top of page
Writer's pictureNatalya Permyakova
Sep 123 min read

Is Feeling Behind In Life The New Normal? Here’s How To Break Free From It

Young adult in café: "A young adult sits alone in a café, looking at their phone with a contemplative expression, surrounded by others on laptops, capturing the feeling of being behind in life despite the bustling environment."

You scroll through Instagram. Everyone’s ahead. New jobs, marriages, exotic vacations.


And there you are—feeling stuck. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?


In 2024, this feeling is almost universal.


But is it real? Or are we victims of a game we didn’t even sign up for?


The good news: there’s a way out, and it’s not what you think.


The Modern Causes of Feeling Behind


Social Media and the Illusion of Success

In today’s world, you’re bombarded with highlight reels—perfect lives, perfect careers, perfect everything. What’s missing? The messy middle. People only post the wins, never the failures. Yet, you end up feeling like you're losing a race you didn’t even know you were running.


Society's Obsession with Milestones

Graduate by 22. Land your dream job by 25. Get married by 30. Who made these rules? The outdated idea of life milestones creates unnecessary pressure. But life isn’t linear anymore. In 2024, careers zigzag, relationships evolve, and dreams change—constantly.


Too Many Options, Too Much Confusion

We live in a time of endless opportunities—remote work, gig economy, side hustles. While exciting, it can also feel overwhelming. You’re expected to know exactly what you want, but with so many paths, it’s paralyzing.


Why Feeling Behind Hurts So Much


Feeling behind doesn’t just mess with your head. It steals your joy.


You’re constantly comparing yourself to others, which leads to burnout, anxiety, and a deep sense of dissatisfaction. The more you chase what others have, the more you lose yourself. And if you’re not careful, this feeling becomes your default state.


A perpetual cycle of inadequacy, the one that makes you feel like a failure.


Let's take an example. You land a promotion, something you’ve worked for years to achieve. But the joy only lasts a few days before the voice in your head says, "What’s next?"—leaving you empty again.


The False Timeline Trap


Here’s the truth: there’s no universal timeline. What’s the rush?


The world in 2024 doesn’t operate on a one-size-fits-all schedule anymore. Jobs aren’t forever. Relationships shift. Success doesn’t look like it did in your parents’ era.


The myth: You’re supposed to hit certain milestones by certain ages.

The reality: Life is messier, richer, and more varied than that.


The trap is thinking you're behind when you're simply on your own path.


Think about it—would you rather meet society's outdated expectations or design a life that’s meaningful for you?


How To Stop Feeling Behind In Life?


By redefining success on your terms. It’s time to take back control and start living with purpose.


Practical Steps to Break Free:


  1. Unplug from the Comparison Game: Delete those apps for a week. You’ll be shocked at how freeing it feels when you stop measuring yourself against others’ highlight reels.


  2. Embrace Micro-Wins: Forget giant goals for a moment. Focus on small, everyday victories. Read one chapter, learn one new skill, take one small step. Progress is progress, no matter how tiny.


  3. Adopt the Experimental Mindset: Try new things without the pressure of perfection. Want to switch careers? Start by freelancing. Not sure about that passion project? Give it 30 days. Life is an experiment. My Life Quest encourages you to treat it as such. Our step-by-step system helps you clarify your goals and make small, deliberate changes that lead to big results.


The Power of Rewriting Your Own Story


Stop living according to someone else’s script. You get to decide what matters to you. Here’s how you start:


  1. Get Clear on Your Values: What do you really want? Freedom? Stability? Creativity? Don’t chase what others tell you to—figure out what lights your fire.


  2. Build a Life by Design, Not by Default: Take charge. Set your own goals. Want to spend a year traveling? Make a plan. Dreaming of leaving the corporate world? Strategize an exit. This is where My Life Quest excels. It offers you a structured approach to define your vision and take actionable steps to live it out.


  3. Celebrate Your Unique Path: Everyone is on a different journey. Own yours. The pressure to conform fades when you realize that your path, with all its twists and turns, is perfectly valid.


Conclusion

Feeling behind in life doesn’t have to be the norm. You can break free from the comparison trap and start living on your own terms. The world of 2024 is wide open for those ready to step off the beaten path and craft their own unique story.


So, what will yours be?


It’s time to stop chasing someone else’s timeline. Instead, create your own. My Life Quest can help you design a roadmap that’s just for you—focused on your values, your passions, and your life goals.


Now, it’s your turn. What’s the next step on your journey?




 
8 views0 comments

Comments

bottom of page