Are you feeling stuck in life and have no idea what to do next? Do you feel paralyzed with fear at the very mention of change?
First off, you should be proud of reaching this state. It’s a good thing because it means you sense that there are things that your life is shifting.
Yet, knowing where to begin or what to do can be overwhelming. So, if you’re facing this decision, then this post is for you.
Below are five steps to help you decide what to do next in your life.
1. Take a Step Back
When you’re looking at what to do next in life, it’s imperative to stop and take a step back. Take a look at the big picture to identify where you want to go and what you want to do.
Too often, we struggle with all the ways of how to get there without fully knowing where ‘there’ actually is. We don’t take the time to highlight what’s working in our lives and what’s not, so when we reach a crossroads, we feel baffled and unable to move forward.
This is when taking a step back can help you specify where you want to go as you move on in life.
2. Understand What Brings You Joy
Get to know what makes you, you. Dig deep and do some soul-searching to understand what motivates you.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What drives me and makes me excited?
- What are my values and beliefs?
- What contributions do I want to make to my community?
- What’s important to me?
- What are the skills and talents that I bring to the table?
3. Explore Your Passions
Make a list of all the things that you’re passionate about and explore those options in more detail.
It’s important to analyze your options both emotionally and intellectually. To do this, try to imagine how each one impacts your thought processes and your emotions.
Go through this step without worrying about any of the whys, should-haves, and would-nots. Instead, connect more with your subconscious to find out what resonates with you and your core values.
For instance, if you value innovation and technology, look for positions at industry-leading businesses. On the other hand, if you value family culture more, then you’ll be better off seeking a job at a small family-owned organization.
4. Learn New Skills
No matter how many great skills you already have, it’s always nice to learn something new. Whether it’s soft skills or hard, think about what you’d like to learn. Then, look for places in your community or online where you can take classes.
For example, you want to learn more about graphic design. You may consider applying to an art program.
Or you could be interested in gardening. You can take a class in gardening and plants, then apply for a job at a garden center or arboretum.
Whichever you decide to pursue, remember to set short-term goals that follow the SMART framework. This framework ensures that your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.
5. Let Go of What Could Be
Change is scary because we don’t know what to expect from our decisions. This fear keeps you in a state of inaction and apprehension.
But if you could let go of all that worry just for a few minutes?
To do that, you need to trust yourself and maintain a positive mindset. Have faith that whatever comes along, you’ll find a way to handle it.
Stop thinking of change as something to be dreaded and feared. Instead, you can begin to think of it as something stimulating that adds a layer of excitement and intrigue to your life.
Remain to be open to whatever life brings your way. It may surprise you with an even better outcome than the one you had initially envisioned for yourself.
Final Thoughts
If you’re unsure what to do next in life, we hope these five steps can help you enhance your personal and professional life and improve your life in the long term.
It’s a tough journey, but if you’re determined to make it, it can also be extremely rewarding. Now, all that’s left to do is take that first step to discover your life purpose and find your passion in life.