Is it normal to feel lost at 19, 25, 38, or 50 years old?
There’s a place on the internet other than Google, where you can go and get your questions asked.
It’s called Quora.
All kinds of questions…
A while back, I was browsing the platform looking to answer some questions.
A question stood out to me. Maybe it’s because I can relate to it so much.
“Is it normal to feel lost at 19?”
Watch video version:
Feeling lost at 19
I remember being the shy, insecure 19-year-old who felt lost in life. Many of us have experienced this feeling at various times in our lives. It’s part of the human condition.
Beyond our basic survival needs, we all want a sense of purpose and a journey toward self-actualization.
So yes, it is completely normal.
From Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, it’s clear to see the importance of this.
Trying to figure out who we are, experiencing our first struggles, and being tested by life.
It isn’t always easy.
But I can assure you that it’s okay to be where you currently are.
I share more about the concept of identity shifting in other posts.
I wanted to help the person who asked the question, and I’ll talk about that shortly.
But first, I think it’s important to ponder over the idea of feeling lost. To feel lost implies that we are supposed to be somewhere.
Where could this be?
Perhaps it’s the path that:
- Our parents wanted us to take.
- Our friends ventured down.
- The School teachers told us to follow.
- Or an idea planted into our mind from a TV show.
And remember back to the hierarchy of needs and the importance of connection with others - well, it’s easy to see how we sometimes feel the need to please others or be influenced by their good intentions.
So the question this brings up is, are these ideas correct?
Most of the ideas and beliefs have been passed onto those people (parents, teachers, other role models) from those above them.
Their parents, teachers, etc.
It’s not necessarily that they’re good or bad, but perhaps, restrictive or outdated.
Life is different now
Life is quite different now.
It used to be the norm to go to school, get into University, get a well-paid job, get married, have a mortgage, settle down with a family, take a yearly vacation, and enjoy retirement. (And for some, that path still exists.)
The truth is, this isn’t the reality right now for many people, and that’s ok.
The world is closer together.
We have the internet, easy travel, and now AI is at the forefront of our minds.
So… The idea of where you’re supposed to be kinda goes out the window. Why not think about, what would you love to do with no limits?
That being said. If you feel lost in your life, whether it’s 19 or 45. It’s ok.
My Quora Answer to "Is it normal to feel lost at 19?"
Yes, it’s normal.
When I was 19 I had no idea what I wanted to do. All I cared about was socialising with friends and living for the weekend.
I hated my job, I hated my educational situation, and I felt so lost.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. There’s so much pressure these days to be a certain way with all these ridiculous expectations.
Social media is often full of garbage with false realities and deceitful impressions as to how one may be living. This simply makes people feel even worse. Everything feels filtered, fake, and disingenuous.
One of the best things I did was find things I was passionate about and take care of myself.
Fitness, self-development, travel, self-discovery work, etc…
You have so much time. Imagine how much you could achieve in your life?
Heck, imagine if you wasted the next 15 years and then imagine how much time you’d still have to create an amazing life.
The feelings you have now can become the fuel you want to take your life in a new direction.
I hope that helps, a little.
Paul
It's normal to feel lost in life
If you feel lost, it’s ok. You aren’t alone on this journey.
A great place to start is to identify your core values. Fortunately, I have a free worksheet for you to get started.
I’m also planning to create a piece of content around transforming your life from a place of feeling stuck. A step-by-step guide. I’ll link it here once it’s done.
In the meantime, if you’ve been banging your head against the wall, feeling stuck, wanting to make changes, but you need some help, let's connect.
I have a few spots available for serious individuals who want to elevate themselves to a better future.
Click the link below to answer a few questions and be considered for a call. If it’s a good fit, we’ll schedule you in and talk soon.
https://intralifestyle.com/book-call/
For now, enjoy the rest of your day.
Peace out.