“I don’t know what to do with my life”: How to find your path
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore 13 tips to figure out your career path when you don't know what you should do with your life. Plus, 10 questions for self-improvement and goal setting.
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.
The journey of self-discovery and goal-setting is an opportunity to understand yourself, recognize your passions, and learn how to align them so you discover what you truly want to do with your life.
“What should I do with my life?”
Sometimes, we find ourselves feeling a little lost in life, uncertain where we want to go or what we want to do. Although it can be unsettling, this state of questioning can be a valuable part of personal growth.
Try embracing feeling lost as an opportunity that can signal being in the process of evolving and reassessing what truly matters to you. It’s a chance to explore new possibilities.
During this journey, be kind to yourself. When you're unsure about your life's direction, practice self-compassion. Remind yourself that everyone goes through periods of uncertainty. Avoid harsh self-judgment and give yourself the same kindness and understanding that you’d offer a good friend in a similar situation.
If you don’t know what to do with your life at this moment, remember that this feeling doesn’t last forever. It's a phase that holds the potential for growth, self-understanding, and exciting new beginnings. Embrace this time with an open mind and a gentle heart, and be ready to discover a path that feels right for you.
10 questions to ask yourself when you don’t know what to do with your life
When you're uncertain about what to do with your life, asking yourself the right questions can help you understand your desires, strengths, and goals. Reflect on these thoughtfully to look for clues that lead you to your path. These questions are designed to spark self-reflection and insight. As you explore, you might find patterns and themes emerging that point you toward your path. The answers lie within you, and these questions can help you uncover them.
What activities make you feel most alive?
What were your childhood dreams?
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
How do you want to be remembered?
What skills do you enjoy using?
What issues do you feel passionate about?
Who inspires you and why?
What does your ideal day look like?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What steps can you take today toward your dreams?
13 tips to help you figure out what to do with your life
If you currently find yourself wondering, “What should I do with my life,” there are steps you can take to work out your path. Your journey will be unique to you, so the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your aspirations. With time and self-reflection, you can find your way.
1. Examine where you are now
Look at your current life situation and get curious: What aspects do you enjoy? What would you like to change? What would you like more, or less, of in your life? Understanding where you are at this moment can help set a clear direction for where you want to go.
💙 Use The Check-In Tool to mindfully explore where you are now and see how that influenced where you’d like to go.
2. Change your perspective
Sometimes, seeing things from a different angle can open up new possibilities. Consider your challenges as opportunities for growth. This shift in thinking can reveal new paths and solutions.
💙 Learn how to Shift Your Self-Talk to focus on the positive and reframe the challenges you encounter as opportunities.
3. Identify your passions and talents
Spend some time reflecting on the things that light you up. What activities make you lose track of time? What are your natural skills? How do you like to spend your free time? Exploring these can guide you toward a fulfilling career or meaningful hobby.
💙 Let Jay Shetty teach you how to follow and build on your Passion Pull in order to make your dreams come true.
4. Let your curiosity lead you
Explore your interests and passions as they can be powerful indicators of your path. Curiosity can lead to new hobbies, career opportunities, and personal growth, offering a clearer vision of what brings you joy and fulfillment.
💙 Listen to Lauren Gibbs reflect on Following Your Passion, which brought her all the way to the Olympics.
5. Embrace the unknown
It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right now—uncertainty can be liberating and can open the door to new experiences.
💙 Find inspiration from Kaira Jewel Lingo as she reflects on how Resting Back and Trusting the Unknown helped her cultivate acceptance.
6. Accept that mistakes are part of the process
Missteps are valuable learning opportunities for growth, teaching resilience, and providing insights that can inform your future decisions. Acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them so you can use this knowledge to guide your next steps.
💙 Explore the importance of accepting your mistakes and imperfections in this Self-Acceptance session of the Daily Calm.
7. Keep track of your progress
Documenting your journey can help you see how far you've come and keeps you focused on your goals. Try a journal, a blog, or a simple checklist to track your progress and give your motivation a boost.
8. Seek inspiration from others
Look to people who inspire you, whether they’re public figures, mentors, or peers. Their journey can provide valuable insights and motivation for your own path.
💙 Find inspiration from the Get Inspired collection designed to help you shift your perspective.
9. Understand your purpose
Reflect on what gives your life meaning. Maybe it’s helping others, creating something, or making a change in the world. The specifics will be different for everyone, but aligning your actions with your purpose can lead to a fulfilling life.
💙 Learn how to redefine your goals to align with your purpose with the Daily Jay’s The Meaning of Life session.
10. Set realistic goals
Define clear, achievable goals for yourself to help in creating a sense of direction and purpose. Goals can always be adjusted as you grow and learn more about yourself.
💙 Focus on the “why” behind the goals you set during this session of the Daily Jay.
11. Find strength in flexibility
Life can be unpredictable and can take unexpected turns. Be flexible and open to change so uncertain times become less stressful. There might be many paths to fulfillment and success in your life.
12. Stay patient and persistent
Finding your path takes time, patience, and persistence. Trust yourself as you explore the options.
💙 If you find yourself getting impatient, practice embracing the unknown with the Daily Calm’s Patience and Time meditation.
13. Seek professional guidance
Consider talking to a career counselor or a life coach for professional advice tailored to your individual situation.
“I don’t know what to do with my life” FAQs
Is it normal to not know what to do with my life?
It's completely normal to have times when you don’t know what to do with your life. Many people at various stages in life find themselves questioning their path. This feeling can occur during times of transition, like after finishing school, during a career change, or at retirement, and it's a natural part of life's journey. Everyone's path is unique, so take time to explore different options and find what truly resonates with you. It’s a process of exploration and self-discovery.
How do I find my true purpose?
Finding your true purpose involves introspection and exploration.
Start by reflecting on what activities make you feel happy and fulfilled.
Consider your talents and how you enjoy using them.
Think about the issues you care about and how you might contribute to them.
Sometimes, your purpose isn't a single, clear-cut path, but a combination of various interests and values that evolve over time. It's also helpful to try new things and step out of your comfort zone, as this can lead to new discoveries about yourself. Finding your purpose is a journey, not a destination, and it's fine for it to evolve and change over time.
Is it normal to not know what career you want at 25?
At 25, many people are still exploring who they are and what they want out of life, so it’s normal not to know what career you want at this age. This time of life often involves significant changes and choices, from starting careers to developing significant relationships. It's a time for growth and learning, and it's natural not to have everything figured out. Some people find their career path early in life, while others take more time to explore different options. What’s important is to give yourself the space and time to discover what truly motivates and excites you. Also, remember that careers can evolve, and it’s okay to change direction as you learn and grow.
What happens to a person with no purpose?
A person who feels they have no purpose might experience feelings of aimlessness or lack of fulfillment. However, it's important to remember that purpose isn’t always something fixed or easily defined—it can be a combination of various interests, passions, and values. Sometimes, it takes time and life experiences to uncover what feels meaningful to you. If you're struggling with finding your purpose, consider seeking support from friends, family, or professionals who can provide guidance. Engaging in activities that interest you, volunteering, or learning new skills can also help in discovering what brings you joy and fulfillment. Everyone's journey to finding purpose is different, and it’s never too late to start.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
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