"Okay, now what?"

[Zerο]

Does anyone else lack a strong drive in life? I've slowly noticed this over the years, but now that the next hurdle in my life is coming up (my Professional Engineering exam/license) it's becoming more apparent - generally, I don't hold much value in my achievements and I'll lose interest in them after fulfilling them to a significant degree or to completion. For example, once I graduated high school and college I didn't even bother to see my diplomas for years afterwards because I forgot or didn't care enough. In games (constantly evolving ones like MMORPGs), once I've reached a certain collection or power level I just quit because there's no longer any carrot to chase after. When it comes to martial arts or sports, I've generally quit after reaching an intermediate level of skill.

I've always maintained a pragmatic, and generally indifferent, view on life and at the end of the day it's really only abilities, knowledge, and skills that I value - they're like a physical or mental pocket life I like to keep with me. So even if a particular field doesn't interest me, I'll learn it to at least a beginner to intermediate level before I move on to the next thing. I can't really seem to find anything to focus my energy into - even my job, born out of an old ideal, is becoming a habit. I enjoy it, and I like what I accomplish with it, but I can't find passion in it (outside of bouts of intense rage at human irresponsibility I'm cleaning up). I don't know, I'm starting to think I'll quit it once I get my license because at that point - I'll be passed the intermediate level of knowledge and I don't know if if I can maintain enough concentration to pick a specialty.

Off hand, I'm wary about this type of behavior when it comes to other people. I don't really want to find myself in a situation where I get a girlfriend (I'm starting to feel an interest in the challenge), and lose interest just because. Basically, the events of my life have me constantly reaching a point where I'm wondering "Okay, now what?"

[Guest]

So long as you're always pursuing something, I don't think the fact that you like to jump around between different somethings is indicative of a lack of drive. Maybe you just like new challenges?

[Titus Oates]

We don't all have intense drives to get up and work hard every day. A lot of people force themselves because they have to otherwise they'd get fired or fail their exams and they can't afford to do that. People are motivated by different things, not just passion or interest.

You say you value abilities, knowledge and skills but some of this can only be accessed by going through drudgery. If I were you I would really try and work on maintaining a positive work ethic even when you find what you're doing boring, as one day you might need it and you'll have to start from 0. It's great that you don't have to feel afraid of quitting your job at the moment but you never know what the future holds.

[Oddball-Meo]

Well, first of all I don't think the problem is a lack of drive. If you lacked drive, you would not pursue anything till a level you are satisfied with, in fact you would not even bother going on with the first 2/3 steps. You even mention that you learn about topics/fields that you have no interest in, some even till intermediate. A person with no drive would not bother doing something like that.

No, I suspect that your drive might be knowledge and skills because that is what you say you value. Also that is your reason for learning things, to accumulate knowledge and the reason we do things is our drive (even the reason we eat is based on a hunger drive, doesn't necessarily make eating exciting though). But this is only what I think...I could be horribly wrong.

I think the problem could be lack of a goal? Maybe you don't feel anything you are spending your energy on makes a difference or is genuinely worth your time? I mean if your drive is knowledge then anything that no longer offers new knowledge might become boring. If this is the case then it would make sense that you lose interest after a cetain level because it then becomes a feeling of "What's the point?".

Unfortunately this could cause future problems. I don't know what job you have, but have you considered becoming a researcher? Or Scientist? A job of some kind that is grounded on gaining new knowledge and learning? It might satisfy your need to gain what you value while making a difference in the lives of others?

I hope this post helps at least a little and please remember that everything posted by me is only my opinion and possible things to think about. If you feel this post is irrelevant, please ignore it.

[ballerina]

Ok, two questions ...

Listless,

1. Have you ever considered that what you are doing is perfectly ok?

2. Have you ever considered your behaviour mimics what the majority do anyway i.e. you are normal?

Remember ... not everyone seeks to learn to an in-depth degree or reach the highest levels of a qualification. People get bored. People change. People become uninspired. What matters in life is that people have meaningful occupation (tasks, work, hobbies, pursuits etc.) which form part of a balanced life. If these occupations make you happy, bring you meaning and inspire you, what matter is it that they last a little while? Each interest is of value and broadens your horizons, and so they should. Honestly, life is a smorgasbord; try everything.

[Asex]

Before going after the next thing, try to find out what's really important for you, what is the change in the world you want to see and contribute to.

Maybe the answer to the question what for you need abilities, knowledge and skills.

Is there a chance you are suffering from depression or taking some medicament that influences mood?

Do you have close people and friends?