Do you feel like you haven’t achieved anything in life?
You think back, you look around, you compare, and you feel like what you’ve done isn’t good enough.
You may even look at the life you’re currently living and feel miserable, because you feel you should be doing something else, something greater.
Now, I could tell you to stop comparing, because it doesn’t help you. But you know that.
So instead of telling you what you already know, let’s dive below the surface and see what we find.
What is Your Definition of Achievement?
When you feel like you haven’t achieved anything, what is it that you’re supposed to have achieved?
How do you define achievement? Where did that definition originate? Is it correct for you?
You see, we’re all run by how we view life. And how we view life is made up of our definitions, beliefs, and expectations.
So let’s say you think you should be more successful. Maybe you’re an artist, and you don’t have wide recognition. But then, are you recognizing yourself? Are you putting yourself into your work fully and enjoying it?
Now, you may still have days when you feel low, when you feel like a failure. That’s normal. That’s called being human.
And that is where awareness comes in.
How to Deal with the Sense of Failure
It’s the awareness that your mind is a thinking machine, and if you’ve been in a habit of thinking that you haven’t accomplished anything, you tend to go back there.
However, realize that just because a thought pops up doesn’t mean you have to react to it, or give it power.
What do I mean?
Let’s say you wake up in a bad mood, and you feel like you’re not good enough. Step number one is to realize that you have gloomy sunglasses on. You see life through your mood. If you’re in a low mood, don’t pay much heed to what your mind says.
Step number two is to do your best in noticing when you react, because you will react at some point.
In the beginning, your thoughts seem like black holes that suck you in. But as you notice more and more, this will lessen, because you start catching yourself.
Remember, this isn’t about trying to now perfectly observe your thoughts. No, this happens in tiny steps. You become 0.01% more aware every day, and it gains momentum until in a few years you look back and hardly recognize who you were.
I received a question about this on my YouTube channel, and I answered it in the video below. This video complements the article, so click play, and keep reading when you’re done.
And if you want more videos, subscribe to my YouTube channel, because I don’t post everything here on the blog.
We’re Not Here to Live Perfect Lives
When you stop putting so much pressure on yourself, life becomes more enjoyable. I’ve let go of most notions of success, because life brings me what is meant for me.
And I have to say, it’s a relief. There’s no need to work on myself, thinking I’ll get somewhere. No need to force success. I simply live my life, following my excitement to the best of my ability, and that is enough.
What pushes many people is a fear that nothing will happen, that they will end up broke, or worse. If that’s you, then respect your beliefs, and take things one step at a time.
Relax 0.01% at a time. Relax even about you having to do anything. Don’t force yourself to get better. Do what resonates with you.
You have lived the life that was right for you. Every experience you’ve had has molded you into who you are today, and brought you here, reading these exact words.
What I’m saying is that you don’t have to try so hard, or be so hard on yourself because you don’t live up to an image in your mind.
Let Go of the Life You’re Supposed to Live
Let it go. Live the life you have.
When you embrace what is in front of you, life opens up. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I’m open to life bringing me what I need.
In the end, it comes down to simply living life. So what if your mind thinks you haven’t achieved anything?
It’s your monkey mind doing its dance. Look at how often your mind is wrong. Why give the images and thoughts in your head so much power?
Watch your thoughts float by like clouds in the sky. Enjoy this movie you’re in. This is your life. You’re here to experience both the ups and the downs.
You’re here to stumble, and you’re here to fly.
Embrace the whole experience.
Stay relaxed,
Henri
P.S. If you’d like to dive deeper into living a more enjoyable life, I suggest you check out my book: Follow Your Heart: 21 Days to a Happier, More Fulfilling Life.
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