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When Doubt Creeps In: How to Keep Moving Forward

(and Maybe Open an Artsy Cafe)

By Varnika AgarwalPublished 10 months ago 3 min read
image from pixabay

Ever had one of those days when your dreams seem like a far-off mirage? Like you’re walking through an endless desert of effort, but the finish line keeps moving further away? Yeah, me too. But here’s the thing—if you never doubted yourself, would you really have a true passion?

The "What If Nothing Works Out?" Crisis (And Why It’s Actually a Good Thing)

That heart-wrenching fear of failure? It’s just proof that your dream matters. Think back to the first time you ever envisioned yourself in this role—whether it’s as a civil servant, a scientist, or an astronaut who also makes great pancakes. Why did you choose this out of a million possibilities?

Remember, the bigger the dream, the bigger the challenges. If you signed up for something extraordinary, you also signed up for the falls, the failures, and the epic comebacks.

And if all else fails? You can always open an artsy café (don’t laugh—I’m serious). Picture it: cozy corners, delicious coffee, and a section for all your crafty creations. It’s a childhood dream, and even if life takes a U-turn, it’s good to know there’s a destination where happiness still awaits.

Feel Every Emotion—Like, Really Feel It

Ever heard of a meditation technique where you become hyper-aware of everything around you? What you see, hear, taste, touch, smell—it’s all part of the moment. Guess what? That also applies to emotions.

Suppressing emotions is like pressing snooze on an alarm—it just keeps coming back, probably louder. Instead, let yourself fully experience them. Think of emotions like guests at a party—acknowledge them, let them dance around for a bit, and then show them the door.

And if anyone ever calls you "too emotional"—remember, emotional intelligence is a skill. The deeper you feel, the more you understand yourself.

The Monotony of Life (And Why It’s Not Forever)

If life feels like an eternal loop of the same day on repeat, it’s probably because your environment hasn’t changed much. You’ve been at home, preparing, doing the same routine. But guess what? This phase is temporary.

The change of scenery will come. And when it does, you’ll look back at this seemingly endless grind and realize—it was actually bringing you one step closer to your goal. Plot twist: The "boring times" are often the biggest game-changers.

The "Waking Up Early" Dilemma (Because Mornings Are Hard)

If getting out of bed feels like attempting a world record, you’re not alone. Here’s a trick: Instead of saying, I’ll wake up at 6 AM, try I’ll wake up before the clock shows 6:15. Weirdly enough, this tiny shift can work wonders.

Or, you know, just be okay with waking up at 6:30. Maybe your body needs that sleep to process everything. Productivity isn’t about when you wake up—it’s about what you do once you’re up.

Celebrate the Small Wins (Because You’re Kind of a Big Deal)

You study 1, 2 hours a day? You bought yourself groceries? You did laundry today? That’s quite some work mate! You meditate? You read? You process emotions like a pro? That’s even bigger.

Look at your efforts the way your biggest fan would. Spoiler alert: You are doing amazing.

"Why Am I Tired?" (Why Can You Not?)

Feeling exhausted? That’s normal. Being tired isn’t the problem—thinking that it’s wrong to be tired is. Just breathe, tell yourself, "I've got this," and move forward.

The "Anti-Anxiety" Trick That’s Weirdly Effective

If your brain is spiraling, try this:

5 things you can see

4 things you can touch

3 things you can hear

2 things you can smell

1 thing you can taste

Boom. Instant grounding.

The Science of Visualization (AKA, Why Thinking Can Make You Stronger)

Here’s a wild fact: Studies show that people who just visualized working out their finger muscles actually strengthened them—without moving a muscle. Sounds ridiculous, but it’s true.

So, every night before sleeping, visualize yourself achieving your dream. Picture yourself thriving. Feel the confidence, the success, the energy. Manifestation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s powerful. (read Think like a monk for more)

The Ultimate Takeaway

Life is a cycle. Tough times don’t mean failure—they mean success is closer than you think. So, keep going, keep believing, and if all else fails… there’s always that artsy café dream waiting for you.

Remember: "Your dreams are like your superpowers, and sometimes you have to suffer for them. The more you suffer, the more you make it yours"

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About the Creator

Varnika Agarwal

The writer is a theoretical physics geek with thousands of hobbies, writing being one of them. She has been writing self-help non-fiction content on Substack. She wants to fill the reader's life with positivity, productivity and calmness.

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