How To Find A Goal When Nothing Has A Meaning

[Monochrome]

Hi! I don't know if anyone is capable enough to answer this question but I still wanna try. I'm only 19 and have lost all motivation to do anything. It's not like I have depression. It's just I don't see a meaning in anything. I've watched many movies, anime, dramas, etc., and saw the characters, who are extremely motivated to reach their goals. I also want to be like them and do what I can to achieve my goals but the problem is that I don't have a goal, I can't even find it cause I don't see meaning in life itself. I know that it's not an easy question to answer if not impossible, but I still wanted to try. Maybe someone had already been through this and could help me with his/her experience.

[pixie374]

What are you doing, in general, now? Obviously, covid doesn't help... but do you work, have hobbies, interests. It may just be that you haven't found it yet.

[AuntPollyGrey]

You cannot equate your life with characters in a movie. Life has its ups and downs and at 19 its fairly normal to not know quite what you want to do with your life. Don't beat yourself up over this. My eldest son was exactly where you are at your age. He had no idea what he wanted to do, then an opportunity came out of the blue which he took and is now very successful. Forget 'goals' believe me you hardly ever reach them and if you do its usually the long way around. Set yourself small challenges - learn something new, take up a hobby, get a mundane job to get money then train for something you really enjoy. The meaning of life? to keep breathing sweetheart x

[Theland]

Get rid of twitter,Facebook, and any other social media.
That's a start!

[Old_Geezer]

You make your own meaning and goals. You have the privilege of existence, it's your responsibility to make the most of it.

19 eh. Yeah that's a common time to start questioning stuff. It seems less relevant when the hormones settle down.

Meanwhile some things must interest you. Or perhaps, despite not seeing a reason/meaning for it, maybe there's something you think could be better if you made an effort. Go for it.

You can change your mind later if you wish. But you have to seriously consider what you feel is relevant or at least not totally irrelevant to you first before opting on something to achieve. Go make a list or two.

[nailit]

Bloody hell! What APG said^^
Cant argue with that.

[Atheist]

Mono; you must have a goal or goals, surely. Do you want to live until tomorrow? Do you want to be a good person to your parents/sister(s)/brother(s), friends? Do you want to answer my post? These are all goals. If you want a big, big goal, then admit that there are small goals and start with them.

[Atheist]

Mono; I think that APG put it much better than I did. I'm very old and when I was young we didn't have social media telling us to have goals, we just tried to live however we could. We had heroes like the Beatles or the Stones (or Hitler or Rothschild) but they weren't rammed down our throats, so it was easier for us to just get on with being what we were. You are a unique creature with your own future; don't let it slip away by trying to analyse it all.

[pixie374]

Yes, apt put it perfectly. Really, unless your parents started you fulltime on a musical instrument, dancing, singing etc, from about 3 years old.... it will take some time to discover some passions. Try everything, make a list... and see where it leads you.

[pixie374]

Apg, sorry.

[dave50]

The only goals you need are to be happy and healthy.

[rowanwitch]

Unrealistic expectations that can't be met ,lack motivation, sounds like the onset of depression to me. Ignore what you think you should be doing and do what makes you happy, look for a path where you can do more of it. Feeling something is right is the best guide that you are going in the right direction.