I Have No Idea What I’m Doing: 10 Tips (Maybe)

Sometimes I have no idea what I’m doing with my life. Everybody is doing well with their life. Some are building their career, day by day advancing on their path. Some are building a long-term relationship that seems to work very well. Many are doing what they are genuinely love, while I am here, having absolutely no idea what I’m doing.

Are you feeling lost, confused, and uncertain about your direction in life? Do you find yourself constantly questioning your choices and wondering if you’re on the right path? If so, you’re not alone.

Many people experience a sense of aimlessness and lack of purpose at some point in their lives, and it can be a difficult and overwhelming feeling to navigate. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common experience of feeling like you have no idea what you’re doing with your life, and provide some helpful tips and insights for finding clarity and direction. So, whether you’re just starting out in your career, contemplating a major life change, or simply feeling stuck, keep reading to learn more about this universal struggle and how you can move forward with confidence and purpose.

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Why I Have No Idea What I’m Doing?

1. Lack of clear goals

We may lack clear goals for our life for many reasons. Sometimes we may not have explored enough options to figure out what we truly want to do. Other times we may have too many interests and struggle to prioritize them. Sometimes, external factors such as pressure from family, friends, or society can cloud our judgment and make it hard to figure out our true passions.

When we lack clear goals, we experience confusion and uncertainty about our future. It can be challenging to make decisions or take action without a clear sense of direction. We may feel like we’re wandering aimlessly, which can be disheartening and demotivating. We may also struggle with feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem if we compare ourselves to others who seem to have a clearer sense of purpose.

In extreme cases, the lack of clear goals can lead to a sense of despair or hopelessness. It’s important to remember, however, that it’s never too late to start exploring our passions and figuring out what we truly want to do with our lives. In fact, forget about passion. You don’t need passion. Passion is a buzzword to cling on. You only have to find something that slightly sparks that little flame within you, and you find yourself enjoying that activity, even if it’s only a few seconds enjoyment.

It’s never a quick fix. Seeking out the guidance of mentors, taking courses, volunteering, or trying new things can all help us gain clarity and focus. With time, effort, and self-reflection, we can develop clear goals and move forward with confidence and purpose.

2. Fear of failure

Maybe you have a fear of failure? I used to have that fear of failure whenever I try something new. I was extremely anxious and worried that I’ll mess it up entirely. Here are 5 signs that you have a fear of failure:

Procrastination: We put off important tasks and responsibilities. We worry that we won’t be able to meet our own or others’ expectations. Procrastination is actually a form of avoidance. Let’s push it off until it is impossible to avoid it. It’s similar to how we avoid confronting a snake at all cost until it shows up right in front of our face and we have to deal with it. It’s scary, but we’ve got to address the snake in front of us if we want to move forward.

Perfectionism: Setting impossibly high standards for ourselves can be a sign of fear of failure, as we strive to avoid any mistakes or shortcomings. If you observe someone starting a business with plenty of resources to “fail”, they may not be so wary of the details, because they are allowed to fail.

Self-doubt: Fear of failure erodes our confidence and self-belief, making it harder to take risks and try new things. Even if in reality we are moving forward in the right direction, our inner critic and self-doubt may sometimes arise and implant within our head that “mean” words, especially when we have walked in that direction before.

When you start a new career, for example, self-doubt is really common, because you have no concrete “evidence” to prove that you CAN DO it. Everything you see is uncertainty, and so you doubt yourself. What you need to do is to let go of that self-doubt and embrace uncertainty. Heck, this world is full of uncertainty. Allow yourself to advance forward despite uncertainty. Of course, make calculated and strategic moves, but don’t let the fear of uncertainty hold you back.

Negative self-talk: It’s obvious. Negative self-talk is crazy. It puts in your head all sorts of ideas that makes you feel bad about yourself and everything else. It tells you that you aren’t supposed to do this, do that, or do anything else. Indeed it’s hard to turn off that constant chatter in your head at times, but a solution for you is learn to be aware of the negative self-talk. Let the negativity arise and observe it subsides naturally. Do not engage with it.

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Fear of failure can negatively impact our life in several ways. It can lead to missed opportunities, as we may avoid taking risks or trying new things. It can also result in a lack of confidence and self-belief, which can impact our personal and professional relationships. Additionally, fear of failure can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, as we struggle with the pressure to succeed and the fear of falling short.

Let’s take an example of a person who has a fear of failure may avoid applying for a dream job or pursuing a particular career path, even though they are well-qualified and capable of succeeding. They may worry about the potential consequences of not being selected or not performing up to their own or others’ expectations. Do you know what they are worrying about? They are worrying about a NON-EXISTING reality! It’s all made up in their head. They create predictions for our future based on past experiences, but they don’t always make the best predictions.

As a result, they may miss out on opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfillment. The fear of failure can keep them stuck in their current situation, limiting their potential and preventing them from achieving their goals.

