3 Action Steps To Take When You Don’t Know What’s Next

How to wrestle with uncertainty and roll with the punches when figuring out your next steps

Photo by Usman Yousaf on Unsplash

Sometimes, life is hard. No one gives us a handbook. No one tells us what we’re supposed to do, how to do it, or what to do and where to turn when the going gets tough. It’s normal for human beings to experience a lot of shame about this, also.

Doesn’t everyone else know what they’re doing?

I’ll give you a hint, they usually don’t — and it makes sense that we’d get stuck from time to time, especially the more innovative, imaginative, and groundbreaking our actions, plans, and goals are.

If you find yourself getting stuck with no idea of where to turn, I’d recommend the following to you as you figure out your next steps:

#1: If you can, just keep going

I’m sure this seems like a cop out answer, but bear with me. Oftentimes when we’re not sure what to do, it’s easy for us to check out of the process. Our perfectionistic parts take over ourselves and we’re left with paralyzing anxiety about how we’re doing everything wrong.

We get terrified of ending up somewhere we shouldn’t, or burning in on our journeys to destinations we’ve lost sight of.

Self-trust is an important thing that one should have with themselves, something they should be growing as they try to engage more meaningfully in the world. Maybe you’re not the most reliable or consistent person — but hopefully you have at least a few values you’re trying to live your life by.

“Don’t let the darkness of your circumstances or the surprises you encounter distract you from your destination. Level the wings, climb a little higher, look for the glow of home, then aim for it.” — Bob Goff

You have to believe that where you’re going exists. As long as you do, you’ll have enough perspective to not panic and to keep on keeping on, as they say.

Even in the face of malfunctioning or nonexistent instruments and an unclear picture of…