You hear excuses all the time for why people don’t go after their dreams. Age is one of them. “Oh I’m too old” or “No one will take me seriously I’m so young” are just a few of the things people will say.

However these statements are just excuses. They are roadblocks people place in front of themselves to give them a reason as for why they can’t do it. In reality, many people are simply too scared to go after their dreams because they are afraid of failure. I am here to tell you that no matter what stage of life you are in, you can achieve your dreams.

We are all aware of how little of time we get to spend on this earth. Using age as the reason you can’t chase your dream is wasting that precious time. While others' aspirations may wilt and fade, those who work hard and commit to their dreams will transform them into lifelong passions, showing there's no right or wrong time to go after what you want.

Here are a few tips on how you can achieve your goals.

You Are the Boss of You

There should be no excuses, no ifs, ands, or buts when it comes to your dream. At the end of the day, you live your own life and it is your own future in front of you. No one can take that away from you. Take time to reflect and make sure you haven’t become your own worst enemy. If you are constantly pushing yourself down and thinking “I can’t do this” then you will not get anywhere. You have to learn how to motivate yourself to go after whatever it is you want.

Create a Plan

Write down your dreams and goals and have it on hand. You can spend time reflecting on your dream each day so you stay focused. Create a calendar or timetable that has deadlines specific for your goals. Without a deadline, your dreams will quickly fade away and you will begin to push them off. Setting a time will encourage you to become more dedicated because you will want to achieve your goals in the time you allotted. It will help you keep your eye on the ultimate prize.

Ask For Help

One reason many of us fail to achieve our dreams is because we don’t set ourselves accountable. One way to combat this is by telling people you trust about your dreams and plans, and asking for help to achieve them. You can have this person remind you to stay focused, keep you on schedule, and can be emotionally supportive. For example, if you are a single mother trying to get through medical school you might ask your family to help watch your children, or ask your professor for additional resources for studying. You have to overcome feelings of pride and reach out to those when you need it.

Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others

It doesn’t matter what stage you are in your life you will be tempted to compare yourself to others. You must resist the temptation to do so. It is never a good thing to compare your achievements to others. Focus on what you need to do to achieve the goals you set for yourself. Everybody else is busy working on their dreams; you should do the same.

Stand Up For Yourself

When it comes to age, there can be different barriers you will have to overcome. For example, if you are someone who is young you might have a hard time earning respect of others higher up. Those who are older typically have less support from others or might have less time to dedicate to the dream overall. It’s important to be incredibly confident in yourself and abilities, and fight for your dreams. No matter who tries to push you down, you have to stand up for yourself and continue to go for your dreams. You deserve it!

Once you have committed yourself to a goal, there is no telling what you will be able to achieve. No matter what stage of life you are in, the sky is the limit. Follow these tips and push yourself to reach your dreams.