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Writer's pictureNatalya Permyakova

Stuck in Life? How to Figure Out What to Do Next

A person contemplating what to do next in life, sitting in a peaceful environment with a journal on their lap, reflecting on core values
"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin." — Tony Robbins

Do you feel stuck, at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take?


This post is here to help you make sense of what you are going through and guide you toward the answers you’ve been searching for.


Together, we will map out clear, actionable steps to help you figure out your next move. Let’s get started!



 

Table of Contents



 

Why You Feel Stuck


Feeling stuck is more common than you might think. You might feel like you’ve hit a wall in your career, or perhaps a significant life change has left you questioning everything.


This isn’t just in your head—studies show that uncertainty and lack of direction can lead to significant stress and anxiety.


Take the example of Emma Watson, who, after her early success in acting, took a step back to reassess her life direction and focus on education and advocacy. Even people who seem to have it all figured out go through periods of doubt.


Society often pushes us toward predefined paths—get a good job, buy a house, start a family—but these expectations don’t always align with what truly makes us happy.


These pressures can leave you feeling lost, especially if your life doesn’t match up with these expectations.


Reflect on this: Are you living your life, or are you just living up to the expectations others have set for you?


Understanding What Holds You Back


A person sitting alone in a room, feeling stuck and frustrated, surrounded by crumpled papers and a cluttered desk, symbolizing the challenge of figuring out what to do next in life

The feeling of being stuck often stems from fear—fear of change, fear of the unknown, or fear of making the wrong decision. This fear can paralyze you, leaving you in a state of inaction.


Society’s norms and the fear of judgment can also play a significant role. We’re often afraid to take risks because we worry about what others will think or fear failing in front of them.


But these fears are often rooted in self-limiting beliefs.


You might tell yourself that you’re not good enough, that it’s too late to make a change, or that you don’t have what it takes to pursue a new path. These beliefs create mental barriers that hold you back from taking the steps you need to move forward.



 

How to Figure Out What to Do Next In Life


"It is never too late to be what you might have been." — George Eliot

When you’re feeling lost, the first step is to pause and reflect on where you are and where you want to be. Clarity comes from taking a step back, rather than rushing into the next thing.


Let’s break down the steps you can take to start figuring out your next move.


 

Step 1: Self-Reflection and Identifying Core Values


Knowing yourself is the foundation of any meaningful change. According to a study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology, individuals who live in alignment with their core values report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction​.


Identify Your Core Values


Core values are your deeply held beliefs that guide your actions and decisions. They act as your internal compass, helping you navigate life’s challenges and choices.


To identify your core values, start by reflecting on moments in your life when you felt truly fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you with? What about that experience resonated with you? This reflection can help you pinpoint values like creativity, integrity, family, or personal growth.


Another effective method is to review a list of common core values and circle the ones that stand out to you. Then, narrow the list down to the top five that are most important in your life.


My Life Quest’s guided exercises can help you through this process by providing structured prompts and reflections to clarify what matters most to you.


Find out what to do next in life by identifying your personal values

Practical Tip: Keep a journal to document your reflections. Writing down your thoughts can help you process and solidify your values. Revisit this journal regularly to ensure your actions align with your core beliefs.


 

Step 2: Visioning Your Ideal Life


With your core values in hand, the next step is to visualize your ideal life. Visualization is more than just wishful thinking; it’s a scientifically supported practice that can help you achieve your goals.


According to research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, visualizing successful outcomes enhances motivation and performance by creating a mental blueprint of what you want to achieve.


An individual actively planning what to do next in life by adding images to a vision board, symbolizing dreams and future goals.

Why It Works


Visualization activates the same neural pathways in the brain as actually performing the activities you imagine. This can help reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and improve your chances of success. It also clarifies what you truly want, making it easier to set meaningful goals.


How to Visualize Your Ideal Life:


  • Create a Vision Board: Gather images, words, and symbols that represent your dreams and aspirations. Arrange them on a board where you can see them daily. This keeps your goals top of mind and inspires you to take action. You can do it digitally too, using Pinterest or self-discovery tools like My Life Quest, where you can create unlimited number of boards and keep track of them.


Find out what to do next in life by identifying envisioning your ideal life with a vision board

  • Write a Life Vision Statement: In a few paragraphs, describe in detail what your ideal life looks like. Where are you living? What are you doing? Who are you with? Be as specific as possible.


