Alan Watts once said, “Don’t be afraid. You’re going to make it, but it’s always going to feel as if you’re not. That’s the fun, you see.”
At first glance, those words might seem paradoxical. Why would it ever feel like we’re failing if we’re actually progressing? But this paradox holds a powerful truth: the very moments when you feel lost, uncertain, or like everything is falling apart are often the clearest indicators that you’re moving in the right direction.
Why It Always Feels Like You’re Failing
Our brains are wired with what psychologists call a negativity bias—a survival mechanism that makes us pay more attention to risks and setbacks than to victories. When we’re chasing a goal or growing into a new version of ourselves, that bias kicks in. The smallest mistakes feel like massive failures. The unknown feels threatening. Doubt whispers, “You’re not good enough.” But this isn’t reality—it’s just the brain trying to protect you from change.
Growth Is Disguised as Chaos
Think of a seed underground. Before it breaks through the soil, it has to split open. To the seed, that process might feel like destruction. But from the outside, we know it’s growth. The same is true for you. Feeling stuck, confused, or like things are crumbling is often a sign that you’re shedding an old identity to step into something greater. Chaos is the disguise progress wears.
The Role of Fun in the Struggle
Alan Watts reminds us that even the feeling of struggle can be part of the adventure. Life isn’t meant to be a straight line. The ups and downs, the detours, the uncertainty—these make the story interesting. When you can shift from fear to curiosity, the struggle transforms into something lighter. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” you can ask, “What is this teaching me?” That shift turns challenges into opportunities for play, learning, and self-discovery.
Trusting the Process
The truth is, nobody ever feels “ready.” Every artist, leader, entrepreneur, and seeker has moments of doubt. The difference is they keep moving anyway. Trusting the process doesn’t mean pretending things are easy—it means accepting that uncertainty is part of the deal. Journaling your progress, practicing mindfulness, and reminding yourself of how far you’ve come are all ways to anchor yourself when the path feels shaky.
Final Thoughts
The next time you feel lost or afraid that you’re not enough, pause and remember: this is exactly how it’s supposed to feel. Struggle is not proof of failure—it’s proof of transformation. You’re in the middle of rewriting your story, and that uncertainty is the sign that you’re alive, growing, and on the right path.
TheSpiritualExplorer 