There are times when I feel like nothing is happening.
I don’t feel inspired to do much. I don’t feel like writing. I don’t have ideas for books.
I don’t know what to do, or what’s coming.
Sometimes it even feels like my life is falling apart.
However, deep down, I know that something is building up. It always is.
Just because I feel like nothing is happening doesn’t make it so.
Life is constantly changing. There is always something bubbling beneath the seemingly still surface.
I used to resist these times
And to be honest, I still sometimes do.
But the resistance comes from within me. I am the one reacting, and attaching to the feeling of stuckness, anxiety, or fear.
I can try to force progress, but if I do that, I spin my wheels and waste energy.
So I’ve learned to relax, to look at what it is I feel drawn to do. Because even when I feel like nothing is happening, I still feel drawn to do something.
The key then is to allow myself to relax. To look at what feels interesting right now. And to enjoy the journey ahead of me. I don’t know what’s coming next, and that’s exciting.
The video
Here’s a short video with me sharing how I deal with these times.
As always, the video complements the article, so check out both if you can.
And if you want more videos, subscribe to my YouTube channel, because I don’t post everything here on the blog.
These times are opportunities for change
I haven’t felt like working much in the past few months. I didn’t feel like writing this article, until I made a few changes.
I noticed that I had been using a structure that was too rigid in my writing. So I conducted an experiment. I wrote without a structure.
To my surprise, the words came. And before I knew it, this article was done.
Now, this doesn’t mean I throw out structure forever. It means that I’m learning to be more relaxed, more flexible.
I notice self-imposed rules, and I learn to let go of them when needed.
Here are 3 things that help
It can feel agonizing being stuck in place where nothing seems to be happening, so here are three concrete things that I’ve found helpful:
1. Surrender. By surrender I mean to simply let life be as it is. It is when I resist life—and think it should be something that it’s not—that I suffer. The suffering is self-inflicted. I’m not saying that I feel great when I surrender. Sometimes I feel depressed. Sometimes I don’t feel like doing anything. I do my best to surrender to whatever comes up, to not cling to what it all means.
2. Investigate. It’s easy to get stuck in the stories we tell ourselves. That’s why I investigate what’s going on. If I feel bad for a prolonged period of time, I take that as a sign to look at how I’m doing that. I wrote about how I do that here.
3. Have fun. Even when I feel like nothing is happening, there’s always something I feel drawn to do. I take these quiet periods to explore things I find fascinating. I might read, watch movies, hang out with family, or try out a new hobby.
So while I may feel uninspired, I can still enjoy life. And it’s exactly this willingness to be open to whatever comes that makes this easier.
We don’t see the whole picture
It’s easy to say that nothing is happening, but that’s conjecture, isn’t it?
It’s an assumption, a half-truth.
I can’t know what’s happening in life, and what’s not. I can only think that I know. I can think that nothing is happening. When I think that, I feel stuck.
But it’s all a movie in my head.
Knowing this helps me relax.
So take this time to relax
There’s no need to push, because life takes care of itself.
The more I push, the more exhausted I end up.
However, the more open I am during these times, the more willing I am to look inside, the more I learn about myself, and about life.
It always seems to come down to the same thing: Do what you can with what you have, and let go of the rest.
We put so much pressure on ourselves, and for what? To get somewhere? To become someone?
The ends do not always justify the means.
So learn to enjoy this moment.
Learn to follow your inner GPS, because that is what will lead you to a fulfilling life.
And remember, something is always happening, even if you feel otherwise.
Cheers!
Henri
P.S. If nothing is happening in your life, you may want to check out my book Follow Your Heart: 21 Days to a Happier, More Fulfilling Life. It might give you something interesting to much on, and might even transform your life, like it has for so many others.
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As I read this article, I felt kind of ripped off. Lol. Like these words SHOULD’VE been written by me! Henri, you stole the words right out of my head. Good job!
Now….how am I going to write this article and make it my own??
I’ll think of something!
Hehe. I’m sure you’ll do just fine. And if you end up writing the exact same article, then I guess it’s proof that we have the same brain 😉
I was thinking the same thing – took the words right out of my head – except I didn’t know the words were in there – I just know how I feel – I think I’m just going to link to the article – and say “this is how I feel” – easy blog day for me!
