There’s a distinct difference between truly living life and merely coasting through it.

The difference lies in passion. Coasting through life means just doing the bare minimum, getting by without investing much effort or emotion.

Living life genuinely, on the other hand, involves pursuing your passions, making choices that align with your values, and diving headfirst into every experience.

It’s easy to spot the signs when someone is just coasting – they’re often more subtle than you’d think. And guess what? I’m about to share 7 of these signs with you, so keep reading.

1) Lack of motivation

A lack of motivation is one of the most telling signs that someone is coasting through life.

Motivation is the fuel that drives us to pursue our goals, to strive for success, and to push through challenges. It’s what gets us out of bed in the morning and keeps us going throughout the day.

When someone is truly living, they are motivated by their passions and ambitions. They have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and are willing to put in the effort to make it happen.

But when someone is just coasting, they lack this drive. They do the bare minimum required to get by and have no real aspirations or goals they are working towards.

They might seem content on the surface, but deep down, they’re not truly satisfied because they’re not making full use of their potential. They are simply going with the flow, without any real direction or purpose.

So if you notice a distinct lack of motivation in someone, it could be a sign that they’re just coasting through life rather than genuinely living it.

2) Stuck in a comfort zone

I remember a time in my life when I was comfortably stuck. I had a good job, a nice apartment, and a stable routine. But I realized I was just coasting through life when every day started to feel the same.

Coasting often involves staying within your comfort zone. It’s easy, it’s familiar, and it doesn’t require much effort. However, the problem with comfort zones is that they rarely lead to personal growth or fulfillment.

When I noticed this pattern in my life, I realized that I wasn’t challenging myself. I wasn’t taking risks or trying new things. I was simply maintaining the status quo because it was comfortable.

True living, on the other hand, involves stepping out of your comfort zone. It means embracing change, taking on challenges, and striving for personal growth.

3) Lack of curiosity

When we’re children, we’re full of curiosity. We’re always asking questions, always exploring, always wanting to know more about the world around us. But did you know that as we grow older, our natural curiosity tends to decrease?

A lack of curiosity is a common sign of someone merely coasting through life. They’re not interested in learning new things or expanding their horizons. They’re content with what they know and see no need to delve any deeper.

On the contrary, those who are genuinely living life maintain their sense of curiosity. They’re eager to learn, to grow, and to gain new experiences. They see life as an endless opportunity for discovery and growth.

4) Avoiding meaningful connections

One of the most enriching aspects of life is the relationships we build. Genuine connections with others provide us with support, joy, and a sense of belonging.

However, someone coasting through life often avoids forming these meaningful connections. They may have acquaintances or casual friends but lack deeper, more substantial relationships.

They often avoid the emotional investment that comes with close relationships. It’s easier to stay on the surface level, avoiding potential conflicts or emotional challenges.

But those genuinely living understand that these challenges are part of the human experience. They cherish meaningful connections and aren’t afraid to invest their time and emotions into their relationships.

5) Ignoring personal passions

I’ve always loved painting. It’s something that brings me joy, a way for me to express my thoughts and feelings. But there was a period in my life when I stopped. I got busy with work, obligations, and life in general. I told myself I didn’t have time for painting.

This is a sign of someone coasting through life. They ignore their passions, often convincing themselves they are too busy or that their passions are unimportant.

When you’re genuinely living, you make time for the things you love. You understand that your passions are a vital part of who you are, and they bring happiness and fulfillment to your life.

6) Apathy towards self-improvement

Self-improvement is a continuous journey. It’s about recognizing our flaws, learning from our mistakes, and striving to become better versions of ourselves.

However, someone who’s just coasting through life often shows apathy towards self-improvement. They’re content with where they are and see no need for growth or change.

They might dismiss feedback, avoid challenges, or even resist opportunities to learn. It’s easier to stay the same than to confront their weaknesses and make the effort to improve.

Those genuinely living embrace self-improvement. They see every experience as a learning opportunity and are always open to growth and change.

7) Lack of presence

The most significant sign that someone is just coasting through life and not genuinely living is a lack of presence.

Being present means being fully engaged in the current moment. It means savoring experiences, cherishing relationships, and truly appreciating what life has to offer.

However, when someone is coasting, they are often mentally elsewhere. They may be dwelling on the past, worrying about the future, or simply disengaging from their current circumstances.

Those who are truly living understand that life happens in the present. They make an effort to stay mindful and connected to their experiences, cherishing each moment as it comes.

Final thought: It’s about choice

The essence of genuinely living versus merely coasting through life often boils down to one key element: choice.

At any given moment, we have the power to choose our actions, our attitudes, and our outlook on life. We can choose to take risks, step out of our comfort zone, pursue our passions, and seek personal growth.

Or we can choose to stay safe, stick with the status quo, avoid challenges, and ignore opportunities for growth and change.

The signs of coasting through life are often subtle. They can easily be overlooked or dismissed. But once we become aware of them, we have the opportunity to make a different choice.

So if you find yourself or someone else exhibiting these signs, take it as a wake-up call. It’s a signal that it’s time to stop coasting and start genuinely living because life is too short and too precious to be lived on autopilot.

Remember, every moment is a new opportunity to choose differently, and it’s never too late to start genuinely living your life.