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What to do if you don't know what you want to do in your life anymore?

8 Answers
Last Updated: 01/29/2018 at 1:38pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Sarah Robb, LISW-S (Licensed Independent Social Worker, Supervisor Designation) and LICDC (Licenced Chemical Dependency Counselor)

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. Life poses many challenges. Learning to face, cope with, and resolve these challenges can increase our resilience.

Top Rated Answers
caringCloud22
November 16th, 2016 11:03am
I believe we all get to stages in our life where we feel unsure and confused. I think that's completely normal and natural. Personally what has worked for me is taking a step back from my life. Not worrying so much about what I want to do and why. Not to make other people happy but take a step back from life to be able to help yourself. I found guided meditation apps good for that.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2016 7:14pm
That is me right now. I am on an indefinite break. I stopped working and and taking things slow. I'm trying to accept that it is okay to not know what I want. Meanwhile, I'm trying to do little things I like till I am ready to explore and step into something new. Just to give it a shot. Not everyone can afford to take a break from earning a living. I thankfully can simply because I live with my parents. But you can perhaps redefine your rules and limits and try out different jobs/lifestyles during a certain period of time. I hope to be able to do that soon and make some decisions that can change as required. Allow yourself some flexibility.
ppegoppa
November 16th, 2016 3:42pm
I think most of us have moments like these when we ask ourselves "What's next?". And since life didn't come with a guide booklet, I believe most of us here have asked that question once or twice or even thrice. I find a quiet place first where I can be alone and think more clearly. And try to focus. Then I pray, sincerely. I'm not too religious but I do believe in Jesus. Prayer helps even though some of us might be in a situation where we really feel like the whole world left us. Really, prayer helps. Just keep praying until that morning comes when you wake up with new opportunities suddenly greeting you with smiles and kisses and hugs and new reasons to know what you're here for and once you find that moment what comes next is your task or calling. ^_^ I know it's not as easy as typing these words, I've been there and probably still is, but yeah let's keep praying and let's keep doing good to other people and ourselves until we find our calling.
SassyCherry
November 18th, 2016 1:20am
Take small steps everyday, and rediscover who you are. Look around you and find the things you are passionate about, or the small things that make you smile like the sunshine or helping a homeless person. Remind yourself of what you love, and start to pursue the expression of those things, like someone who loves to learn pursing teaching. Everyday is a new day to learn something about yourself. It's okay when you're in a rut and don't quite know what the future holds or how we'll be a part of it. Just know you're going to be a part of it, even if you're not sure about it today. Stay positive and get yourself on the right track. Make a list of small things you'd like to accomplish in one day, like making someone laugh or going to your favorite amusement park. Maybe there's a book you want to write? Seeking professional help may be a good idea to help you put your plans into action, so your small daily goals can grow into larger plans for life. Also remember, it's okay for these plans to change or life to throw curve-balls at you. I often ask this question too. It'll be okay.
Ashiya
February 7th, 2017 7:16am
Taking a break can help you think about what you want to do in the future. Looking at possible programs, jobs or even places you'd want to go to can help you lift up that stump.
emthelistener
April 10th, 2017 7:44pm
Take away the 'noise' and the pressure to go certain directions (money, prestige, experience, expectations, etc.) and focus on what makes you feel fulfilled. Not just happy but truly fulfilled. Many things can make you happy, but will not motivate you to feel passionate. Once you start looking, you notice there are interesting jobs and different life paths everywhere.
Arkelight
November 7th, 2017 8:41pm
Follow your passions, and work out the most practical and reasonable way to transform that into a profession. Experiment with interests, and use resources such as EDX.ORG to look at their practicality, risk free.
Anonymous
January 29th, 2018 1:38pm
Try something new. Maybe change your hair style or colour or try a new activity? Whatever you do make sure it gives you something to look forward to.