What to Do When You’re Feeling Behind in Life
Let’s face it: feeling behind in life can be overwhelming, and at times, defeating. If you’re in that place right now, know that you’re not alone. I’ve had my fair share of days when I've felt like I was behind, caught in comparison, and that I was on some slow-motion version of life. But over time, I found some tools and practices that helped me find peace, perspective, and, most importantly, self-acceptance. I'm now in a place in life where I can confidently own my path and don't get caught in comparing.
When you're feeling behind in life, give these tips a try
If you’re looking to get back on track mentally and emotionally, I hope these tips will help.
1. Journal to Find Clarity and Inner Peace
Journaling has been one of the most powerful tools in my life, especially in moments when I felt “stuck” or “behind.” Sometimes, when those feelings weigh heavily on my mind, just writing out my thoughts can be like a reset button. I’ve learned that when I put my feelings on paper, it’s easier to step back, look at them, and understand what’s actually bothering me. Often, it’s not the *actual* events or achievements I’m behind on, but rather the pressure I’ve put on myself to reach certain milestones.
Here’s my simple yet effective journaling method you can try if you’re feeling behind to gain clarity, confidence and create more inner magic:
- Release Your Worries – Start by writing down everything that’s worrying you about where you “should” be in life. It doesn’t have to make sense or be organized – let it all flow out. Often, this alone brings clarity.
- Practice Gratitude – Next, list things you’re grateful for right now. Even small things count. Gratitude helps us stay present, feel grounded, and reminds us that, even though we may not be exactly where we want to be, we still have things to cherish and appreciate.
- Set an Intention for the Future – Write one thing you want to manifest or work toward. Visualize it and imagine how it would feel to achieve that goal. This step isn’t about creating a to-do list, but about connecting with the feeling of your future self and building that trust in your journey.
- Take Action — Think about one small action you can take towards your future self in the next 24-hours.
Over time, I’ve found that this practice of release, gratitude, and intention can bring a sense of calm, clarity, and confidence. It reminds me that my journey is my own and that I’m still making progress – even when it feels slow.
2. Take Care of Yourself, Inside and Out
When I was feeling behind in life, my mind naturally would focus on all the things I “should” be doing to "catch up", and self-care often took a backseat. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that taking care of myself mentally and physically is not just helpful — it’s essential. The more I take time to prioritize self-care, the more centered and capable I feel, which helps keep those “I’m not enough” feelings at bay.
Some of my favorite self-care practices include:
- Daily Walks or Movement — A simple walk, a short yoga session, or even dancing to a favorite song can be so refreshing. Movement has a way of clearing my mind and releasing pent-up stress.
- Mindful Morning Routines — When I start my day with intention, like a few minutes of meditation or a warm cup of tea before the rush of the day begins, I feel more grounded and focused. Even a few quiet minutes to breathe deeply and set my intentions for the day can make a huge difference.
- Nourishing My Body — I’ve noticed that when I eat foods that fuel my body, I’m naturally more positive and motivated. This doesn’t mean aiming for perfection but choosing foods that make me feel strong and well.
Self-care doesn’t need to be time-consuming or expensive. It’s about tuning into what helps you feel like the best version of yourself, so you can feel energized and more open to facing life’s challenges.
3. Surround Yourself with Aligned, Supportive People
As much as we think we can go it alone, having a supportive network makes a huge difference when you’re feeling down or behind. There have been times in my life when I tried to do everything myself, but I found that the encouragement of the right people can make you feel seen, valued, and understood.
Seek out people who encourage you to stay true to yourself and your journey, even if it doesn’t match theirs. This could mean reaching out to friends who inspire you, finding a community that aligns with your goals, or simply spending more time with those who bring positivity into your life.
If you’re finding it hard to connect with people who “get it,” consider looking for online communities (like our Magic Moment Community!), groups, or even attending local events where you can meet people who are on a similar path. Community is powerful because it reminds us that we don’t have to do this alone. And sometimes, hearing others’ journeys can give us a fresh perspective on our own.
4. Detach from Comparison and Reframe Your “Timeline”
The hardest part of feeling behind is often the comparison trap – looking at where others are and feeling like we don’t measure up. But I’ve come to realize that everyone’s timeline is different. Some people reach milestones quickly, while others take a more winding path. And that’s okay.
When I start to feel that comparison itch, I remind myself that every path has its ups and downs, visible and hidden. Behind every success story are unseen struggles and setbacks, things we might not even know. The journey isn’t about matching others’ progress but embracing the one we’re on.
If you’re struggling with this, try this simple mindset shift: instead of thinking of your timeline as “behind,” try viewing it as a unique adventure, with each step building towards something meaningful. Maybe those twists and turns are shaping you into the person you need to be for the future you want.
5. Focus on Small Wins and Celebrate Your Progress
One of the things that helps me keep going when I feel behind is recognizing my small wins. It’s easy to get caught up in the big picture and forget the little steps we’re taking along the way. But each small win – whether it’s a step toward a goal, a positive habit, or even just a single productive day – deserves to be celebrated. Those little moments add up to big changes over time.
A great exercise I love is to keep a “small wins” journal, where I jot down anything that made me proud, no matter how small. These small reminders serve as motivation when I’m feeling discouraged. They remind me that progress is happening, even if it’s not obvious right away.
6. Embrace the Present and Trust the Journey
Finally, remind yourself that it’s okay to feel the way you do. Life is a journey with twists and turns, and the truth is, we’re all figuring it out as we go. When we’re focused on being “behind,” we miss the beauty of the present. Learning to appreciate where we are right now – while staying hopeful for where we’re going – can be transformative.
Bringing It All Together
So, if you’re feeling behind, I hope these ideas help you feel a little more connected to yourself and your journey. It’s okay to take your time. There’s no race, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path to fulfillment. Taking small steps each day, caring for yourself, connecting with others, and trusting in your unique timeline can help you find a sense of peace, even if life doesn’t look exactly as you thought it would.
Remember, progress isn’t always loud or flashy – sometimes, it’s as quiet as a single pen stroke in a journal or as subtle as a deep breath taken in the morning. Keep going, keep growing, and know that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Get More From Our Journaling Manifestation Course
If you're looking to gain more clarity and confidence in your life path, consider our manifestation journaling course, Magic Moments. This course is all about transformation, designed for anyone wanting to bring more alignment, clarity, and confidence into their life. It begins with a future-self visualization, which we then break down into achievable intentions. Through different prompts & exercises, we then identify and work through any limiting beliefs holding you back, all while using my simple and effective journaling method to turn your vision into reality. This course is the perfect way to end or start the year, reconnect with yourself and your future self, and create a life of true alignment.
Looking for the perfect journal to start your journaling practice? Look no further than ours, which I've designed to be quick, easy-to-use and flexible — and get you results!. You can check out our journals here.
