Gone are the days where you could fill out a job application, land your dream role, move up in the company and retire a few decades later with a cushy retirement fund and a nice pension. Things today evolve at an overwhelming pace that even young adults struggle to keep up with. It’s a world where no one is sure what’s going to happen next. Everything seems harder than it used to be, but maybe the real problem isn’t the change happening around us. But is a lack of focus and direction.
It’s hard to look at the way the world of work has changed without wondering how you’re going to make a living or find job security. But is the problem you’re experiencing a fear of the unknown — or are you struggling with a lack of direction? Maybe it’s time to stop over-thinking, narrow down the options and listen to your heart. Here’s what you need to know.
Listen To Your Heart As You Search for Focus, Guidance and Direction.
We’re taught as young students that we need to choose a direction and figure out what we want to do with our lives. But despite this, many of us graduate high school or college and suddenly wonder if we’re on the right path or feel directionless. Was all of that time a waste? Are the things we’re pursuing really making us happy?
No matter where you are in life, there’s nothing wrong with taking a step back to make sure you’re going in the right direction.
Are You Overthinking?
Thinking is good — overthinking is not. Sometimes we overthink when we are scared, using the fear we feel as an excuse to not follow our dreams and instead to circle round and around in an endless loop.
We begin to doubt ourselves and it becomes easier to sit back and wait instead of taking action. Think carefully about the important decisions in life, but don’t let circling thoughts deter you from chasing those dreams.
What Do You Really NOT Like?
They say dating is as much about finding out what you don’t like as it is about finding the things you really do enjoy. The same thought process can be applied to your career or future. Finding yourself in a position you don’t like isn’t a failure, but a lesson.
Not sure what you really want to do with your life? Make a list of things you know you don’t want to explore. You don’t have to try things you know you aren’t ever going to be passionate about. Maybe a list of what you don’t like will open you up to their opposites.
Listen to Your Heart
What ideas or thoughts do you keep coming back to again and again? Your heart is like your own personal GPS, telling you where to go or what to do. Be honest with yourself and write down exactly what you’d want to do if you had absolutely no limitations — no fears about money, education, experience, talent or access to resources. Even the most far-fetched idea may give you a place to start, leading you down a more heartfelt path.
What served you well during one part of your life may no longer feel right to you later on. It’s okay to change your mind and explore the world. There’s no reason to make your own life difficult by forcing yourself to stay stuck in one place. So if the life path you’re on feels ill-fitting right now, maybe it’s time to open up to new ideas.
