Sometimes, as we graduate or near the final stretch of our university journey, we may find ourselves wondering where life is taking us. How can we plan for the future when the present already feels overwhelming? These days, it is increasingly common to question ourselves and doubt our own progress, especially when we see others who seem to have their lives figured out. We might find ourselves asking, “Why does everyone else seem to have a smooth journey while I keep running into obstacles?” or simply wondering, “When will it be my turn?” Kawan UNDIRA, these feelings are perfectly normal. You may simply be entering a phase known as a Quarter-Life Crisis.

A Quarter-Life Crisis refers to a psychological experience commonly associated with people between the ages of 18 and 30. It can emerge when we feel uncertain about our direction in life or find ourselves overthinking everything positive we see outside our personal circumstances, whether it involves career achievements, relationships, or other aspects of life.

Although this experience is common, ignoring a Quarter-Life Crisis can gradually interfere with our daily routines and overall well-being. Even when we try to stay productive or explore our creativity, the overthinking associated with this phase may resurface, reminding us of unresolved doubts and personal struggles that we have yet to work through.

Although it can feel overwhelming, Kawan UNDIRA, feeling left behind or believing that our lives are not progressing at the same pace as everyone else's does not mean our story has come to an end. When navigating a Quarter-Life Crisis, developing a growth mindset is essential. Rather than allowing uncertainty to hold us back, we can begin by adopting a few simple habits.

1. Explore the World Through Different Perspectives

A Quarter-Life Crisis can sometimes feel like running on a hamster wheel: exhausting, repetitive, and seemingly leading nowhere. This feeling can become even stronger when we compare our lives with those of people who appear to be doing better than us.

One way to break out of this cycle is to change our perspective. Instead of constantly looking up at those who seem more successful, take a moment to look around and recognize the people whose journeys may be more challenging than our own. Doing so can help us realize that success is not always defined by wealth, luxury, or an impressive lifestyle. Over time, we can begin to let go of the assumption that achievement must always look extraordinary to be meaningful.

2. Make Peace With Yourself

Making peace with ourselves and learning to love ourselves do not always have to involve self-rewards, Kawan UNDIRA. At its core, self-love means creating space to understand who we are and appreciate the effort we have already put into our lives. It is not about seeking instant gratification or forcing ourselves to feel positive all the time. Instead, it is about recognizing that our efforts matter and trusting that, with patience and consistency, they can eventually bear fruit.

Furthermore, when we see others achieving positive things, we should stop sabotaging our own progress or feeling inferior simply because we have not reached the same milestones. Everyone begins their journey from a different starting point, and everyone reaches their destination at a different time. Our progress does not become less valuable just because someone else seems to be moving faster.

3. Focus Your Energy on Small, Achievable Steps

Remember, Kawan UNDIRA, a Quarter-Life Crisis can become more intense when our ambitions race ahead while we struggle to keep up with them. Having a visionary mindset and setting long-term goals are valuable qualities, but we should not overwhelm ourselves with ambitions that may take five, ten, or even thirty years to achieve.

Instead, start with small, consistent steps. For example, you might spend today learning how to write HTML code, then move on to learning how to organize and process datasets using Google Sheets the following day. Each small step builds a foundation for something greater. Focus on what you can do today, rather than worrying about everything you hope to accomplish tomorrow.

Getting through a Quarter-Life Crisis can be challenging, and not everyone moves through this phase at the same pace. However, by directing our attention and energy toward supportive environments, meaningful activities, and realistic goals, we can gradually learn to navigate these challenges with greater confidence.

At Universitas Dian Nusantara (UNDIRA), we do not have to go through this phase alone. We have friends who are navigating similar experiences, lecturers who can offer guidance, and a campus environment where we can share our stories and grow together. As the saying goes, better late than never. What matters most is that you keep moving forward, no matter how small your steps may seem. You are capable of more than you think.