A Sense Of Direction

I don't feel lost in any way. Of course, there are days when I'm stuck in this state of uncertainty and doubt. But it doesn't take long before I get back into a rhythm of purpose and clarity.

I think this state of temporary disorientation is a byproduct of living in a world with perceived endless options and constant information overload.

Faced with infinite possibilities, decision fatigue sets in, and the pressure to make the "perfect" choice leads to no choice at all.

One could even argue that it's a characteristic of our current era, especially for those of my generation (Gen Z).

We've inherited a world where traditional pathways have dissolved and are being replaced by fluid, self-directed journeys that require constant navigation and re-navigation.

I think the linear life trajectories of previous generations, such as education, career, family, retirement etc. have now mostly given way to a more circuitous path with multiple entry and exit points.

"Not Me"

There's this common logic that if you don't know what you want then at least know what you don't want.

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The latter is more discernable, given there's a strong reaction/response against what we consider "not me." We feel the sting of misalignment more sharply than the subtle pull of alignment.

Becoming self-realizing individuals does come with its own unique burden of responsibility and existential weight.

Sometimes, I debate myself on whether this given freedom to author our own life narratives is a privilege or a challenge for a generation raised on possibility but starved for certainty.

I think without external structures imposing direction, we'll have to find ways of generate meaning and purpose internally, which in itself is an ongoing task that requires continuous introspection and recalibration.

When it comes to what we want, there's an unsure-ness whether this wanting has substance or it's merely a passing fad or trend that we've unconsciously absorbed from social media or peer influence.

For example, someone could feel drawn to become a content creator after seeing others find success in that field, but may not have considered whether they genuinely enjoy the creative process and public scrutiny that comes with it.

Maybe they will discover months into pursuing this path that their interest was primarily motivated by the perceived lifestyle or status rather than the actual work involved.

Changing True North

Personally, I do have a good understanding of what I want, but didn't expect that there will be long periods of days when I don't want what I want.

That is, there's a lack of permanence or continuity with our desires and internal compass, which poses as a problem when it's the main guiding principle for a sense of direction against the backdrop of constant change and evolution in our lives.

When the self is the only true north, what happens when that self is in flux?

Going off track is needed. Because it exposes us to new perspectives and challenges our developed assumptions about ourselves.

But what's not mentioned is that it's on you to get back on track, even though it's not necessarily your choice to get off track in the first place.


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