You fill your life with people and activities, but maybe you still feel empty inside and can’t figure out why. Maybe you never feel completely satisfied or you feel like you don’t have a purpose that wakes you up in the morning. Whatever the case, there are some good reasons for this state of being. By dissecting them, you’ll be able to get to the bottom of the feeling and eliminate it so you can feel more like yourself again. So, here are 11 reasons why your life could be lacking fulfillment right now — the sooner you find out, the sooner you can change things.
1. You’re Not Feeling Grateful.
It might sound weird to say that you need to stop and scribble a few things to feel grateful for. That might be the last thing you want to do right now. But, the thing is, when you feel like you’ve got nothing, that’s when you’ve got to realize what you do, actually, have. according to Positive Psychology, it shifts your mindset. Start writing a gratitude list and you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve got going for you.
2. You’re Dissing Yourself.
If you neglect yourself, such as by putting your partner’s needs ahead of your own or not engaging in self-care activities, you’ll start to feel like you don’t have the emotional reserves you need to feel good about life. Note that self-care isn’t just about splurging on new shoes or wearing makeup. It’s about nurturing yourself and staying healthy so you’re in your best form.
3. You Can’t Reach Your Goals.
If you’ve been trying to achieve your goals but you can’t seem to get there, it can make you feel emotionally flat and empty. But, just ’cause you’ve failed, it doesn’t mean you should quit. You just need to take a short break and then find creative ways to approach the problem again.
4. You Don’t Have Dreams.
Goals are one thing, but what are your dreams? Do you have dreams you’re passionate about chasing? If not, then you could feel like your life lacks real purpose and meaning. Although your day job is great, it might not be what tickles your heart strings. Finding your purpose can be a game-changer.
5. You’re Socially Isolated.
If you’re feeling chronically lonely, such as because you haven’t connected with friends in a while, you might be isolating yourself. We all need human connections to make us feel like we belong to a group and that we’re not alone when life throws us a curveball. Try to reach out to people around you, even in little ways, so you can start creating new connections. If the reason why you’re withdrawing yourself is a lack of confidence, focus on your positive traits and your self-worth.
6. You’re Comparing Yourself To Other People Nonstop.
According to Better Up, constantly comparing yourself to other people is a no-no. You can never feel like you’re better than everyone else – there’ll always be someone prettier/smarter/more successful. This can mess with your head, making you feel like you lack self-worth, which can lead to that horrible emptiness inside. Try to stop yourself from comparing yourself to others, and stay off social media if it triggers toxic comparisons.
7. You Haven’t Dealt With The Past.
Not dealing with previous traumatic experiences can follow you into the present and future. You might be carrying complicated feelings and unresolved issues with you. Ignoring them isn’t going to make them go away. Chat to a therapist about what you’ve gone through so you can find closure, which will make you feel less empty.
8. You’re Censoring Yourself.
If you’re not living an authentic life and being who you are, you’ll feel like something’s not right. How can you feel satisfied about your life and happy within yourself if you’re living a lie? Stop hiding what you really think and feel. By doing this, you’ll start feeling more confident within your own skin.
9. You’re All About Status.
Material goods can make you feel good and special, but if you’re only focusing on those things in life, chasing status and money, you could end up feeling sad and empty. Your life will lack real meaning, such as in terms of having healthy relationships and wellbeing. Those are the things that lead to a fulfilled life!
10. You’re Leading An Unhealthy Lifestyle.
If you’re always eating junk food for dinner, vegging out on the couch with high-fat snacks, or skipping workouts yet again, this could cause you to feel down and empty. It also messes with your life, such as by making you feel more stressed out. Start eating healthy and doing some physical activity so you can encourage a more positive and energetic outlook.
11. You’re Not Excited About Anything.
The things that used to make you feel excited and motivated in life leave you feeling numb. All the fun in life has gone and everything seems drained of its full color. This could be a sign that you’re unhappy with where you are in life, or that you’re struggling with depression. Chatting to a therapist can help you to deal with negative emotions and figure out how to move past the black clouds following you around.
