The elation that you feel when you have learned an important lesson, achieved a goal, mastered a new technique or had a big breakthrough can sometimes be met with a period of downtime afterward.
During this time of transition, you may feel unsure, deflated and not know where to turn next.
I know that during this period of downtime, you can begin to wonder what your life is about, what your purpose really is. These feelings are very common and millions of people feel them from time to time. You are definitely not alone.
Often, you feel at your best when you are working on a project or vigorously pursuing a goal. That is because you are wrapped up in the activity. You are actively doing. But there is nothing inherently wrong with spending some time - a day, a week or even a month - simply existing and not having a plan. Spending time just being.
I know that I have found sometimes the quiet lull between ideas, projects and goals can make life appear empty. This can lead to feelings of lack, sadness and sometimes mild depression. I know there are some people who, after accomplishing one objective, want to move immediately on to the next simply to avoid those feelings.
However, we are all different. When you find that your next step is unclear, it is quite natural to feel frustrated, or disconnected or even a mild depression.
To help you calm what can be very distressing thoughts, learn to accept that you will continue to grow as an individual whether you are striving for a specific objective, in the process of learning something new or not. Just be and use all the time you need to think about what you have recently gone through, what you have succeeded in or achieved and then leisurely contemplate what you wish to do next.
You may also find that in simply being, and not doing, and going through the motions of everyday life, you reconnect with your priorities in a very organic, unforced way.
I have found that the transition time can be different on each occasion. It can be a period of reflection or a period of adjustment where new values based on recent changes can be integrated.
Just because you have temporarily lost sight of a final destination, that doesn't mean you should assume that you have lost your drive. Where you are going next will become apparent at the right time for you.
Sometimes an idea for your next destination will come to you in the most unexpected place or way. For instance, you may be walking in the park one day and see something that triggers your imagination. Make sure your mind is open to all the opportunities that are out there for you.
But remember, it is okay to just be. Give yourself permission to simply be. You will take a lot of the pressure off yourself and you will feel so much better for it.