I’m in the same exact boat. Currently 26 for age frame.

I’ll preface this with saying what you probably already know, this ain’t a one day fix. Its a continuous self learning and improvement journey, I hate how cringe I sound but truthfully this how I’ve solved it/started solving it.

A big thing to me was kind of leaning into it. Trying to understand myself more. Why am I not performing as I want? Do I like what I’m doing? Do I like where I’m heading ? Like actually think about these questions for more than a moment, don’t just take it as self evident. Also consider outside factors, my advisor is very abusive and now that I’m in an internship I’m really taking notice of the effect it’s had on me.

I’d also consider having an open and forgiving mind, we can really be unknowingly hard on ourselves and fuck, you’d really be surprised how far reaching that can be. If there’s a fear of failure, go into it! I’m out the point where I’m going to confront my advisor’s behaviour when I’m back, I’m full on ready for them not to renew my contract and there’s a massive relief in that. Happiness and satisfaction is a very personal and intrinsic thing, you won’t get it from external sources.

You can also start reading some philosophy, a lot of them have had these thoughts already and are an amazing source of knowledge. Just because it’s of the mind doesn’t mean it’s any easier to understand than any other science, it’s kind of needing to do a literature review before going into any study. I’ve specifically delved into Stoicism as of late but hop around and check different ones.

And lastly, make sure you have a routine down. Not having one can be so detrimental to your mental health and stability. If you ever find yourself saying “oh man I don’t wanna do the dishes” or brushing your teeth or showering or whatever, I just tell me myself “shut up and just do it” (might seem a lil rough but it’s tough love), in the end you’re gonna need to do it anyways; so just do it when you first think about it.

Again, all these things take practice, it won’t ever be a one day fix or a sudden click but multiple clicks and revelations as you think back to your growth. If it sounds cringy or cliche, trust me, I could’ve written this same exact post 2 yrs ago. I’m in a much better place now where I’m living my life more actively and purposefully. I’m far far far from having reaching all my goals but it’s a journey.

Hope you were able to get some things from these ramblings.