It’s simply just that simple,to relax before you go into grind mode. That way you have time to plan and organized. Then,your work can get done quickly and effectively. For sure you get the results your looking for,works for me every time!
Very True! Great Article I can relate;)
that’s exactly what I say myself: give up, give up the struggle, not the desire; take a break, relax, drop the blame and these will open the doors for inspiration, for the angels of creation, energy to come in and take you away…
Yes indeed!
when i struggle, i resist, when i walk through it i create it.
Henri your just what I needed to hear today. I need to relax, and can’t wait for spring and summer to get to my cabin in Upstate New York. Thank you and have a great day!
The cabin sounds cozy!
I felt the same way in my bed last nigth and you know synchronicity make me see this article in my email this morning.
There’s a friend who came with a business project that can make me a lot of money, a great project but i don’t care anymore about money or becoming successfull (its a 180° turn for me). There’s so much synchronicity about this project like every pieces of the puzzle get in place effortless and i don’t care but i will just do it to see where this will bring me.
Sounds like a fun adventure, Gino 🙂
“There’s no need to push, because life takes care of itself”… I hope all those who think of this as a non-ambitious statement, get to discover how rewarding it is to enjoy the path and how every step leads you to success when you let the river flow and act accordingly =) My best!
Oh how true that is, Karinna. The ambition is still there, but it doesn’t come from an anxious source. It’s more a question of ambition in the right direction. In something that is right for you.
henri, this post resonated with me so much. I have been stumbling toward this way of thinking for a little while now. When a period of “nothing has been happening” occurs, my tendency is to go all out and push hard, commit and obligate myself to things I actually don’t want to do but do so in the expectation that these activities will ‘pay off’ is someway. They haven’t yet and I end up feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and as if I have wasted some very precious time. I am finally acknowledging my inner authority. Dare I say that the synchronicity of your topic today may support this new approach?
I think so. I think so.
Conduct tiny experiments and see what happens if you don’t try to push so hard. The results may surprise you 🙂
Wise words Henri. I believe there’s always something going on. When we learn to relax we’re more likely to hear that small, quiet voice within. Actually, my experience is that this is part of the process, the ebb and flow of life. Letting it come to us, naturally, ensures the best arrangement, the best outcome. Love your work Henri!
Well said, Deb. The atoms and molecules that make up our reality are always moving. It’s akin to watching earth from space. Nothing seems to be happening, but the closer you go, the more you see that there’s always something going on.
Henri, your posts always contain exactly what I need to hear when I need to hear it. You must be a mind-reader! Thank you for your beautiful words of encouragement.
Hehee. Thank you, Jane!
Henri, this post couldn’t have been more perfectly timed! I feel stuck and frustrated with myself right now. You’re right. There’s always something happening but we’re living in such a productivity-driven world that we fail to see it. I’ll try to take it easy.
Thank you so much!
Maria
Yes. Relax 🙂
Hi henri,
Actually you say there is no inspiration for you to write more books and articles this days but to me your inspiration is increasing more every single day because your style of writing is becoming amazing every single day to me.
It’s possible for you because you write directly from your heart so you have no problem.
I like the way you think, Abiodun. It’s not that there is no inspiration, but the inspiration is going in a different direction. Thanks for sharing that!
Hi henri,
When you follow your heart or passion you don’t need to worry about too much of inspiration before you can perform.
This is another reason for everyone to follow his passion in other to be superb in their field
It’s inspiring for you to be honest and share the funk you’re going through right now!
I think once initial motivation wears off is when a lot of people think they lack what it takes and decide to give up.
But embracing the emotional roller coaster like you have shows us that motivation will always return and you’ll come back stronger than ever!
Thanks for another great post, Henri!
I tend to overplan everything, to the point that I had studied blogging for more than a year before I even create my own blog.
During the process, I’ve realized to just start and take action and let life take its course. That learning comes from taking the steps and actions.
For me the main reason for being stuck is the feeling or pressure to plan everything. I plan every post I plan to write, everything.
It’s good that you have a plan, but you got to have some balance. overplanning can lead to being stuck and not doing anything at all or realizung that you’ve wasted a lot of time.
Thanks for this post as this reminds me to relax, trust and let life take its course.
Feeling exactly the same myself, like i didn’t want to do anything or certain things, and so i decided to do exactly what you are saying as i thought, ‘if i don’t feel like doing it, i won’t do it!’ of course its not always as simpe as that, but ou judge each moment as it happens and this worked for me as there was relief as i didn’t feel all pent up to do something.
