Snippet 29: Why Do I Feel Lost In My 20s? (The Psychology of Your 20s Host, Jemma Sbeg)
Dec 6, 2023
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In this snippet, the hosts discuss feeling lost in your 20s and the impact of the paradox of choice. They emphasize the beauty of embracing the lack of direction in your 20s and the potential for personal growth and abundance.
The paradox of choice in our 20s can lead to decision paralysis and the feeling of being lost.
Focusing on the quality of our daily lives rather than specific goals frees us from societal expectations and allows for personal growth.
Deep dives
Feeling Lost and Overwhelmed by Choices
One common feeling that arises in our 20s is the sense of being lost or directionless. This feeling is often fueled by the expectation that we need to have everything figured out and be on the right path at such a young age. The abundance of life choices, like moving to a new country or pursuing higher education, can overwhelm us and lead to decision paralysis. The paradox of choice suggests that having too many options can actually hinder decision-making. An experiment with jam sales showed that when people were presented with fewer options, they were more likely to make a purchase. Feeling lost stems from the fear of making the wrong decision.
Reframing Directionlessness as Opportunity
While lacking direction may carry negative connotations, it is important to recognize that it also signifies an abundance of opportunity. Rather than fixating on specific career goals or milestones, it can be transformative to focus on how we want our lives to feel on an average day. Imagining our ideal life on an ordinary Monday afternoon, we can envision the emotions, experiences, and connections that bring us joy and fulfillment. By shifting our perspective to prioritize the quality of our daily lives, we are liberated from the pressure of meeting societal expectations and arbitrary milestones. Multiple paths can lead us to the life we envision, allowing for flexibility and personal growth.
In your 20s it can feel like you're bombarded by all these life choices: "should I travel or work on my career?" "should I be finding a relationship or single? "should I quit my job and follow up passion". In this snippet, host of The Psychology of Your 20s podcast, Jemma Speg, explains how the paradox of choice can impact us in our 20s.