No Desire For Anything

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The person is asking if anyone else feels this way. I personally feel exactly the same way as you do and always have. I too have spent my life endeavors trying to please others or impress them. I cannot seem to do anything from a place of any type of true desire for self fulfillment - and definitely not consistently. I don't really want a career, I'm not motivated by money, or fame or anything. Every move I make is monitored in my mind of what others will think and how I can impress them - which becomes extremely stressful and depressing! That is probably why I just choose to do nothing now. Actually though maybe, my true personality is simply one that is highly unmotivated. There do seem to be people who simply lack desire, motivation or passion in the world. Unfortunately though, our society says this isn't normal. Apparently each of us has a powerful motivated conqueror inside - we just have to unleash that passion from deep within. I think this is bull. If you have "a passion" you are going to be passionate about it and not have to have someone prodding you! I have always found this concept of "find your passion" to be ridiculous based on its very premise. Your passion moves you from inside, you don't have to go "find it." There are millions of people just like me and they are who they are! I wish we weren't so caught up in personal fulfillment but in the cooperative effort of fostering community and family relationships. I think our society is messed up. As for me right this moment, I'm going to continue to just sit on my duff until its time to go to work.

You have to admit, it seems odd that you care about the way you are. Why do you suppose that is? Maybe a starting point.

My only advice is dont want it all just want one thing and go for that. Also if you don't want any material possessions there are heaps of things out there that money can't buy maybe you should aim to get some of those and your life will have be more meaningful

Dude I can totally relate. I have lost the desire to do anything and I'm only 24 F*cking yrs old! I am however overwhelmed with life right not. Work pulls me in several directions and I am currently taking three classes a week for a career I don't feel I will be happy in. I guess you have to do more for yourself though. travel, hang out with your friends more. Do the things you use to love that you no longer have a desire to do anymore as well. Socialize a lot more with people. I spent a year living on my own living a routine life working full time and going to school at night coming home without an ounce of energy left. Get out and go do something! You'll feel alot better although its sometimes hard to do because your so drained. Listen to uplifting music. You'll be surprised how your mood can change instantly. Also watch your diet. I have good and bad days and realize that on the days I eat pretty well and healthy I tend to feel great throughout the day. Good luck man.

I feel the same way. I used to do things because thats what I thought I and everyone else was supposed to do. Now I just seem to sit back and wonder why do anything at all. I think it's the fact that everything turned out to be bullshit. College had the promise of being either the world's greatest party or this great intellectual awaking of minds. It's just people in a classes (most of which have nothing to do with a major) trying to get a paper that will hopefully get us more money. Money that we have no need for. Anything we could possible want will satisfy us for a small time or eventually break. Lately that small satisfaction doesn't occur anymore. I've been told it's depression. I don't feel depressed, I just feel nothing. So yes I do think it's normal. What to do about it, that's the answer I'm searching for.

I was there for several years..I recently turned 22 and finally I am beginning to feel free from it. This is something that you will have to figure out on your own.
What worked for me won't work for you but a few things that helped me climb out of my hole were laughter, learning, travel and passion in that order.
I know how painful and frustrating it can be, but don't turn to anti-depressants or drugs and alcohol, they are a temporary fix and will only destroy you, mentally and physically.
Keep your chin up friend, it's a great big world and you still have lots of life to live. You will find your purpose, but until you do don't stress about it. Find some things laugh and learn about, maybe the rest will follow. Good luck traveler!

This is called 'the human condition':

Your life isn't for anything. You have no destiny. There's no fate, no purpose, no meaning, to anything - and there never was. You simply exist because your parents had sex. At least, that's how we begin.

You can choose to make your own purpose in life; no-one will, or can, do it for you. Or you could choose not to. Either way, you WILL die. But if you choose option#2 it'd be like you were never there at all. Do you want that? It's really up to you.

The first thing you need to ask yourself is why you are currently the way you are. There is probably one or two important events in the past that made you like the way you are now. Most people in the early 20s go through what you're going through; don't know what to do with the rest of your life kind of thing, but yours sounds a little more extreme. Are you subconciously feeling ashamed that once upon a time you live only to please other people and all of a sudden, you're not doing that anymore and then you suddenly don't know what you want in life.

