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Do you ever find yourself caught in the undertow of the relentless feeling that you’re behind in life, constantly playing catch-up? I feel it often and it can be a strong sensation, and it can significantly impact my ability to focus and exercise discernment in my day-to-day decisions.

Most jobs that have tasks attached to them are measured in time, whether actively engaging in tasks or awaiting the fulfilment of prerequisites from others, the essence of these job responsibilities hinges significantly on the element of time.

The feeling that I am behind often creeps in, trying to convince me that others are miles ahead, achieving more, and seemingly mastering the art of life. This perception can be overwhelming, and quite often affects my confidence and casts a shadow on my ability to make thoughtful choices.

And it can be as simple as day-to-day running of the house to what will I be doing in 5 years time?!

Which then starts to impact Focus and Discernment…….

When the pressure to catch up becomes all-consuming, it can cloud judgment and hinder my ability to exercise discernment. I often rush decisions, overlook crucial details, or succumb to impulsive choices just to keep pace. The constant mental chatter about being behind can create a fog, making it difficult to see that I just need to take the next step and then the next step after that.

But when the mind is very loud and pushy, my thoughts around being behind can become beliefs that then shape my reality…….

What we believe to be true tends to manifest as our reality. If we hold onto the belief that we are perpetually behind, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The mind, in its effort to maintain consistency, aligns our actions and experiences with our beliefs. So, the more we dwell on being behind, the more likely we are to find evidence of it in our lives.

What can be done to support the belief system?

Awareness Practices: A Step Forward……

Awareness practices, such as mindfulness and self-reflection, offer a powerful counterbalance to the “behind” feeling. They provide a space to observe our thoughts without judgment, helping us understand the origins of these beliefs……….However, even with these practices, the work is never truly done.

I’ve heard inner work best described as navigating through the levels of an onion or a multi-level car park — each layer or level unveils new insights and dimensions, waiting to be explored as we delve deeper into our personal journey of growth and self-discovery.

While awareness practices can be transformative, it’s important to acknowledge that the journey towards self-discovery and personal growth is continuous. The process of catching up isn’t about racing against an external standard but rather aligning with our own values and aspirations.

And getting present at each moment allows us the opportunity to discover these values and aspirations………

Discernment then has a place to flourish in these moments, we start to make wise and thoughtful decisions in the present moment. Understanding that the past is behind us, and the future is a blank canvas waiting to be painted. Each moment offers an opportunity to exercise discernment and take steps towards a more intentional and fulfilling life.

Feeling behind is a universal experience, but it doesn’t have to dictate our journey. By cultivating awareness, embracing the present, and understanding that the work is an ongoing process, we can navigate these feelings with resilience. Our life’s journey is uniquely ours (there will never be another you) and the path you forge is a testament to your growth, wisdom, and the choices made along the way.

Releasing the burden of our stories and instead focusing on the richness of the present, where discernment becomes a powerful compass guiding us toward a future aligned with our authentic selves.