How do I stop feeling like I'm wasting my life?

Question

Deeper Global · Accepted Answer

The feeling that you're wasting your life is a form of existential anxiety that's become increasingly common in our achievement-oriented culture. This feeling often stems from comparing your internal experience to others' external presentations, especially on social media where everyone appears to be living their best life. You might feel behind because you haven't hit certain milestones by a certain age, or because your path doesn't look like what you imagined it would. Sometimes this anxiety comes from perfectionism - the belief that there's one right way to live and you're not doing it correctly. The pressure to optimize every moment and constantly grow can make ordinary life feel insufficient. It's important to recognize that there's no universal timeline for life, and what looks like success from the outside might not feel fulfilling from the inside. Many people who appear to have it all together struggle with the same feelings you do. Instead of focusing on what you haven't accomplished, try to identify what matters most to you right now. Small, consistent actions toward your values are more meaningful than dramatic life overhauls. Remember that rest, relationships, and simple pleasures aren't wasted time - they're essential parts of a full life. Your worth isn't determined by your productivity or achievements, and there's no deadline for becoming who you're meant to be.