You're probably just very frustrated about something. Give it a bit of time and see what happens. Consider this a journey of self-discovery. You're probably changing from the I-need-to-please-people mode to I-need-to-start-thinking-for-myself mode.

But be warned, it's ok to have no money and women, but if you have no direction in life, we have a serious problem. Think about it, mate. Take your time, but not too much.

So, you've realized that you've been a tool throughout your early years. Good. This is a good first step. Now what you need to do is come to the following realization "Fuck everyone else." These three simple words should help you understand where you are and where you'd like to go. Don't feel like doing jack shit still? Good; don't. It really doesn't matter. No ones forcing you to, its all of your own free will. So, you might be wondering what now? Do whatever the fuck you want; you're free. Like sex? Go try to fuck every woman you find attractive. Like drugs? Do some. Like material possesions but don't feel like working too hard? Figure out how to maximize your income while really not doing anything. It can be done. Just think of something that you find entertaining, fun, or hillarious and just fucking do it. It really doesn't matter. Just try your best to avoid being thrown in a cage, that's pretty much the only guideline to keep in mind.

I got familiar story..It s help me a lot one verse from Bible in Old Testimony EKL all chapters.Actually you can find a lot wisdom in Bible..

For me... no desire for anything would be frickin' awesome.

Get shit faced

try reading the bible for insights. It shows you how to be good naturally without "pleasing anyone"

Lack of self-esteem ...
Lack of self confidence?
Lack of emotions..

I think this could be a sign of depression? Possibly....
See someone; a counsellor..if it's not then...
Maybe your just an average joe who can get by in life without the need for anything but the air you breath.

Well, now you know why suicide, drugs, and serial murder become an option for some people. Don't forget pedophilia, compulsive masturbation, and other exciting things. You'd be a great hitman.

As a step-parent to a young adult that seems to have no motivation or self-esteem...help me out here. We all work, purchase homes, cars, travel. How can a young man (22) never drive, never date, no job, no college? How long can he be happy sitting at home like a hermit, playing video games while he's provided for?
Depression runs in his family, and I'm assuming that plays in to this. What do we do? How can he expect us to continue taking care of him?

People can't live without other people.

I recently saw a movie wherein it reiterated the importance of books as a source of comfort - from the knowledge they provide about how we aren't alone. I think the same can be said about the internet.
As far as anything practical to say I offer these; 'depressive reality' as a frame of mind was a pretty supportive thing to read about. Also, I would say that medication (as the industrial type goes, is, as a different commenter wrote, not a long-term solution. For me personally, it's hard to beat a good hike, and exercise in general seems to be the ultimate panacea. I'm 44 years old, and still that video-game loving, unmotivated hermit - the walls of society do catch up eventually, and really, it is about compromise. As it has also been mentioned elsewhere, people in their twenties are at the cliche age of being susceptible to idealism, something that I'm finally being convinced (due in large part to a Carl Jung quotation page) is a perspective/trait that lends itself to addiction.

Hi,
I am slightly older than you guys...Am 32... But surprisingly, my story is similar... Well educated from top institutes... have been switching jobs for almost 8-9 years. I tend to excel initially in any new assignment and then suddenly i lose interest... to such an extent that i do not even desire to look at the work... 6 job switches in 6 different industries in 6 years...Even tried doing my own business twice , but same results.. Thanks to education, this was possible..but I am increasingly seeing that i do not enjoy doing anything... well almost...I do enjoy traveling and sight seeing.. and writing reviews of travel experiences... and a little bit of social service..but that's about all...and I'm looking out for some guidance on how to carry on in life with such non-focused and fickle approach...Is there a way that my desire to be free .. to not do anything except traveling , relaxing and writing... be satisfied , while the family obligations (future security, good lifestyle, education for kid/s etc) may also be adequately met... Any suggestions?

Im about the same age as you and your discription of your situation is very close my situation. I dont think we are normal

smoke more weed, its a sighn...
the end is near so think real clear..
the parinoid is just another stepping stone..

You have nothing to lose! Do whatever you want! Life has no meaning and nothing is worth it which means you can do things normal people cannot!
Think less and be more impulsive.
PS:I feel the exact same way.

I can completely relate to all that's been described here. My best advice is to go see a psychologist/do counseling; should that not work out, then see a psychiatrist and get on anti-depressants. Your doc will refer you to a good specialist.