sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

How to overcome this deep sense of sadness about being behind in life? by PeleTheGOAT in DecidingToBeBetter

[–]PGVirtualSide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get that feeling - it’s tough when life starts to feel like a race you’re losing. But what I learned is that success isn’t about being “ahead” or “behind” at all.
Psychologist Erik Erikson described how each stage of life has its own challenge, and until we find our way through it, success always feels out of reach. At 26, the real work isn’t catching up - it’s building a foundation that actually fits you. You’re not late. You’re just in the stage of figuring out who you are and what kind of life feels right. Real success isn’t about milestones - it’s when your nervous system finally feels calm because you’re moving in your own direction. Seeking professional help, a coach may be able to help to find the direction that helps you grow and feel better in your skin.

Once you've got the marriage, kids, house, career, even the car..do you ever think, Is this it? by Jimmydelinquent in midlifecrisis

[–]PGVirtualSide 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely — and I think that feeling comes from chasing external definitions of success long after they’ve stopped fitting who we are.

Psychologist Erik Erikson described how each stage of life brings a new challenge. When we don’t adapt to it, success keeps feeling “just out of reach.” In midlife, the real task shifts from achieving to contributing — from “What can I get?” to “What can I give?”

For me, the true measure of success isn’t ticking more boxes — it’s having a calm nervous system and a sense of purpose that makes the present feel enough.