5 Signs That Your Goals Are the Cause of Your Worries and How to Deal with It

In our modern world, the idea of finding a calling or living a meaningful life has almost become a requirement for everyone. From all directions, we are presented with models of the "right path" — work, success, social achievements.

In our modern world, the idea of finding a calling or living a meaningful life has almost become a requirement for everyone. From all directions, we are presented with models of the "right path" — work, success, social achievements. This creates a sense of pressure that sometimes leads to anxiety. You might start feeling like you are constantly failing because it seems like others know what to do, but you don't. But how can you tell that your problems are not about missing success but about how you approach the search for your goals?

We’ve outlined five signs that will help you better understand your feelings and possibly adjust your perspective. Honestly, these thoughts will help not only to start finding the right answers but also to get rid of the anxiety that comes with the feeling of "failure."

You constantly change jobs but never feel fulfilled

You change jobs, hoping to find the "right" position. However, each new start does not bring the desired feeling of completeness. Why does this happen? Often, we think that in a new job, there will definitely be a "right" goal, an ideal position with a high salary that will bring happiness. But in reality, it's not that simple. Success is not defined by the position but by your attitude toward it.

What to do: Ask yourself, "What brings me joy in my current job?" Perhaps you've spent too much time trying to find an external goal, while your attitude and approach to your work could be the foundation of satisfaction. Sometimes, just changing your perspective on things can help you feel like you're in the right place.

You suffer from imposter syndrome

Often, successful people experience moments when they start doubting their own achievements, thinking that their success is a fluke and that they don't deserve their position. This phenomenon is called imposter syndrome, and it's directly related to anxiety about goals.

What to do: Instead of asking yourself, "Am I good enough for this goal?" ask yourself, "Is this goal good enough for me?" Sometimes, self-awareness helps you realize that you're not in the right place, and your energy is directed in the wrong direction.

You constantly compare yourself to others

Comparison is a trap that’s easy to fall into, especially in the age of social media, where everyone seems to have everything "sorted out." You might notice that you start feeling envious of others' successes or worrying that you're falling behind. This constant self-comparison may be a sign that you're anxious about your goal.

What to do: Stop thinking that someone else's path should be yours. Everyone has their unique path. Focus on yourself, your strengths, and what inspires you. In the end, others' successes are their path, and yours is unique. Instead of looking at others, ask yourself questions like, "What inspires me?" and "What goal would I set for myself if there were no external pressures?"

You tend toward "goal nihilism"

Sometimes, after being disappointed in your search for life's meaning, you may start thinking that it’s all a waste of time, and that no goal really matters. This is a kind of "goal nihilism" that makes you indifferent to the search for your purpose.

What to do: Recognize that a goal is not a global and singular mission in life. It's a chain of small steps that can give your life meaning. Sometimes, goals change, and that’s okay. Maybe your goal right now is simply to look for things that make you happy.

You believe in the myth of the "one true goal"

Many people believe that each of us has one single goal in life, and if we don't find it, life is meaningless. This misconception leads to anxiety and despair because the search for the "great goal" can become endless.

What to do: Accept that your goal can change over time. You don’t need to search for one all-encompassing goal. Allow yourself to set small goals that make your life better. Create a plan for yourself that leads to a state of satisfaction and joy.