How to Survive (and Even Overcome) Your Quarter-Life Crisis

We’re two months away from the end of the year—the end of the decade, even—where did all the time go? For many 20- and 30-somethings, the end of the year brings with it a mixed bag of feels. Sure, the holiday parties are fun and all, but the end of the year can send others into a downward spiral of uncomfortable questions, such as “Why am I doing this?”; “Am I squandering my youth?”; “Is this all there is to life?”

If this sounds familiar, you’re likely experiencing the run-of-the-mill quarter life crisis. But don’t worry, this feeling of uncertainty and discomfort isn’t going to last forever—that is, if you face it head on and do something about it. Follow these steps on how to overcome your quarter life crisis and emerge a better person.

Acknowledge your feelings

via GIPHYYour feelings are valid and normal, and you’re not alone. When you’re feeling lost and out of sorts, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you’re the only person in the world who’s ever experienced this.

But having a crisis in your 20s and 30s is completely expected. Many successful people have experienced similar crises, so you’re in good company.

Stop comparing yourself to others

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By now you probably already know that comparing yourself with your peers is a terrible idea, but once you fall into the comparison game, it’s hard to stop. Remember that what you see on social media is everyone’s highlight reel, and that it doesn’t reflect real life.

If you can, limit your time on social media for your mental health, or take a break from it entirely.

Talk to someone about it

via GIPHYMaking yourself vulnerable to others isn’t easy, but opening up to a best friend or close family member won’t just make you feel better, but will also help you gain perspective. Who knows, they could have gone through the same thing themselves, and might have some helpful advice for you.

Know thyself

via GIPHYSuccessfully navigating a quarter-life crisis entails plenty of reflection so you can deconstruct your life and put it back together again so that you end up with a life that’s more fulfilling.

To unlock Life 2.0, you need to put in the work and ask yourself the tough questions. What is it about your current life that’s leaving you dissatisfied? What can you change? Is the problem really the externalities, or should you be working on how you respond to your environment? What do you really want to do?

Set realistic goals

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Once you have a better sense of what you want from life, start slow. There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious, but setting small, achievable goals will make you feel more accomplished and positive about your future.

Step out of your comfort zone

via GIPHYThe worst thing you can do during a crisis is to do nothing about it. You don’t have to do something as drastic as packing up your life and moving to a new place to get a fresh start. Start that new hobby you’ve always wanted to try out, or explore old interests. Get a nice new haircut. Hang out with new people. Widening your horizons is a crucial part of overcoming quarter-life crises, so suck it up and put yourself out there. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for it later.

Surround yourself with positive people

via GIPHYWho you spend the most time with makes a huge difference in how you view the world and approach obstacles. If your friends are negative, unmotivated, and toxic, it shouldn’t come a surprise if you find yourself stuck in a rut. But surround yourself with ambitious, positive people and you can build yourself up into the best versions of yourself.

Remember: this too shall pass

via GIPHYThough it may not seem like it, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. We are all works in progress. Commit to putting in the work, and you’ll get your groove back in no time.

Got any tips of your own? Tell us about them below!