During the pause between achievements, many begin to question their life’s purpose.
The elation we feel when we’ve learned an important lesson achieved a goal or had a big breakthrough can sometimes be met with a period of downtime. During this period of transition, we may feel unsure and not know where to turn next. During this pause between achievements, we may begin to wonder what life is really about. These feelings are common. We all have them from time to time.
We live in a busy world where many are always in a hurry. By nature we are active creatures–we feel best when we are working on a project or vigorously pursuing a goal. There is nothing inherently wrong with spending a day, a week, or even a month simply existing and not having a plan. Just be. It won’t be long before you will embark upon your next voyage of growth and discovery.
The quiet lull into we which we fall between ideas, projects, and goals can make life seem empty. After accomplishing one objective, we may want to move immediately on to the next. However, when our next step is unclear, we may feel frustrated, disconnected, or even mildly depressed.
We may even perceive our lack of forward momentum as an indicator of imminent stagnation. To calm these distressing thoughts, take time to accept that if your intent is personal growth, you will continue to grow as an individual whether striving for a specific objective or not.
Spending time immersed in life’s rigors and pleasures can be a cathartic experience that gives us the time we need to think about what we have recently gone through and leisurely contemplate what we wish to do next. You may also find that in simply being and going through the motions of everyday life, you reconnect with your priorities in a
very organic, unforced way.
This mindful transitional pause can take many forms. For some, it can be a period of reflection that helps them understand how their life has unfolded. For others, it can be a period of adjustment, where new values based on recent changes are integrated into daily life. Just because you’re not headed swiftly to a final destination doesn’t mean you should assume that you have lost your drive. The stage between journeys can become a wonderful period of relaxation that prepares you for the path that
will soon be revealed to you.