You've Achieved It All, Now What? Understanding Existential Dread in the High-Powered World
Remember that triumphant feeling when you landed your dream job, or finally achieved that long-held goal?
The world seemed to shimmer with possibility. But lately, a creeping unease has settled in.
The thrill of the climb has faded, replaced by a nagging question: "Is this all there is?"
Congratulations, you've encountered existential dread. It's not a diagnosis of failure, but a natural human response to grappling with life's big questions.
Despite your accomplishments, you might find yourself questioning the meaning of your work, the purpose of your striving, or even the point of it all.
It's a familiar foe for many high achievers and successful professionals.
Despite the external validation of success, you find yourself grappling with deeper questions about purpose, meaning, and the significance of your striving.
Existential dread is a feeling of anxiety, despair, or emptiness that arises from contemplating the nature of existence and the lack of inherent meaning in life.
It's characterized by:
Questions about meaning and purpose
Feeling lost and unsure about the bigger picture, questioning the significance of one's actions and life in the grand scheme of things.
Anxiety about death and finiteness
Coming face-to-face with the inevitability of death and the impermanence of existence can trigger anxiety and a sense of powerlessness.
Isolation and loneliness
Feeling disconnected from others and the world, grappling with the feeling that nobody truly understands the depth of your existential concerns.
Freedom and responsibility
Existentialism emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility in creating meaning in a world without inherent purpose. This freedom can be daunting and lead to feelings of isolation and uncertainty.
Wondering if you’ve experienced existential dread? Have you ever asked yourself?:
"What's the point of it all?"
This fundamental question cuts to the core of their purpose and meaning in life. Despite their achievements, they may feel like their work and striving contribute little to the grand scheme of things.
"Is this all I am?"
Success can become intertwined with self-worth. Existential dread can trigger a crisis of identity, forcing them to question if they are more than just their accomplishments.
"Am I happy?"
The external markers of success – money, status, power – may not translate to internal well-being. They might grapple with a nagging sense of dissatisfaction despite having "everything" they thought they wanted.
"Have I lost touch with who I am?"
The relentless pursuit of goals can leave core values and passions neglected. They might question if they've strayed from the person they once were or what truly matters to them.
"What if I'm on the wrong path?"
Existential dread can prompt a reevaluation of their career path and life choices. They might wonder if they've been chasing the wrong dreams or if it's time for a significant change.
Existential Dread for Successful Professionals
You might think that this sort of feeling is reserved for those who have not achieved success, who are stuck in lower positions, or who haven’t been able to accomplish much.
You’d be wrong. Successful folks are plagued by existential dread, too.
Some reasons might include:
The Contrast Effect: The stark contrast between external achievement and internal emptiness can be particularly jarring. They've achieved the "supposed" recipe for happiness, yet the feeling is missing.
Pressure to Maintain Success: The fear of losing hard-earned status or disappointing others can fuel a relentless pursuit of achievement, even when it feels meaningless.
Disconnection from Passion: The climb to success can be all-consuming, leaving core passions and values neglected. This disconnect can contribute to a sense of emptiness once the goal is reached.
The Illusion of Control: Many high achievers build their self-worth on accomplishments. Existential dread challenges this illusion of control, forcing them to confront the inherent uncertainty and meaninglessness of existence.
Burnout and Lack of Balance: The relentless pursuit of success often leads to burnout and disconnection from personal life. This lack of balance can exacerbate feelings of isolation and insignificance.
Additionally:
Successful people may feel pressure to maintain a facade of happiness, making it difficult to seek help or discuss their struggles openly.
The very traits that lead to success, like ambition and focus, can also make it difficult to embrace the open-ended nature of existential questions.
In essence, existential dread for successful people stems from a clash between external validation and internal fulfillment.
You’ve achieved the "what" but are struggling with the "why."
Why Does Existential Dread Hit High Achievers?
The relentless pursuit of success can be a double-edged sword.
Here are some common triggers for existential dread in high achievers:
Reaching a Major Goal and Feeling Lost: You've conquered the mountain, but now what? This sense of emptiness after achieving a long-held goal can be particularly disorienting.
Questioning the Meaning of Your Work: The daily grind starts to feel pointless. You wonder if your work truly matters or aligns with your core values.
Disconnection from Your Passions: Somewhere along the climb, you may have lost touch with the things that ignited your passion in the first place.
Burnout and a Lack of Balance: Constantly pushing yourself can lead to exhaustion and a feeling of disconnection from yourself and the things that matter outside of work.
