The Weight of Being: Why Life Seems Difficult and How to Lighten Your Path?

At certain points in life, each of us asks this question: «Why is life so hard?». Be it financial difficulties, relationship problems, professional burnout, or just a feeling of hopelessness, this feeling can be overwhelming. It feels like you're carrying an unbearable burden, while those around you seem to float effortlessly through life. Social media, broadcasting ideal pictures, only exacerbates this feeling, creating the illusion that everyone but you has a perfect life. However, the truth is that every person goes through their own trials, and the feeling of life's heaviness isn't your personal problem, but part of the universal human experience. Understanding the reasons for this state is the first step to overcoming it. In this article, we'll look at 10 main reasons why life can seem so hard and give practical advice on how to cope with them.

Our perception of life is shaped by many factors: from genetics and upbringing to cultural norms and personal experience. As a result, the same events can be perceived completely differently by different people. What for one is a minor inconvenience, for another is a reason for the deepest despair. This difference in perception doesn't mean that someone is «weaker» and someone is «stronger»; it only emphasizes the importance of understanding your own internal mechanisms. After all, only by understanding what exactly makes your life hard can you find the strength and ways to change it. It's not just a matter of finding solutions, but a deep exploration of yourself, your beliefs, and behavioral patterns.

1. Perfectionism and Inflated Expectations

In modern society, we are constantly pushed to strive for the ideal. We're expected to be ideal employees, parents, partners. This pressure creates unbearable tension. Perfectionism makes us constantly criticize ourselves, fear mistakes, and feel not good enough. It's a relentless race that's impossible to win.

How to cope:

• Accept that perfection is an illusion. Instead, strive for progress.
• Learn to acknowledge your small victories and celebrate them.
• Allow yourself to make mistakes. They are an integral part of learning and growth.

2. Chronic Stress and Lack of Rest

In a world where «multitasking» is considered a virtue and constant busyness is a sign of success, we often forget about the need for rest. Chronic stress drains not only the body but also the mind. It leads to burnout, depression, reduced concentration, and a general feeling of hopelessness. The body and mind cannot function without full recovery.

How to cope:

• Plan rest just as you plan work. Rest is not a luxury, but a necessity.
• Learn to say «no» and set boundaries.
• Find a hobby that brings you joy and dedicate time to it.

3. Negative Beliefs and the Inner Critic

Our thoughts shape our reality. If there's a voice constantly in our head saying: «You're not good enough,» «You won't succeed at anything,» «You deserve to fail,» then life will indeed seem hard. These negative beliefs are often formed in childhood and continue to influence us in adulthood, sabotaging our endeavors.

How to cope:

• Become aware of your inner critic. Write down negative thoughts and analyze how much they correspond to reality.
• Replace negative beliefs with positive and realistic ones. For example, instead of «I can't do it,» say: «I'll do my best.»
• Practice self-respect and self-compassion.

4. Lack of Meaning and Purpose

When we don't understand why we're doing something, life loses its color. The absence of purpose and meaning leads to apathy, a feeling of emptiness, and despair. A person is a being who needs purpose to feel alive.

How to cope:

• Think about your values. What is truly important to you?
• Find something you're passionate about and dedicate time to it.
• Set long-term and short-term goals.

5. Comparing Yourself to Others

Social media has created a culture of constant comparison. We compare our real lives to others' «ideal» moments put on display. This comparison will always be in our favor. It causes envy, insecurity, and a feeling of our own inadequacy. Everyone has their own path and their own pace.

How to cope:

• Limit your time on social media.
• Compare yourself only to your yesterday's self. Note your personal progress.
• Practice gratitude for what you have.

6. Inability to Cope with Failures

Failures are an inevitable part of life. If we see them as a tragedy rather than a lesson, then every misstep will cause a feeling that «life is pain.» The inability to learn from failures and move on makes us vulnerable in the face of difficulties.

How to cope:

• View failures as feedback, not a final verdict.
• Analyze what went wrong and what could be done differently next time.
• Take risks and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

7. Unresolved Conflicts and Toxic Relationships

Relationships with other people are the foundation of our lives. Conflicts, resentments, and being in a toxic environment can drain an enormous amount of energy, leading to stress and depression. It's like carrying a heavy backpack full of rocks that constantly pulls you down.

How to cope:

• Learn to talk about your feelings and set personal boundaries.
• Analyze your relationships. Perhaps some of them should be ended.
• Remember that no one has to tolerate disrespect.

8. Financial Difficulties

Money doesn't guarantee happiness, but its absence can be a cause of huge stress. Debt, lack of savings, and a constant struggle for survival make life unbearably hard. Financial instability is directly linked to mental health.

