Feeling like you’re missing out?
You’re not alone!
It’s often about how you view your life, not what you lack.
While it’s not the same for everyone, certain traits are common among those with this mindset.
Here are 9 key traits—recognizing them could be your first step toward greater fulfillment.
Let’s dive in!
1) Constant comparisons
We’ve all heard the saying “comparison is the thief of joy.” And it’s especially true for those who feel like they’re missing out in life.
It’s a trait that’s more common than you might think.
When we see others achieving more, doing more, or simply appearing happier, we can’t help but compare.
Social media doesn’t help either. It’s a platform where everyone puts their best foot forward, showcasing their achievements, adventures and happy moments.
According to a study published on the Nursing Times, humans possess an inferiority complex that can be easily triggered when people start comparing themselves with one another.
Social media presents almost a limitless potential to do such—which leads to the psychological concept of “social comparison.”
This constant comparison can often lead to a feeling of missing out.
You might start to think that everyone else is living a better life, even when that’s not the reality.
Remember, it’s all about perspective. Your journey is unique to you and it’s important to remember that when you start comparing yourself to others.
2) Fear of commitment
Now, this is one I can personally relate to. I used to have a fear of commitment, and it’s not just about relationships.
It’s about making decisions that could potentially close off other options.
For instance, I remember when I had to decide on my college major.
I was torn between pursuing a degree in literature, which was my passion, or opting for business studies, which seemed more practical.
I was afraid that choosing one would mean missing out on the other.
This fear of commitment often stems from the desire to keep all options open.
We’re afraid that by choosing one path, we’re missing out on all the other potential paths we could have taken.
But here’s the thing: life is about making choices.
And yes, every choice we make might mean closing off other possibilities. But it also means opening up a whole new set of opportunities that we never imagined before.
In my case, I chose literature and it led me to a fulfilling career in writing that I absolutely love.
I may have missed out on a business degree, but I gained so much more in return.
3) High expectations
People who feel like they’re missing out in life often set extremely high expectations for themselves.
This trait is usually tied to perfectionism and the desire for constant improvement.
Studies show that high achievers often suffer from something called the “imposter syndrome.”
This is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud.”
This need to meet high expectations can lead to a feeling of always falling short, of never doing enough, and ultimately, of missing out.
Understanding that it’s okay not to be perfect all the time can help to alleviate this feeling.
It’s about setting realistic expectations and acknowledging that everyone has their own pace and path in life.
4) Overthinking
Overthinking is a common trait among those who feel like they’re missing out.
It’s the constant “what if” questions that keep you up at night.
“What if I had taken that job?” “What if I had moved to a different city?” “What if I had stayed in that relationship?”
Overthinking can trap you in a cycle of regret and worry.
It prevents you from living in the present because you’re too busy dwelling on past decisions or future possibilities.
It’s important to remember that we all make the best decisions we can with the information we have at the time.
Instead of overthinking past choices, try focusing on the present and what you can do now to improve your situation.
5) Lack of fulfillment
Many people who feel like they’re missing out in life often experience a lack of fulfillment.
They may have a good job, a loving family, and a comfortable lifestyle, but still feel like something’s missing.
This can stem from not pursuing your passions or not spending enough time doing what you truly love.
It’s when your life doesn’t align with your values and aspirations that this feeling of missing out creeps in.
Finding fulfillment is about discovering what really matters to you and making time for it.
Whether it’s painting, traveling, volunteering, or spending time with loved ones – engaging in activities that make you happy can help alleviate the feeling of missing out.
6) Isolation
Feeling like you’re missing out in life can often lead to a sense of isolation.
It’s like you’re on the outside looking in and everyone else is part of a world that you just can’t seem to reach.
But here’s the thing: You’re not alone in this.
Many people experience these feelings, even if they don’t openly talk about it.
We all have moments where we feel detached or disconnected, and it’s okay to admit that you’re not okay.
Reaching out to friends, family, or even a professional can make a world of difference.
Sometimes, just sharing your feelings with someone who understands can help alleviate the sense of missing out and remind you that you’re not alone in this journey.
7) Fear of failure
I’ve always been one to strive for success, to aim high and work hard.
But with that comes an inherent fear of failure. I’ve found myself avoiding opportunities or experiences out of fear that I might not be good enough, or that I might fail.
This fear of failure can paralyze us, preventing us from stepping outside our comfort zones and trying new things.
It’s a trait that’s all too common among those who feel like they’re missing out in life.
The truth is, failure is a part of life. It’s through our failures that we learn and grow.
The fear of messing up shouldn’t stop us from pursuing what we want.
After all, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
8) Always seeking more
There’s a difference between striving for improvement and always wanting more.
People who feel like they’re missing out often find themselves trapped in the latter category.
It’s a cycle of constant dissatisfaction, where no achievement or possession is ever enough.
There’s always something bigger, better, or more exciting just out of reach.
But happiness and contentment aren’t found in the endless pursuit of more.
They’re found in gratitude for what we already have. It’s about finding joy in the present moment and appreciating life’s simple pleasures.
Breaking free from the cycle of always wanting more can help alleviate the feeling of missing out and bring a sense of peace and contentment.
9) Disconnection from self
At the core of this feeling of missing out is often a disconnection from self.
It’s when we’ve lost touch with who we are, what we want, and where we’re going.
When you’re disconnected from yourself, it’s easy to feel like you’re adrift, like you’re missing out on the life you should be living.
But here’s the most important thing to remember: You hold the power to define your life.
You can choose to connect with yourself, to understand your desires and passions.
You can choose to honor your feelings and experiences. And ultimately, you can choose to live a life that feels authentic and fulfilling to you.
Conclusion: It’s all about perspective
The way we view our lives greatly affects our sense of fulfillment.
Focusing on what we lack creates a “scarcity mindset,” leading to feelings of missing out.
But we have the power to shift our perspective.
Instead of fixating on what’s missing, we can appreciate what’s present, embrace failure as growth, and celebrate our unique paths.
Life is about finding the extraordinary in everyday moments.
Feeling like you’re missing out is a signal to reconnect with yourself and realign with your values.
So, reflect—what perspective shift can help you feel more fulfilled?