Existential Dread: Not a Character Flaw
It's important to understand that experiencing existential dread is not a sign of weakness or a failure to appreciate your achievements.
It's a natural part of the human experience, a prompt to dig deeper and re-evaluate what truly matters in your life.
Dealing with Existential Dread for High Achievers
Embrace the Questions
Don't shy away from the uncomfortable questions. Existential dread, though unpleasant, can be a catalyst for positive change. Embrace the introspection and self-discovery it prompts.
Revisit Your Core Values
Take a step back and re-evaluate what truly matters to you. Are your current goals and career path aligned with your core values?
This realignment can bring back a sense of purpose and direction.
Here’s a popular and free resource for taking note of your core values and how they play out in your daily life: Bullseye Values Exploration
Seek New Challenges and Growth
Learning and growth can combat feelings of stagnation. Step outside your comfort zone and explore new challenges that ignite your curiosity and passion. This can be anything from volunteering for a cause you care about to taking up a new hobby.
Practice Gratitude
Shift your perspective by focusing on the good things in your life. Take time to appreciate the positive aspects of your life, both big and small.
Gratitude exercises can help combat feelings of emptiness and foster a sense of well-being.
Connect with Other
Existential dread can feel isolating. Talk to trusted friends, family, or a coach about your struggles. Sharing your feelings can be cathartic and help you find support from others who may be on a similar journey.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Ground yourself in the present moment through practices like mindfulness meditation. Focusing on your breath and bodily sensations can bring a sense of calm and clarity amidst existential anxieties.
How Coaching Can Help with Exesential Dread
A Safe Space for Exploration: A coach provides a safe and confidential space for you to explore your existential concerns without judgment. They can help you unpack your thoughts and feelings, and guide you towards self-discovery.
Clarity and Goal Setting: Coaching can help you gain clarity on your core values and purpose. Together, you can develop meaningful goals that align with your newfound sense of direction.
Actionable Strategies: A coach doesn't just listen; they offer guidance and support as you implement strategies to combat existential dread. They can help you develop a plan to explore new possibilities and create a more fulfilling life.
Accountability and Partnership: Coaching provides accountability and a supportive partnership. Your coach will help you stay on track with your goals and celebrate your successes along the way.
Finding Balance: Many high achievers struggle with work-life balance. A coach can help you identify areas of imbalance and develop strategies for creating a more sustainable and fulfilling life.
Existential dread can be a daunting challenge, but it doesn't have to be a dead end.
By employing strategies like those mentioned above, and with the support of a coach, high achievers can navigate these existential waters and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and a life filled with meaning.
Can Psychedelics Help Existential Dread?
While the research on psychedelics for treating existential dread is still in its early stages, there are some promising indications:
Potential Benefits
Mystical Experiences
Psychedelic experiences can induce a sense of interconnectedness with the universe and a deeper understanding of oneself.
This can lead to a shift in perspective and a renewed sense of meaning and purpose.
Ego Dissolution: Psychedelics can temporarily dissolve the ego, the sense of "self" that often grapples with existential anxieties.
This temporary ego dissolution can allow individuals to confront core fears and beliefs in a new light.
Increased Openness: Psychedelics can promote a state of increased openness and receptivity.
This can be beneficial for exploring existential questions and finding new ways of thinking about life's meaning.
Connection to Spirituality: Psychedelic experiences can rekindle a sense of awe and wonder, potentially leading to a deeper connection to something larger than oneself, whether spiritual or philosophical.
Important Considerations
Research is Ongoing: While promising, research on psychedelics for existential dread is still in its early stages. More studies are needed to confirm the long-term benefits and safety of this approach.
Set and Setting: Psychedelic experiences can be very powerful depending on the "set" (mindset) and "setting" (environment) in which they occur.
Not a Cure-All: Psychedelics should not be seen as a quick fix for existential dread. T
hey can be a powerful tool for self-exploration, but they should be used in conjunction with therapy and other strategies.
Legality and Safety: Psychedelics are currently illegal in most places. There are ongoing clinical trials using these substances.
Read more about psychedelics in our blog.
Existential dread can be a daunting challenge, but it doesn't have to be a dead end. It's a signal that you're yearning for something more, a prompt to break free from autopilot and rediscover the spark that ignites your passion.
By embracing introspection, reevaluating your values, and seeking support, you can transform this existential crisis into a catalyst for a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.
If you're struggling with existential dread, a coach can provide a safe space for exploration, equip you with tools for navigating uncertainty, and help you craft a life rich with purpose and passion.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Ready to start your journey?
