 90.
13. Diana Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida at age 64.
14. At 94, comedian George Burns performed in Schenectady, NY, 63 years after his first performance there.
15. Sony chairman Akio Morita introduced the Sony Walkman at age 58, an idea no one seemed to like at the time.
16. At 62, J.R.R. Tolkien published the first volume of his fantasy series, “Lord of the Rings.”
17. Sir Francis Chichester sailed around the world alone in a 53-foot boat normally manned by a crew of six at age 52.
18. At 85, Theodor Mommsen became the oldest person to receive a Nobel Prize in Literature.
19. At 95, Nola Ochs became the oldest person to receive a college diploma.
20. Teiichi Igarashi climbed Mt. Fuji at age 99!

What’s Your Something New? When Will You Start?

The next time you start to tell yourself that it’s too late to start something new, please do yourself a favor and read this list.

Or better yet, read The Beautiful No, a book by Sheri Salata. For years, Sheri told amazing stories as the executive producer of Oprah Winfrey’s highly successful talk show. Now at fifty-six, she’s ready to rewrite her story, and she gives plenty of encouragement in this book for those of us who want to do the same.

Remember this…

The only timeline you are up against is your own.

Stop telling yourself it’s too late. Start telling yourself you’re right on time.

Stop selling yourself short and letting your self-doubt get in the way.

No matter what age you are, if you are alive, it’s never too late to start something new, accomplish your goals and amaze the world.

You got this!

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My best friend of eight years and college roommate of four can probably tell you that my mornings are not very pretty. Not only do I loathe the phrase “the early bird catches the worm,” but if you want to avoid the wrath of Emma in the morning, you better be prepared with a large coffee and breakfast sandwich in hand.

So after many awkwardly silent and grumpy mornings, the two of us decided to add some upbeat music to our schedule. Not only did these songs help us kick those Monday blues, but they also generally helped us start all of our mornings off on the right side of the bed, despite the long school day to come.

Whether you’re getting ready for that long commute to work, thinking about the test you have in an hour, or you’re simply in need of a better way to start your day, these songs below should help you get there. You’ll probably be listening to these tunes so often that you’ll find yourself singing them in the shower and while you’re painting your nails Easy A-style. After this, you’ll view your mornings in a completely different way and *gasp* might even actually look forward to them.

'Walking On Sunshine' — Katrina & The Waves

This song pretty much screams happiness. There’s really nothing better than a feel-good song to kick off your morning.

'Believe in Yourself' — Ziggy Marley or Chance the Rapper

You would not believe (or maybe you would) how many times my roommate and I played this our freshman year. Yes, it might be the theme song to Arthur, but there’s a reason it made us happy when we were little. 'Cause it’s bomb.

'With A Little Help From My Friends' — The Beatles

Ringo Starr was always everyone’s favorite. This will definitely put a smile on your face.

'Over The Rainbow' — Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

I could cry so many happy tears listening to this song. So peaceful and beautifully sung, it’s the best song to keep you calm in the morning.

'Ready Or Not' — Bridgit Mendler

Like a young Natasha Bedingfield, Mendler has a way with singing. Do not underestimate the power of this former Disney Channel star. Do not.

'Cassy O’' — George Ezra

If this British singer’s cheerful song doesn’t have you going in the morning, then I don’t know what will. Who doesn’t want a British man singing to them in the morning?

'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' — Wham!

Some songs just make you want to dance around in your underwear and sing into a hairbrush. This is one of them.

'Wouldn’t It Be Nice' — Beach Boys

Beach Boys to keep things mellow? Classic.

'Clint Eastwood' — Gorillaz

If only I could actually carry around sunshine in a bag. At least I can carry it on my iPod with the Gorillaz.

'This Will Be' — Natalie Cole

Not only does this song play during The Parent Trap (already making it the best) but it's also super uplifting. You're welcome.

'Ain’t No Mountain High Enough' — Marvin Gaye

Think Ryan Gosling in Remember The Titans. If that doesn't make you happy, then there's a deeper issue we have to discuss.

'Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride' – Mark Keali’I Ho’omalu and Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus

Lilo and Stitch was probably one of the best Disney movies ever with one of the greatest soundtracks to accompany it. Disney really just knows how to come up with some catchy hits.

'Feeling Good' — Nina Simone or Michael Buble

Honestly, an entire playlist from this Frank Sinatra twin could wake me up in the morning. However, since I can only choose one song, this cover of Simone’s Feeling Good will have to do. Swoon worthy.

'Quelqu’un m’a dit' — Carla Bruni

Sometimes it’s nice to listen to something slow in the morning, especially if you’re not one to go from walking dead to energized caffeine addict instantly. Take a deep breath with this beautiful French song to bring about positive vibes.

'An Irish Party In Third Class' — Gaelic Storm

Okay, so Titanic was pretty sad, especially when someone (ahem, Rose) wouldn’t share the door with Jack, but this Irish song will make you want to party. Even in the morning. And there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of dancing to get your day started.

'Love Today' — Mika

Mika is basically the god of happy songs with that amazingly high-pitched voice of his. Tell me this won’t make your morning. I dare you.

'I’m Like A Bird' — Nelly Furtado

Start Your Day With Something Sweet

Although I’m sad that Furtado had babies and pretty much stopped singing to be a mom (props to her, though), she’s got some pretty awesome songs in her repertoire. She’ll make you look forward to the work day ahead of you.

'Ain’t It Fun' — Paramore

There’s something so carefree about this Paramore song even though it is about learning to grow up and become independent. Plus, Hayley Williams’ vocals are always badass.

'Daylight' — Matt and Kim

Aside from their brilliant chemistry, this dynamic duo has provided the world with one of the most high-spirited songs ever. If you don’t already, you’ll play this song on repeat.

'Dog Days Are Over' — Florence and the Machine

I just want to clap my hands and jump around on my bed to this song. It’s pretty much impossible to have a bad day after listening to this.

Start Your Day With Something Sweet Quotes

'Send Me On My Way' — Rusted Root

Every time I listen to this song, I feel like I’m on my way to some sort of exotic, tropical destination. You might not be so fortunate as to actually be on vacation while listening to this song, but at least it’ll help lift your spirits in the morning.

Images: flattop341/Flickr; glee/Wikia; gifsoup (7); acatinvain, imgif, reasonstosmle, funnygirls-help, jackdawsonfan, inretrospect90s/Tumblr, wifflegif (4); weheartit; musiccrowgirl, rebloggy