In the last year or so I started to see so many people of my age that have done truly incredible things and still doing more.
For the vast majority of my life my only goals were gettimg academic satisfaction and doing unproductive stuff in the free time to get temporary pleasure. No end goal whatsoever.
I kind of don’t know what I’ve been doing in the last 17 years while someone gets a patent on solar systems, other invents a new recyclable plastic, and another found a successful startup. I mean, they all find what they’re supposed to be doing with their lives and excel in them.
I feel overwhelmed for trying to pace up with these kind of people. Yet I don’t like the way the things are and I can’t do anything but envy those people.
Anyone with experience in this regard? How did you deal with this? Did you eventually “pace up” with these people or was it too late or an unattainable goal?
Edit: Whoops, I didn’t expect so many replies! Thanks, I’ll look into them all
A shift in perspective could help. You focused on different things than them. We’re you successful in your studies? Your leisure?
Putting perspective into place, you’re in a different position than them. Direct comparisons like that are unfair and a fallacy.
As an approach, radical acceptance may help in coming to terms.
Or seeking to gain what you desire - but at your own pace and focused on yourself and your situation.
Focus on your own milestones, steps, and successes. Practice could internalize. Maybe a thankfulness diary. Listing 3 or 5 things each day. Or forgiveness for letting go, or successes.
I’m very successful in some things and utterly unsuccessful in others. I don’t often feel envy, more often frustration, and probably often anxiety. I try to accept and suffer through what I can’t/am unable to change. I distract myself and do/focus on what I’m good at.