I thought it would be worthwhile to create an extra post this week on something that I feel that everyone struggles with at various points in their life. Be it when you are between jobs, relationships, or big changes are happening. You can end up feeling like you are stuck in a rut and wondering what you are doing wrong. I wrote this post with the hopes that it will enable you to re-align with your true self and go back to being the best version of yourself that you usually are.
Ever feel like everyone else is sprinting ahead while you’re stuck in the same place? Like the world has a rhythm you’re out of sync with? It’s a lonely, disheartening feeling, but you’re far from alone. Many of us wrestle with this sense of falling behind in our careers, relationships, or personal growth.
I can’t promise this feeling will vanish forever, nor can one single solution erase your worries. But let me reassure you—feeling this way is a natural part of life. What truly matters is not allowing it to define or consume you. It’s your responsibility to rise above it, to keep striving toward the life you envision, and to shape your own path forward.
The best part? You’re never truly stuck. Life is always in motion, and with time, things can and will change. To help you take the first steps, here’s a list of actionable ways to start turning it all around.
1. Pause and Reassess Your Journey
Sometimes, the feeling of being “left behind” comes from comparing yourself to others. But here’s the truth: life isn’t a race or a linear path. Take a deep breath and ask yourself:
- What does success look like to me?
- Am I chasing goals that truly matter to me or just trying to keep up with others?
Journaling your thoughts can help you uncover what really matters to you, free from external pressures.
2. Set Small, Achievable Goals
The gap between where you are and where you want to be can feel overwhelming. Start small:
- Want to improve your skills? Dedicate 20 minutes a day to learning.
- Hoping to reconnect with friends? Send one text this week.
Small wins create momentum, and before you know it, you’ll be moving forward with confidence.
3. Limit Social Media and Curate Your Feed
Social media is a breeding ground for comparison. Remember, people share their highlights, not their struggles (behind the facade of social media, they get stuck sometimes too). If scrolling through Instagram makes you feel inadequate, it’s okay to step away or unfollow accounts that don’t inspire you. What you choose to view is up to you entirely and this is something people often overlook that has a big impact on your subconscious thoughts and perspectives on various topics.
Instead, fill your feed with content that motivates you—whether it’s uplifting podcasts, educational creators, or communities aligned with your goals.
4. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
You don’t have to get everything right on your first try. Growth comes from effort, reflection, and learning. Embrace the messy process of trying, failing, and improving. Every step, no matter how small, counts.
5. Practice Gratitude
It’s easy to overlook what’s going well in your life when you’re focused on what’s missing. Try starting or ending your day by listing three things you’re grateful for. Gratitude shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance, helping you see the richness of your unique journey.
6. Reach Out for Support
Feeling isolated amplifies the sense of being left behind. Talk to someone you trust—a friend, mentor, or therapist. Sharing your thoughts can lighten the emotional load and even spark insights you hadn’t considered.
7. Trust Your Timing
Finally, remember that your life unfolds at its own pace. Some people achieve big milestones early, while others blossom later. Both paths are valid and meaningful. The important thing is to keep going.
Closing Thoughts
The world isn’t leaving you behind—it’s inviting you to forge your unique path. Instead of focusing on where others are, anchor yourself in where you want to go and take deliberate steps forward.
Your journey is yours alone, and that’s what makes it beautiful. So breathe, believe, and begin again. You’ve got this.
Feeling stuck and want to read more posts like this? Check out:
More Useful Links
1. Mindfulness and Mental Clarity
2. Personal Growth and Productivity
- Atomic Habits by James Clear: Practical strategies for habit-building
- TED Talks: The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown
3. Career and Skill-Building
- Coursera: Courses to upskill and learn new things
- LinkedIn Learning: Professional development resources
4. Journaling and Reflection Tools
- Penzu: Online journaling platform
- The Five Minute Journal: Guided journal for daily gratitude
5. Overcoming Social Media Comparison
- Social Dilemma Documentary: Learn about the effects of social media
- Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport: Guide to managing digital distractions
(Some, but not all of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support through these links helps keep this blog running and allows me to continue creating content—thank you!).
