Is something missing?
Do you ever get that feeling that something's missing? The one that creeps in during quiet moments, usually late at night or early in the morning when the world is still. That nagging sensation that something's not quite right, even though, on paper, everything looks perfect.
It's a peculiar kind of emptiness that no amount of professional success, material comfort, or social validation seems to fill. You might have the job, the house, the relationship, the status – all the things you thought would make you happy. Yet somehow, it's not enough. There's still this restless urge to do more, to be more, to find more.
The interesting thing about this feeling is that it's not actually a problem to be solved. It's an invitation to begin what Joseph Campbell famously called "The Hero's Journey" – your personal quest for meaning and purpose.
When I first encountered this feeling a few years ago, my initial reaction was to push it away. I tried to fill the void with more work, more achievements, and not insignificant amount of alcohol! I ignored the calling and threw myself into work, believing that business success would somehow quiet that internal restlessness.
But here's what I've learned: that hole in your soul isn't there to torment you. It's there to guide you. It's your inner compass pointing toward something deeper, more meaningful, more aligned with who you truly are.
For me, this call to the hero's journey ultimately led to me writing "The Habits of Happiness". It wasn't a smooth or particularly comfortable journey. It began with personal transformation and then evolved into something much bigger. It led me to question our society's obsession with material success and explore what true fulfilment really means.
If you're feeling that something's missing, here's what I want you to know:
1. You're not broken. That emptiness you feel? It's a sign of awakening, not deficiency. It means you're ready to explore life's deeper dimensions.
2. You're not alone. Many successful people hit this point in their lives. It's particularly common for people in their 40s and 50s. Especially high achievers who've spent years climbing the ladder only to wonder if it's leaning against the right wall as they enter the last decade of work.
3. This is just the beginning. The "hole in the soul" is often the first chapter of a much bigger story – your story of personal transformation and discovery.
The journey to fill this void isn't about adding more to your life – more achievements, more possessions, more accolades. Instead, it's about going deeper. It's about connecting with your inner purpose, understanding what truly matters to you, and aligning your life with those values.
As I continue writing these posts and sharing my own journey, I'm discovering that the path isn't linear. Each step reveals new questions, new challenges, and new opportunities for growth. The hole in the soul isn't something to be filled once and for all – it's a continuing invitation to grow, evolve, and discover more about yourself and your place in the world.So if you're feeling that emptiness, that restlessness, that sense that there must be more to life than this – congratulations. You're at the beginning of your own hero's journey. The first step is simply acknowledging it. The next step? Well, that's for you to discover.
But know this: whatever path you choose, whatever meaning you seek, the very act of searching is transformative. Your journey might lead you to write a book, start a movement, change careers, or simply see the world through new eyes. The destination isn't as important as the courage to begin.
As for me, writing these posts and sharing these thoughts is part of my ongoing journey. Who knows where it will lead next? That's the beauty of following your inner compass – the path reveals itself one step at a time.
What about you? Have you felt the hole in the soul? Where is it leading you?