Let’s talk about the pressure to “have it all figured out.”
You know that feeling when you scroll through social media and everyone seems to have their dream job, perfect relationship, and a thriving social life? It can make you wonder, What am I doing wrong?
Here’s the reality: no one has it all figured out. Life isn’t about reaching some magical point where everything is perfect. It’s about growth, change, and figuring things out as you go
The pressure to have your whole life mapped out can feel overwhelming, but guess what? It’s okay to not have all the answers right now. You’re allowed to be a work in progress.
Here are a few reminders when you feel that pressure creeping in: Your timeline is unique. There’s no “right” age or stage to achieve certain milestones, and success and fulfillment don’t come with a deadline. Small steps matter. Focus on what you can do today—it doesn’t matter if it’s learning something new, connecting with someone, or just taking care of yourself. Progress is still progress! Comparison isn’t the whole story. What you see online is a highlight reel, not the behind-the-scenes. Don’t let someone else’s edited life define your worth.
Life is about experimenting, pivoting, and sometimes just winging it. The key is to stay curious and keep moving forward, even when things feel messy.
So here’s a question for you: If you could let go of the pressure to have it all figured out, what’s one thing you’d do differently today? Share your thoughts below—let’s normalize figuring it out together!
Hi @cottonsoul, this is such a lovely and heartwarming post, thanks for that!
If I could let go of the pressure to have it all figured out, I think I would be happier, more open-minded to try new things despite knowing the fact that ‘I might not get much out of it in the time I have spent’ (but actually I’m also picking up new learnings along the way)!
Thanks for sharing! It’s great that you’re reflecting on how letting go of the pressure to have everything figured out could lead to more happiness and openness. It’s such a relatable struggle—many of us feel the need to have a clear path, but sometimes the best growth happens when we step into the unknown and allow ourselves to explore without guarantees. The fact that you’re recognizing the learning that happens along the way is so precious! What’s one thing you’ve tried recently, even if you weren’t sure it would lead to anything, and how did it surprise you?
Thanks for acknowledging and reaffirming my thoughts @cottonsoul !
Honestly it isn’t recent, I tried learning drawing legitimately for a module which I have 0 interest + 0 exposure + 0 talent. I took it because I wanted to venture into the unknown, just be open minded to try it out and if I finished it, I can at least say something like ‘oh I did something I disliked. How bad can other things be in the future’
This module is for 3-4 months and although my interest in drawing hasn’t increased, I learnt some art concepts like gestalt and how much drawing helps in mindfulness. Although I don’t draw now, I do appreciate the experience overall.
You asked a great question btw because I realised I haven’t been having the courage to step out of my comfort zone to explore. It feels like as time passes, I have been stuck in the ‘norm/generic/routined way of life’ and haven’t been dreaming. Oh well, it’s just something I will take time to figure out how to have the courage to do so and thanks for listening to my ramble and mini reflection
Your timeline is unique. There’s no “right” age or stage to achieve certain milestones, and success and fulfillment don’t come with a deadline.