never feel behind in life

Why Do You Feel Behind in Life? 6 Ways to Overcome that Feeling

Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind in life? It’s a common feeling, especially in our fast-paced society. With social media and constant comparisons to others, it’s easy to feel like we’re not measuring up to where we “should” be.

In this article, we’ll explore why people feel behind in life and six practical ways to overcome that feeling.

Why do you feel behind in life?

Feeling behind in life can manifest in different ways for different people.

Some may feel like they haven’t achieved enough in their career, while others may feel like they’re not keeping up with their peers in terms of relationships, family, or personal milestones.

Most possible reasons you feel behind in life;

  • You haven’t still achieved what you wanted.
  • Comparison with friends or colleagues on their higher achievements.
  • You just had a dull day.
  • Maybe that’s the truth.
  • You’ve set unrealistic expectations for yourself.
  • You have developed pessimist mindset.

It’s important to recognize that this feeling is subjective and can stem from a variety of sources.

Why you should NOT feel behind in life?

Feeling behind in life can have detrimental effects on your mental health and overall well-being.

This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also cause you to feel stuck and unmotivated, which can make it difficult to achieve your goals.

  • Feeling of behind in life will make you a pessimist.
  • It will distract you from your goals.
  • You will be demotivated with such feeling.
  • It will make you sad.

It is obvious that such feeling can make you sad, and overthinking and sticking extra with sad feeling can induce diseases. [read this research]

“Feeling behind in life can be a catalyst for change and growth. Embrace this feeling as an opportunity to reassess your goals and take proactive steps towards a fulfilling life.”

You must accept these truths and keep moving.

Everyone’s journey is unique

It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey in life is different. Comparing yourself to others can be harmful and prevent you from recognizing your own strengths and achievements.

Instead, focus on your own progress and celebrate your own successes.

It can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem

Feeling behind in life can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, which can have negative impacts on your mental health and relationships.

It’s important to recognize that this feeling is subjective and may not be an accurate reflection of your accomplishments or potential.

It can limit your potential and opportunities

Believing that you are behind in life can limit your potential and opportunities. It can prevent you from taking risks and pursuing new experiences that could lead to personal and professional growth.

Feeling behind in life can have negative consequences on your mental health and relationships, as well as limit your potential and opportunities. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique and to focus on your own progress and achievements.

By embracing your own journey and potential, you can overcome feelings of being behind in life and find fulfillment on your own terms.

Overcoming the feeling of being behind in life

Hopefully life is long, and we have to accept it as it is. We can not overcome this feeling of being behind permanently. But we can overcome it temporarily.

I don’t think there is any permanent solution, except reaching higher level of yog sadhna, becoming monk or inducing sense of satisfaction by accepting life as it is.

So here are six practical ways that will help you vanishing thought of behind in life.

Re-evaluating your goals

Often, this feeling stems from comparing yourself to others and feeling like you haven’t achieved as much as you should have by a certain age or milestone. However, it’s important to remember that success and fulfillment are subjective and can be achieved at any time in life.

So, take a step back and re-evaluate your goals. Are they realistic and attainable? Are they aligned with your values and passions? It’s important to set goals that are meaningful to you and not just based on external factors or societal norms.

It’s also important to remember that your goals may change over time, and that’s okay. Life is a journey of growth and learning, and your goals may evolve as you gain new experiences and perspectives.

Focusing on your own journey

When you focus on your own journey, you can set your own pace and define success on your own terms. You don’t have to live up to anyone else’s expectations or timeline. This can help alleviate the pressure you may feel to achieve certain milestones by a certain age or compare yourself to others who seem to be doing better.

Remember that everyone has their own unique journey in life. Focus on your own path and don’t compare yourself to others. It’s important to celebrate your own achievements, no matter how small they may seem.

Which brings us to next way, celebrate your achievements.

Celebrating your achievements

Make a conscious effort to celebrate your achievements, both big and small. It could be something as simple as finishing a book or cooking a new recipe.

By celebrating your successes, you’re reinforcing positive behaviors and building self-confidence.

“Don’t let your achievements go unnoticed. Celebrate them as a reminder of your abilities and the impact you can make on the world.”

Surrounding yourself with positive influences

Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Avoid toxic relationships and negative influences that can bring you down. It’s important to have a support system that encourages you to be your best self.

Because when you surround yourself with positive influences, you can benefit from their energy and perspective. They can provide support, guidance, and motivation as you pursue your goals.

This can help you feel more confident and capable, which can be crucial in overcoming feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt.

Practicing Gratefulness

When we focus on what we’re grateful for, we shift our mindset away from what we lack and towards what we already have. This can help us feel more content and fulfilled, even when we’re still working towards our goals.

The all in one practice to kill this feel of being behind in life.

One way to practice gratefulness is to keep a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. These can be big or small, simple or complex.

Read More: 7 Undiscovered Benefits of Gratitude Practice on Your Life

Finally, Believing you are on right path

Believing that you are on the right path can be a powerful tool in overcoming the feeling of being behind in life. It’s important to have faith in yourself and trust that you are making progress towards your goals, even if it may not be immediately apparent.

It’s also important to remember that setbacks and obstacles are a natural part of any journey, and they do not mean that you are off track or behind in life. Use these challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and to reevaluate your goals and priorities if necessary.

Final thoughts

Feeling behind in life is a common experience, but it’s important to recognize that it’s a subjective feeling that can stem from a variety of sources.

By re-evaluating your goals, focusing on your own journey, celebrating your achievements, surrounding yourself with positive influences, practicing self-care and mindfulness, and believing that you’re on right path, you can overcome the feeling of being behind in life and achieve your goals on your own terms.


Remember that everyone’s journey in life is unique, and it’s important to focus on your own path and not compare yourself to others. By practicing self-care and mindfulness, celebrating your achievements, and seeking professional help when needed, you can overcome the feeling of being behind in life and achieve your goals on your own terms.

Take Care🙏 Have great day.

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