I think, at some point in life, every person must have felt, “Why I am even doing this, for who, for what, at what cost, what is the meaning of all this, am I even on the right path, is this even meant for me, am I even capable ? ” etc, etc.

And these are some genuine questions, something that can not be brushed off by saying it’s just mind-talking.

As our entire existence is based on these thoughts, it’s the core of our thinking that guides us in a direction, towards taking action.

I have felt this way many times in life. So after my own pondering, reading and listening to the experiences of people, I think I can share some insights.

Humans are emotional being

We human beings are very cognitively evolved species and our emotions are the basic core of our being.

Such questions arise when we find ourselves stuck, dejected, failed, disappointed, disheartened or maybe hurt. The momentum of our life is disrupted by external or internal sources.

Our brain tends to look at things emotionally, and when we face something different from our expectations, when things are difficult to solve or comprehend, such questions of existential crisis start emerging.

The question of survival

The way we have evolved, acquired traits, habits, and cognitive capacities, are all about one basic thing, and that is survival.

So the question ‘What am I even doing with my life’, is the reflection of where you see yourself in terms of your own constructed definition of ‘surviving’ in the best possible manner.

Happiness and bliss are the emotions of comfort and satisfaction. With any kind of defeat, or dissatisfaction this comfort is disturbed.

Being insecure in yourself, feeling vulnerable regarding your health, be it mental or physical, and being in constant turmoil affect your brain’s chemical balance.

And when we are hit by a hurdle or an obstacle in our endeavors, such thoughts start haunting us.

So these questions ultimately impact our survival in today’s world.

Now, what you can do :

  • First, acknowledge the feeling of despair or hopelessness.
  • Tell yourself that goal is not yet attained so such questions are natural and normal. I must carry on along with seeking guidance for whatever I’m trying to achieve.
  • If you are bothered by someone’s else’s success, someone’s else’s opinion. Give them the benefit of doubt; what if they also had to go through this all to become what they are now ! Maybe you are exaggerating the situation, maybe there is some change of perception.
  • Take a break, do not exhaust yourself. You can always come back later and continue with your tasks.
  • Look around, look at the trees, birds, and vast open sky.
  • Breathe……and breathe.
  • Read some good, uplifting literature.
  • Do not indulge in self-pity, show compassion for yourself. After all, you are a human being, perfection is the last thing you should be expecting from yourself.
  • Last but most important, let go of this burden that you need to figure out everything now and only now. Let it flow and wait for what time shows you.

Good wishes and only good wishes for you.