Feeling behind in life can feel personal — but spoiler alert: it’s probably not just you. In this episode of Found at 40, Chrissi sits down with Kaley Esselborn to unpack why so many of us feel “off track,” how the psychology of the social clock messes with our confidence, and why outdated life timelines still have way too much influence. Together, they dive into comparison culture, shifting expectations across decades, resilience through life curveballs, and how to finally trust your own pace — without sprinting to keep up with someone else’s timeline.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “behind,” “late,” or somehow doing life wrong, this episode will leave you feeling seen, validated, and a whole lot more confident in your own timeline.

• (0:00) 🎙️ Why feeling behind in life is more common than we admit
• (4:45) 💭 Where timeline pressure begins and how it takes root
• (7:15) ⏳ The psychology of the social clock and why it impacts self-worth
• (12:15) 👀 How culture, community, and upbringing shape life expectations
• (16:45) 🧩 Reflecting on growing up with a “life script”
• (21:15) 📱 Comparison culture, highlight reels, and the illusion of falling behind
• (26:15) 🎬 A surprising pop-culture metaphor for reclaiming personal power
• (31:50) 💡 Listener submissions: When did you feel life you were behind?
• (38:45) ⏰ A look at your 20’s: Breaking down the social clock by decade
• (44:30) 🛠️ A look at your 30’s: Breaking down the social clock by decade
• (48:40) 🧠A look at your 30’s: Breaking down the social clock by decade
• (52:40) 🌱 A closing mindset shift to stop feeling behind and trust your timing

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📱 Check out @foundat40podcast on Instagram for extras, outtakes, and mild oversharing

🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Foundat40

Keywords:

This episode explores themes around feeling behind in life, the psychology of the social clock, and the pressure of following a traditional life timeline. It dives into comparison culture, what it means to feel off track in life, and how to embrace a late bloomer mindset while rethinking life milestones. The conversation touches on overcoming societal expectations, understanding that you’re not actually behind in life, and building confidence in your own timeline. Listeners will hear insights on navigating a nonlinear life path, managing life progress anxiety, redefining success, learning how to stop comparing yourself, and finding empowerment through personal growth after 40.