University of Kwazulu-Natal

I Don T Know What To Do With My Life Try These 12 Steps

Bonisiwe Shabane
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i don t know what to do with my life try these 12 steps

As a millennial, you might find yourself staring into the abyss of adulthood, wondering, “What am I supposed to do with my life?” The truth is, you’re not alone in this feeling of uncertainty. The path to a fulfilling life and career, including potential career changes, isn’t always clear, especially for a generation facing unique challenges and opportunities. This article will guide you through the process of finding direction when you feel lost, offering practical advice and encouragement along the way. First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that feeling directionless about their career path is a common experience, particularly among millennials. Understanding your career choices involves examining your values, interests, and strengths to make informed decisions about your future. A 2019 survey by Deloitte found that only 29% of millennials felt prepared for the changes brought about by Industry 4.0.

Another study by Gallup revealed that only 29% of millennials were engaged at work, suggesting widespread dissatisfaction with their current career paths. Several factors contribute to this generational uncertainty. Millennials entered the workforce during or in the aftermath of the Great Recession, facing a tough job market and often settling for positions that didn’t align with their aspirations or education. The rapid pace of technological change, the gig economy, and the pressure of social media comparisons have all added to the sense of instability and indecision. Life can be a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. Many adults in their early twenties and thirties are navigating multiple changes and for many, they are setting out on their own for the first time and feel like they’re experiencing a quarter life...

The mental health of many young adults is affected by these life transitions, developing their sense of self, and navigating the expectations of their family members as well as themselves. Finding your direction is both an inward journey and an outward exploration. Here are eight key questions to ask yourself when trying to figure out what to do with your life. Ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m., wondering what you’re doing with your life? If your answer is a resounding yes, you’re not alone. The question of how to figure out what to do with your life haunts nearly everyone at some point – whether you’re a recent graduate facing the vast landscape of adulthood, are midway through...

Feeling uncertain about your life’s direction is a normal part of being human. In today’s world, with its endless array of possibilities, feeling confused about your path is practically inevitable. Last Updated: February 20, 2025 Fact Checked This article was co-authored by Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral...

Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

This article has been viewed 65,135 times. Life is full of decisions, but what do you do when you don’t know what choice to make? No matter what choice you’re struggling to make, take a deep breath. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of useful strategies to help you figure out your next move. Not knowing what to do may seem overwhelming, but you got this—we believe in you! Thanks for reading our article!

If you’d like to learn more about decision making, check out our in-depth interview with Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA 💙 Feeling lost or stuck in your life is normal and may signal a need for personal growth. 💙 Tools like journaling, goal-setting, and talking to a coach or mentor can help you gain clarity. 💙 Start by reflecting on what brings you joy, what matters to you, and small steps you can take to move forward.

Finding your path in life can often feel confusing and daunting, but it’s an experience that many people have. Feeling uncertain about what you’re doing can be a sign you’re at a significant crossroads, like contemplating your career path, striving for self-improvement, or searching for your dream job. Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral... She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

This article was reviewed by a subject matter expert to guarantee accuracy and depth. Content is reviewed and updated as needed to ensure it remains current and comprehensive. Whether you're a new graduate or considering a career shift, the question of direction is inevitable: “How do I find my path in life?" Standing at a crossroads can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a natural part of growth. Everyone, at some point, grapples with finding their life purpose. The journey isn’t linear, either.

It’s often filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. But these moments of uncertainty aren’t roadblocks; they’re invitations to explore, reflect, and evolve. Finding your path isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about taking the next step with curiosity and intention. One of life’s most gut-wrenching but shared experiences is feeling stuck and unsure of what to do with your life. Many of us go through different life phases, questioning our paths and seeking direction. To embark on your journey of discovering what to do with your life, begin by exploring your interests and passions.

Become more familiar with your authentic self. Some of what this blog discusses may seem small, and other invitations to explore yourself seem like significant steps. It’s okay to take a breath and recognize, within yourself, that it’s those moments we sense discomfort, and we should be curious and lean into it. By taking small steps to try new things, we can help you gain clarity. This could involve hobbies, volunteering, or taking local college or trade school classes. Life is full of opportunities to learn and grow, so be open to change and stay flexible as you navigate uncertainty and discomfort.

Remember to stay patient, kind to yourself, and persistent in your journey. Did I mention to stay kind to yourself? Finding your path can take time, and making mistakes is okay. Take every experience as a moment of growth and self-discovery. Keep exploring, and gradually, you’ll discover what brings you fulfillment and purpose. My path led me down the road of serving those stricken with grief.

I spent a significant chapter of my life as a funeral director and enjoyed most of it. In my journey as a funeral director, I recognized my true passion was building connections with those faced with loss. I knew it was time to take another path and return to school to become a therapist. My advice is to listen to your gut and be willing to make transitions when the universe nudges you in an unknown direction. Self-assessment is crucial in figuring out what to do with your life. Check in with yourself and focus on your interests, strengths, and weaknesses.

You can gain great insight into what paths may be fulfilling and viable for you. My personal favorite is the practice of mindful journaling. Spend a few minutes daily writing about your experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Reflect on those moments when you felt strong, capable, and successful, as well as when you faced challenges or felt weak. This will help you identify patterns and areas to explore in your journey. Do you know that feeling when you’re just like what am I doing with my life?!

Maybe you’re jumping from job to job, thinking the next one will help you feel happier and more fulfilled or you’ve been in your job for a while, you don’t love it but you... I honestly felt like that for years – jumping from job to job. They were all ok, some good days, some bad. Then I decided to completely change my career thinking it would finally help me feel fulfilled. After the first day in my new Marketing role I came home and cried. I had completely changed my career and I knew it wasn’t right.

BUT that job ended up giving me the greatest clarity on what I do want to do in life. Now I feel beyond grateful that I get to live my purpose, help people every day, do a job I love, work for myself and I no longer have the Sunday scaries. So I want to help you do this too – I know that if it’s possible for me, it’s possible for you. I’m going to run through 6 steps I want you to take if you have no idea what you’re doing with your life – these have been incredibly impactful on my journey and I... Feeling lost about my future can be overwhelming. Many people experience moments when they think, “I don’t know what to do with my life.” Finding direction often starts with understanding my own values and interests.

By taking time to explore what truly matters to me, I can uncover paths that resonate with my goals. It’s important to remember that I am not alone in this journey. Many resources and strategies can guide me to clarity. Whether it’s through assessing my current situation, exploring educational opportunities, or building professional skills, I can take actionable steps toward a fulfilling life. As I read on, I’ll discover practical tips to create a personal roadmap that embraces my unique strengths and passions. By focusing on what I can control, I can move forward with confidence and purpose.

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