So as always Henri, bang on point at the perfect time!
Muchos gratias! 🙂
Right on point, Lewis!
Great article! Thank you so much for putting this difficult subject into words.
Such wise advice Henri. Thank you. Came at a perfect time for me, as have been beating myself up. Have been in ‘winter’ now for just over 3 years. but as you say all things will pass like clouds in the sky, even the most persistent clouds eventually pass by 🙂
Absolutely. We have periods and chapters in our lives when things are quiet. Take advantage of them and relax 🙂
I feel the same but just can’t trust that something is happening when nothing is happening. Thanks Henri for the wonderful article.. As always.
It can take time to build that trust 🙂
Being relaxed, especially when under pressure, makes me more creative on finding ways to go around the problem and solve it. Great post!
Thank you Henri, this is so perfectly timed for me.
It’s really allowed me to be much more aware that there is so so much happening when it appears nothing is happening.
So grateful for your beautiful words & sharing from your heart.
This article is so refreshing & authentic!
It’s a relief for me to connect with.
Glad to hear it helped, Davinder. It’s kind of like with baking biscuits, isn’t it? You put them in the oven, and it seems like nothing is happening, but then suddenly they’re done 😉
I can absolutely relate to this topic. About a year ago I was terribly ill and decided to radically change my lifestyle. At first, nothing seemed to be happening and the wait was absolutely daunting. But, I remember reading about Invisible benefits in ‘The Slight Edge’ which are benefits gained from actions which cannot be seen at first but as the accumulate, they will start to appear.
Point is, the longer you stick to something even when nothing seems to be happening, eventually results will appear 🙂
It took a while for me to stop pressuring myself but meditation and journals help. Fast forward to now and I’m all healthy again!
Thanks again for the great write up.
Glad to hear you’re back to full health, Zak. Thanks for sharing that 🙂
I always feel this way when there is change happening. It is as if my life is shattered right in front of me. At these times, it is important to notice the resistance that is happening within you and to acknowledge that it is beyond your control.
Hello Henri
I was findings ways to help myself feel out of the blues and here I got some great tips..Now atleast I can surrender myself and take time to know what i really want. Thanks a lot 🙂
Hi Henri, thank you for sharing your thoughts. A great reminder to me that it is OK to pause, to rest, to go with the flow. I’m also so used to just ‘doing’ and forgotten about the importance of ‘being’ in life.
Thank you once again. I refreshed & reminded to stop the storyline in my mind.
That’s awesome, Esther. Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
Great article Henri! Reminds me of some Vernon Howard wisdom:
“Do not be impatient with your seemingly slow progress. Do not try to run faster than you presently can. If you are studying, reflecting and trying, you are making progress whether you are aware of it or not. A traveler walking the road in the darkness of night is still going forward. Someday, some way, everything will break open, like the natural unfolding of a rosebud.”
Keep up the good work, and thanks for the article 🙂
Excellent quote. Thank you 🙂
I Have been having a very difficult time.I have plenty of free time in which I try to learn some softwares on my own, but sometimes i feel drained out and force myself to learn stuff which always ends in failure.Now i understand i am maybe in my relaxation time, and maybe the life as an intern i am looking forward to may help me start with something new.Thanks Bro. You helped me a lot to overcome my fears.
That’s great to hear!
Great as usual, Henri.
I’ve come to realize – from my patterns of thought – that trying to internally “force” something is as useful as chasing after the wind. A previous commenter gave the apt comparison of trying to run faster than one’s capabilities would allow. Maybe pacing a race poorly could be another.
In the meantime, I find that increasing my knowledge – through reading, or just learning in general – is an excellent way of not only passing the time, but preparing for the next rush! Internal resistance, in the present, is often a sign of great change in the near future. Even through these periods, I still try to think of tiny steps that I can take… I’m not sure if that’s too resistive, though.
That sounds like smart plan, Liam. Nothing wrong with thinking of tiny steps. You’ll notice if it works for you or not as you move forward. Adjust as you go 🙂
Inspired! Have been going through the hard time for the past 3 and 1/2 years. Still going through the challenge but I am more relaxed now and surprisingly i am much more happier . What you shared works. It is working with me.