This might be unexpected, but an existential crisis can be a positive sign.
While it’s undoubtedly an uncomfortable phase, it often means you are outgrowing old thinking patterns and preparing for a breakthrough. While going through an existential crisis can feel overwhelming, the fact that it’s happening means change is calling. So, the question is:
What is an Existential Crisis?
The meaning of an existential crisis lies in those moments when everything you thought you understood about your life no longer holds the same meaning—it’s shifting. It can feel unsettling and disorienting, as though you are navigating life without a clear direction. These moments often follow significant life changes—a breakup, a career shift, a major loss, or the realization that what you have been pursuing doesn’t bring the happiness you expected it would.
5 Signs You're Experiencing Growing Pains and Are Ready for Transformation
1. Are You Constantly Anxious?
Anxiety often gets a bad reputation, but it can also be a powerful messenger, pointing toward deeper existential questions. It signals that something in your life may be misaligned, urging you to pause and reflect. Instead of masking it with quick fixes, try asking your anxiety what it’s trying to tell you:
Is there a gap between the life I’m living and the life I truly desire?
Am I clinging to situations, relationships, or routines that no longer serve my growth?
What values or priorities have I neglected in the rush of daily life?
2. Your Friends and Social Circles No Longer Light You Up
As we navigate growth, our values - the beliefs and principles most important to us - become clearer, meaning they can evolve. This transformation can reveal misalignments in our relationships, often leading to a sense of disconnection or even an existential crisis.
For example, if authenticity becomes central to who you are, spending time with insincere people can feel draining, even if they once brought you joy.
This doesn’t mean you have to abandon old friendships completely. Instead, it’s an invitation to reassess and redefine your connections. Prioritize relationships that align with your evolving values—ones that inspire growth, nurture your passions, and create mutual understanding.
3. You’re Exhausted or Burned Out
Despite what people typically think about burnout, it isn’t always just about overwork - it’s often a symptom of disconnection from what you love. Many of us normalize draining environments, assuming they’re an inevitable part of life, but that’s not true. Burnout can be your mind and body’s way of signalling an existential crisis—an urge to reconnect with what makes you feel alive.
Reflect on moments in your life when you’ve felt alive - whether it was working on a meaningful project, connecting deeply with someone, or solving an interesting problem. These experiences often point to your core values and passions.
4. You Feel Lost in Your Career
So many of us feel lost in our careers at some point. The idea that you must have your career figured out from day one is a myth. Careers, like relationships, often require exploration: some people discover their calling early, while others take time to navigate different paths. Both are valid and valuable.
If you’re unsure about your direction, it’s an opportunity to reflect and ask yourself:
Are you in a role that doesn’t align with your strengths or interests?
Why do I feel disconnected from my work, and what exactly needs to change?
Am I pursuing my definition of success or society’s?
Have I allowed myself the space to explore what fulfils me?
Maybe this is a sign for me to do something differently.
Rather than fearing the uncertainty, lean into it with curiosity. Feeling lost might be the first step toward finding a career that resonates deeply with who you are.
5. You Lack Confidence in Your Value
First, give yourself some credit for being self-aware and wanting to grow. Many of us underestimate the value we bring. Why? Because we tend to measure it narrowly, often tying it solely to our professional achievements. However, the purpose isn’t one-dimensional. You may feel disconnected at work, but your purpose might shine as a supportive friend, a loving partner, or an engaged community member. Different seasons of life bring a new set of values, and it’s okay if they don’t all centre around career success.
Reach out to loved ones and ask what they appreciate about you—they often see your strengths more clearly than you do.
This feeling of inadequacy might also be a signal: a nudge from within, encouraging you to step into your full potential. Impostor syndrome and fear are natural, but they don’t define you. Seek guidance from a coach, mentor, or professional to deepen self-awareness and unlock the courage to embrace your unique contributions.
3 Strategies for Overcoming an Existential Crisis
Here are three strategies to help you navigate through this phase and come out stronger:
1. Lean Into and Own Your Inner Compass
When life feels uncertain, reconnect with what grounds you: your strengths, values, and passions. Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you, not what others expect. Ask yourself:
What feels authentic to me?
What do I care about most?
The most important here is to truly own and accept what makes you, you and not discredit it. Owning your uniqueness—and honouring it without self-doubt—lays the foundation for a fulfilling life.
2. Reframe Crisis as Opportunity
An existential crisis often arises when you’re ready for growth but unsure where to begin. Instead of seeing it as a problem, view it as a blank slate. Ask:
What isn’t working, and what could I change?
What new opportunities might this moment hold?
One small shift in perspective can open doors to fresh paths and possibilities.
3. Know You’re Not Alone
Existential crises are a universal experience, and they’re an essential part of personal growth. You’re not alone—everyone questions their path at some point. What truly matters is how you respond: by embracing courage, remaining open to new opportunities, and taking action even in the face of fear.
Share your thoughts with someone you trust or seek guidance from a therapist or coach. Often, their insights can help you see the bigger picture.
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