Specific characteristics separate the realms of the living versus non-living. Perhaps the most fundamental of differences is the need and ability to grow. Feeling frustrated when youâve outgrown your current life is normal.
You grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as a human. The physical aspect usually stops by age 21, but youâll continue to grow in the other elements for life. They are often the most difficult changes to recognize.
Nine Signs Youâve Outgrown Your Surroundings by Personal Growth
Has your inner voice told you that change is in the air? Personal growth can include expanding your knowledge, skills, and ways of life. Here are nine signs to recognize when someoneâs outgrown their surroundings and what to do next.
1. Everyone in Your Circle is Changing if You Have Outgrown Your Surroundings
Some things that bring people together are things they have in common. Many friends in your circle probably are around the same age and place in life. You may have common goals like raising your family and flourishing in a career.
Have you noticed any life changes within your circle? Maybe they are expanding their goals and moving in different directions than you. It doesnât mean youâre no longer essential to them, but youâve outgrown your surroundings.
Suggestion:
How are your friendsâ lives changing, and where are your places? Maybe youâll be happier in your circle if you make some life changes. Friendships can evolve over a lifetime.
2. You Can No Longer Relate to Your Friendship Circle
How can you be sure youâve outgrown your friendship circle and surroundings? Pay attention to the conversation the next time youâre out with close friends. Are you chatting effortlessly from subject to subject, or do you quickly run out of things to discuss?
That period of awkward silence may be your clue that you have a few things in common. Either you are still in their place in life, or youâre searching for something more. For example, you may no longer fit in the single crowd if youâve decided to settle down in a committed relationship.
Suggestion:
Perhaps the changes you want to make donât mesh with your friends and vice versa. You can outgrow friendships, which doesnât mean you hate each other. Itâs okay to go your way and let them go theirs amicably.
3. When You Have Outgrown Your Surroundings, Your Interests Will Change
An article published by NPR states that your personality changes throughout your lifetime, usually for the better. While you retain most of your personality traits, they will mature and change with you, says the article.
As your personality changes over time, it stands to reason that youâll develop different interests. You may have been a die-hard football fan for years and eventually get a taste for basketball. Or you may do the complete opposite and become an avid reader.
Outgrowing your interests doesnât always mean you kick them all aside. You may combine new hobbies with old ones or develop new ones. Itâs all about your life-long maturity and constantly evolving interests.
Suggestion:
The best time to discover new interests and skills is in the present. Listen to your inner voice and try whatever interests you. Learn a foreign language, take up painting, or do anything exciting that speaks to you.
4. You Donât Feel Satisfied in Life Anymore
Think of your life as the seasons of the year. Your needs and wants change as you transition from one life stage to another. As a young adult, what was fulfilling may not be satisfying in middle age.
These restless feelings are the Universeâs gentle clue that youâve outgrown your surroundings. At some point, your goals need to advance with your maturity. You may need to set new aspirations to get out of a rut.
Suggestion:
Think of your life as a body of water that needs to move. Water that stays pooled and never moves becomes stagnant, and nothing can live in it. Never settle for a boring life with nothing that makes you strive to improve.
5. Youâve Planned New Goals to Reach
At what stage have you âmade itâ and can sit back in a rocking chair and stop dreaming? No matter how old or what youâve accomplished, you never quit dreaming and setting higher goals. Of course, many of your new goals may be mental and spiritual accomplishments.
When youâre spending more time daydreaming about stepping out of your comfort zone, itâs time to do it. Youâve outgrown your surroundings, and your past goals no longer satisfy you. Yearning for different scenery and experiences is your call to action.
Suggestion:
Creating a dream board is an excellent way of defining your goals and reminding you each day. Design it however you want with pictures, inspirational sayings, and ideas. Use it as a plan to bring the changes you need in your life.
6. Youâre Just Bored When You Have Outgrown Your Space
Boredom is the enemy of a creative mind. Your brain craves a challenge and isnât content with the status quo. In his article published by Psychology Today, Dr. Shahram Heshmat discusses the psychology of boredom. At least 30 to 60 percent of adults in America experience it at some point in their daily lives, says Heshmat.
Itâs marked by your lack of interest and motivation in something. Maybe itâs something youâve done for so long that youâve outgrown it. The best remedy for boredom is discovering something new and exciting for your life.
Suggestion:
If youâre bored with daily living, youâre not working up to your potential. What are some ways you can challenge your brain and do something new? Boredom often masks the fear of walking into the unknown.
7. You Constantly Dream of Another Life
Your dreams can be a glimpse into how you feel about your life. If youâre content, your nightly visions will probably revolve around aspects of your current situation. However, human satisfaction is never static; youâll soon dream of brighter shores.
Letâs say youâve worked at the same job for several years and feel like thereâs something more. You start binge-watching travel shows where people start a new life in a foreign country. Soon, you look beyond your hectic city life to a tranquil setting in the country or on a beach.
You may be dreaming of reinventing yourself with a new career path youâve always wanted. The only thing holding you back is the fear of making a mistake. Since youâre outgrowing your environment, the biggest mistake is not taking a chance.
Suggestion:
Whatâs holding you back from living the dream youâve always wanted? Create a plan including your goals, time frame, and what you must accomplish first. Thereâs no reason why you shouldnât be where you long to be.
8. You Feel a Void that You Try to Fill
Aristotle once famously stated that nature detests empty spaces. When thereâs a space in the physical or spiritual world, it must be filled. A tell-tale sign that youâve overgrown your surroundings is a void in your soul.
Many people donât recognize this void as a sign of stagnation. Your entire being wants to grow, but some aspect is missing. Unfortunately, they often plug this space into unhealthy habits and substance addiction.
However, you may understand that this emptiness is your sign of needing changes. It could be your job, your relationship, or even your home. Being honest with yourself and defining your goals will seal the gap with contentment.
Suggestion:
Youâll never fill that void in your heart until you follow your dreams. What is missing from your life? Donât use substance abuse to keep from making necessary changes.
9. You Feel Envious of Other Peopleâs Lives and Accomplishments
While you may not be a jealous person in general, itâs a natural emotion. Smiling and congratulating a coworker who got your desired promotion isn’t easy. As you park your jalopy next to your in-lawâs sports car, the old green-eyed monster may appear.
However, the feelings can go more profound when you envy other peopleâs lives. It can happen even if you have the most and most successful. Whatâs probably behind your jealousy is wanting the joy and satisfaction you see them have.
Outgrowing your environment is also a common impetus of envy, significantly beyond materialism. Do you want the peace and contentment others in your circle have? Maybe itâs time to think about opportunities to learn, grow, and expand your life experiences.
Suggestion:
Jealousy is only a helpful emotion if you use it constructively. Instead of envying your friendsâ lives, do something exciting with your own life. Remember that thereâs more to life than materialism.
Final Thoughts on the Understanding That You Have Outgrown Your Surroundings
Growth means you must adjust and alter something; not everyone is comfortable with change. The Universe will give you subtle clues when itâs time to move farther and higher. Challenging yourself with new goals can keep your life exciting as you realize your potential daily.