The Fear of Falling Behind
By: Bianca Barratachea, M.S.
Have you ever experienced a sudden sense that you're falling behind in life and that time seems to be speeding past you? Your mind is stuck between where you are and where you thought you should be. You try to talk yourself out of the idea that you would be able to live a more successful life if you only put in more effort and pushed yourself. For many of us, the worry that we will fall behind can be a constant source of anxiety and stress. The pressure to keep up with the speed of the world around us can occasionally feel overpowering, whether in our relationships, professions, or personal goals.
But what exactly are we afraid of falling behind on? Some worry that they may fall behind professionally, fail to take advantage of promotion possibilities, fall short of societal standards, or become overwhelmed by social media comparisons. We all want to feel like we're moving forward in life, achieving our goals, and reaching our full potential. Finding a balance between self-compassion and motivation is essential so our desire to advance does not become flooded with fear and anxiety.
Set realistic goals:
When life passes us by, we can get caught up in comparing ourselves to others and begin thinking of all the things we "should have done." One way to lessen the strain of feeling like we're always catching up is to set realistic expectations and goals for ourselves. Consider what you want to achieve, write it down, and choose one or two goals to prioritize. Once you've selected your goals, you can put your plan into action and begin breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks to create a sense of balance in your goals. Remember to celebrate each step of progress along the way; baby steps are still steps!
Practice self-awareness:
Another tool to put into practice is practicing self-awareness. Being self-aware means focusing on your actions rather than your self-perception. Self-awareness practices can help us identify the negative self-talk we may use. Try to recognize when you are starting to compare yourself. Take a moment to reflect, notice the thoughts and feelings going through your mind and body, and write them down. Once you've written down your reflections, you can think of the strengths that got you on your current path.
Seek out support:
It's okay to ask for help when we need it. We don't have to face and conquer life's challenges by ourselves. Whether it's talking to a therapist or reaching out to friends and loved ones for support, it is important to prioritize self-care and mental health. It's easy to get caught up in the race of life and neglect our needs. Taking the time to recharge and rejuvenate is essential for maintaining a healthy perspective and avoiding burnout.
The fear of falling behind is a common struggle that many of us face. However, we can learn to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. Achieving our goals takes time and effort. Some days, we'll be motivated; other days, we might not be, and that's perfectly normal. Remember, setbacks are a part of everyone's journey, and progress is not always linear. Be patient with yourself and go at your own pace. It's not about how fast we go but how far we've come.