Do you have a desire for inner growth and self-realisation? Then you should be prepared to accept that discomfort is normal, because for self-improvement, whether you like it or not, you will have to step outside your comfort zone, as it is obvious that real breakthroughs are impossible without certain sacrifices. 

By the way, do not confuse concepts such as social success and self-realisation, because social success is more about external factors (income, recognition, high status), while self-realisation is internal (the conscious fulfilment of your life’s purpose, the advancement of your own potential). 

It is important to consider the following point: the emphasis should not be on a persistent and exhausting search for your one true path in life, but on developing what you already have — your hobby, your favourite activity. And, of course, it is not enough to simply cherish and nurture your ‘Manilov dreams’; you still need to get off your backside and actually move in that direction. As you move forward, it is a good idea to periodically ask yourself, ‘Do I really like this? Is this really mine?’ and then listen carefully to your inner voice. 

If you are convinced that this is really yours, then you need to analyse whether all three of your main factors are aligned, namely: your true desires, your natural talents and skills, and your personal actions. Do you combine all three of these important factors into a single whole? If so, and you do what comes easily to you every day (even if only for 30–40 minutes, but regularly) and get sincere pleasure from it, then you are on the right track. 

Knowing your unpleasant qualities, do not rush to uproot them, but first acknowledge them, and then try to integrate them into your personal whole ‘I’. And, by the way, doing what you love is not only pure pleasure, it is also a considerable responsibility, because the clear realisation of your inner potential is needed first and foremost by the world, and then by you. Just do not fall into dependence on other people’s opinions; focus on your own values and feelings. 

Honestly, total dependence on universal approval is unlikely to help you in any way. On the contrary, it is calm confidence in your own abilities and in the correctness of your chosen path, regardless of outside opinions, that will become your beacon on the difficult but exciting path to self-realisation. Any problems, viewed not in the light of terrible horror, but in the light of gaining valuable experience, will not become your weak point; on the contrary, they will become an additional source of strength and life wisdom. 

In the process of self-improvement, do not focus exclusively on the final result. Enjoy the small daily steps towards your big goal. After all, the road consisting of daily considerable efforts and modest but regular victories is in itself of incredible value and an impressive achievement. And I will repeat myself, because it is really important — be sure to listen to yourself. If you are calm inside and feel serenity and deep confidence in your heart, intuitively sensing that you are moving in the right direction, then it means that your truly desired goal is inexorably coming towards you. 

The conclusion from all this is as follows: self-realisation is by no means the total elimination of all your problems. Self-realisation is finding tasks that, when solved, give rise to sincere curiosity, joy, and pleasure within you; and in the process, you cease to suffer from the meaninglessness of life. You encounter difficulties, but they now have meaning, and you solve them consciously.