  • Engage All Your Senses: When visualizing, don’t just see your future—feel it, hear it, even smell it. This multi-sensory approach makes the visualization more vivid and compelling.


  • Practice Daily: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing your ideal life. Over time, this practice can strengthen your commitment to your goals and help you stay focused.


 

Step 3: Set Clear, Achievable Goals


With your vision in mind, the next step is to set specific, achievable goals.


Goal-setting is crucial for turning your dreams into reality, providing a roadmap that guides your actions. According to Harvard Business Review, people who set specific goals are x10 more likely to succeed than those who don’t.


Why It’s Important

Goals break down your vision into manageable steps, making it easier to track progress and stay motivated. Without clear goals, it’s easy to lose direction and get discouraged.


How to Set Effective Goals


  • Use the SMART Criteria: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “get fit,” set a SMART goal like “exercise for 30 minutes three times a week for the next three months.”


  • Prioritize Your Goals: Not all goals are created equal. Focus on the ones that have the most significant impact on your life and align closely with your core values. My Life Quest’s goal-setting tools can help you prioritize effectively, ensuring you’re working on what matters most.


Find out what to do next in life by prioritizing your goals


  • Break It Down: Large goals can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This not only makes them more manageable but also gives you a sense of progress and accomplishment as you check off each step.


  • Set Milestones: Identify key milestones along the way. These are intermediate goals that mark significant progress toward your larger goal. Celebrating these milestones can keep you motivated.


Writing down your goals is a powerful act of commitment. My Life Quest offers a structured approach to goal-setting, helping you articulate your goals clearly and track your progress over time.


 

Step 4: Taking Action


The hardest part of any journey is often taking the first step, but it’s also the most crucial. According to the Psychological Bulletin, initiating action, even small steps, creates momentum that leads to greater accomplishments.


A determined person taking the first step on a path, symbolizing the beginning of a journey to decide what to do next in life.

Why It Matters

Taking action turns your plans into reality. It’s the bridge between intention and achievement. Even small actions can create a positive feedback loop, where progress fuels further motivation and effort.


How to Take Effective Action:


  • Start Small: Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Begin with the smallest, most manageable task. This could be as simple as making a phone call or writing a to-do list. Small wins build confidence and momentum.


  • Use the 5-Minute Rule: If a task seems overwhelming, commit to working on it for just five minutes. Often, the hardest part is getting started, and once you begin, you’re likely to keep going.


  • Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Don’t get bogged down by trying to make everything perfect. Progress is more important. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals.


  • Overcome Procrastination: If you find yourself procrastinating, identify the underlying reason. Are you afraid of failure? Overwhelmed by the size of the task? Once you understand the cause, address it directly—break the task down, ask for help, or remind yourself of your goals and values.


Momentum is key. My Life Quest emphasizes the importance of taking consistent, small steps to keep moving forward, providing strategies to overcome procrastination and stay on track.


 

Step 5: Regularly Reassess and Adjust


Life is dynamic, and your goals and circumstances will inevitably change over time. Regular reassessment is crucial for staying aligned with your evolving vision.


Why It’s Necessary

Without regular check-ins, you might find yourself drifting away from your goals or continuing on a path that no longer serves you. Flexibility ensures that your life plan remains relevant and meaningful.


How to Reassess Effectively:


  • Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Set aside time every month or quarter to review your progress and goals. Ask yourself what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.


  • Be Honest with Yourself: If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot. Your plan should serve you, not the other way around. Adjust your goals as needed to stay aligned with your values and vision.


  • Celebrate Progress: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate the progress you’ve made, no matter how small. This reinforces positive behavior and motivates you to keep going.


Flexibility is the key to long-term success. My Life Quest offers tools to help you regularly reassess and adjust your life plan, ensuring it remains aligned with your goals and values as you grow and change.




 

Conclusion


Feeling stuck in life is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and change. By taking the time to reflect on your core values, visualizing your ideal life, setting clear goals, and taking consistent action, you can move from a place of uncertainty to one of clarity and purpose.


Remember, it’s not about making perfect decisions but about making progress. Regularly reassessing and adjusting your plan ensures that you stay aligned with what truly matters to you.


Ready to get unstuck? Try My Life Quest for free and start your journey today!




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