How to cope:

• Create a budget and start planning your finances.
• Explore opportunities for extra income or a job change.
• Seek professional help from a financial advisor if needed.

9. Poor Physical Health

The body and mind are inextricably linked. Physical problems—chronic illnesses, lack of sleep, unhealthy diet—can cause fatigue, apathy, and a feeling that life is a struggle. Taking care of your body is the first step to improving your mental state.

How to cope:

• Watch your diet and hydration.
• Exercise regularly.
• Don't ignore alarming symptoms. See a doctor.

10. Lack of Self-Empathy

We are often very kind to others but not to ourselves. We demand too much of ourselves, criticize ourselves for the smallest slip-ups, and don't give ourselves the right to be weak. The lack of self-compassion makes our inner world harsh and hostile. This is one of the main reasons why even a small black streak can turn into an insurmountable obstacle.

How to cope:

• Imagine a friend was in the same situation. What would you say to them? Say that to yourself.
• Practice affirmations and compassion meditations.
• Give yourself the right to make mistakes, feel sadness, and be imperfect.

Life can indeed be hard, but that doesn't mean you have to carry this burden alone. Understanding the reasons behind your difficulties is the first and most important step to overcoming them. Use these 10 points as a checklist to understand what exactly is making your life difficult, and start working on it. Remember that every step, even the smallest one, brings you closer to a life where you feel strong, resilient, and capable of handling any challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does it feel like my life is harder than everyone else's?

This feeling often arises from the habit of comparing your "behind-the-scenes" to the curated, perfect images of others on social media. In reality, everyone goes through their own trials, but we only see the facade of someone else's success. Understanding that difficulties are a part of the universal human experience, rather than a personal failure, helps lower the level of despair.

What should I do if my inner critic is constantly pressuring me and devaluing my achievements?

The first step is to recognize this voice and begin analyzing how much its accusations actually align with reality. Try replacing the mindset of "I can't handle this" with something more realistic: "I will do everything I can." Practice self-compassion—imagine what you would say to a friend in such a situation, and say those words to yourself.

How can I stop waiting for the right moment to make changes?

It is crucial to accept that an ideal moment, where all risks vanish, simply does not exist. Waiting often becomes a trap that keeps you stuck in one place. Start taking action today using small steps, as your real power lies within the present moment.

How do I deal with apathy when I don't even have the strength for simple tasks?

Implement the "two-minute rule": if a task takes less than that amount of time, do it immediately. This could be a phone call or a quick cleanup, which helps overcome internal inertia. Such short actions create momentum, restore a sense of control, and gradually lead you out of the state of learned helplessness.

Can I use gratitude if I am currently in a "black streak"?

Yes, it is one of the most powerful tools available, as gratitude lowers the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This doesn't mean ignoring your problems; it means consciously shifting your focus from scarcity to what you already have. Even in a difficult situation, you can find a reason for appreciation, which provides the strength to keep moving forward.

Why do I constantly burn out and feel exhausted?

One of the main reasons is the lack of scheduled rest and the habit of multitasking. Chronic stress depletes not only the body but also the psyche, leading to a sense of hopelessness. Start scheduling rest as strictly as you do work tasks, and learn to set boundaries by saying "no" to excessive workloads.

How do I start acting if the scale of a major goal is terrifying?

Break the daunting goal down into the smallest, almost elementary steps. For example, instead of "changing jobs," first simply update your resume or find five interesting companies. Each small step on its own does not trigger fear, but their sequence leads to the achievement of a major result.

Should I consult a psychologist if I can't manage on my own?

Life can indeed be very heavy, and you are not obligated to carry this burden alone. If understanding the causes and practicing self-help techniques do not bring relief, seeking help from a professional is an important step. A psychologist will help you navigate the deep internal mechanisms and beliefs that prevent you from moving forward.

How much time is needed to change one's life and emerge from a crisis?

Results depend on the consistency of small steps rather than one-time heroic efforts. The first improvements in well-being can be noticed immediately after starting active steps or gratitude practices. It is important to focus on daily progress rather than just the end result; this is how changes become sustainable.

We've discussed that chronic bad luck isn't a coincidence but rather a consequence of internal beliefs and behavioral patterns. Understanding these reasons is, without a doubt, a crucial step. But what do you do next? How do you turn this knowledge into real changes in your life? I once found myself in a similar situation, with lots of theoretical knowledge but a life that wasn't improving. This is what motivated me to create the step-by-step guide «The Labyrinth of Life». This book is a practical guide that will help you not just understand the reasons for your failures but also start taking action to get out of the «black streak» once and for all and get your life on track. To begin your journey of change, simply go to the very beginning, to the «Introduction» section.