3. Comparison to others

We always compare. That’s the only way to can relate to others and get to know ourselves. Without others, we have no idea where we stand and how we fit into society as a whole. However, comparison to others can be a poison to the soul. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and low self-esteem.

When we constantly compare ourselves to others, we set ourselves up for disappointment and frustration. We may focus on what we lack instead of what we have, leading to a negative and self-defeating mindset. Remember the times when you compare yourself with others. You are looking at what they “have” and compared with what you “lack”. You forget that you “have” a lot of things that others may even look at and admire too!

Additionally, comparison often involves unrealistic standards and expectations. We love to compare ourselves to individuals who are more successful, wealthier, or more accomplished than us, without considering the challenges and setbacks they may have faced on their journey. This can create a distorted view of reality and contribute to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. Again, we are creating a non-existing reality, or only a very limited version of reality in our mind. What we think may not reflect what the objective reality is, and it hurts us!

Moreover, comparison can be toxic because it can lead to a constant need for external validation and approval. I used to base my self-worth on how I stack up against others, rather than on my own intrinsic value as individuals. I feel absolutely amazing when I get to better than someone (my ego got stroke), but as soon as I found someone better than me, my mood got heavily dragged down.

This can be exhausting and unsustainable because I never feel truly satisfied or content with myself. At the end of the day, I have no idea what I’m doing. Am I doing what I’m doing because I just want to feel like I’m better than other people?

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4. Lack of self-awareness

When we are not fully aware of our own values, interests, and goals, it can be difficult to make decisions and take action in a purposeful and meaningful way.

For example, if we are not aware of our own strengths and weaknesses, we may struggle to identify career paths or hobbies that align with our skills and interests, resulting in a sense of aimlessness and confusion. We feel like we are drifting without a clear sense of direction. We have no idea “what” constitutes ourselves.

Similarly, if we are not aware of our own values and priorities, we may struggle to make decisions that align with our beliefs and goals. This can lead to a lack of fulfillment and a sense of disconnection from our own lives.

Here is a list of values from Brené Brown that you may want to look at. Download the list and see what values resonate without. Think deeply about why you hold that values, and whether you are embodying those values. This should set the first stages for you to discover yourself better.

5. Pressure from others

Figures of authority impose demands upon us. Whether it be parents, family, school, or at work, we usually have an authority figure that “guides”, or “forces” us to go in a direction that they believe to be beneficial to us. When we feel pressured by others to pursue certain paths or achieve certain milestones, we may lose sight of our own desires and needs. We are being told to do what we’re doing. We are not doing WHAT we WANT to do.

For example, if our parents or peers pressure us to pursue a certain career path, we may feel obligated to follow that path even if it doesn’t align with our own interests or passions. This can lead to a lack of fulfillment and a sense of directionlessness, as we may feel like we are living someone else’s life rather than our own. And that’s terrifying.

Similarly, if we feel pressured by social norms or expectations, we may struggle to identify our own priorities and goals. For instance, if we feel like we need to achieve a certain level of financial success or social status in order to be accepted or respected by others, we may prioritize those goals over our own sense of purpose and meaning.

Moreover, pressure from others can create a constant sense of comparison and competition, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. If we constantly feel like we are falling short of others’ expectations or achievements, we struggle to find a sense of confidence and direction in our own lives.

In short, pressure from other people can make us have no idea what we’re doing in life by influencing our decisions and priorities in ways that may not align with our own values and goals. It’s important to tune into our own desires and needs, and to recognize and resist external pressures that may be clouding our sense of purpose and direction. By prioritizing our own authenticity and individuality, we can find greater clarity and fulfillment in our lives.

6. Lack of resources

Sometimes it’s as simple as a lack of resources. Not all of us are born into a wealthy family ready to support us on every step we take in life. It can limit our opportunities and options, making it difficult to pursue our goals. When we don’t have access to the resources we need, such as time, money, education, or social connections, it can create a sense of frustration, helplessness, and uncertainty about our future.

For example, if we don’t have the financial resources to pursue higher education or start a business, we may feel like our options are limited and we don’t know how to move forward. Similarly, if we don’t have the social connections or mentorship we need to advance in our career, we may feel like we are stuck in a dead-end job without a clear path for growth or advancement.

Moreover, a lack of resources can create a sense of insecurity and stress, as we may constantly worry about meeting our basic needs or keeping up with our responsibilities. This can make it difficult to focus on our long-term goals and aspirations, as we may feel like we are in survival mode rather than growth mode.

Just a note, even people with plenty of resources struggle at not having what to do with their life too. It can come from having too many options.

7. Overwhelmed by the number of options

Having too many options can lead us to having no idea what to do because it creates a sense of paralysis or indecision, as we struggle to weigh the pros and cons of each option and fear making the wrong choice. This phenomenon is known as analysis paralysis, and it can be particularly challenging in modern societies that offer an abundance of choices and possibilities.

From a philosophical and spiritual perspective, this phenomenon can be attributed to the concept of the paradox of choice. This idea suggests that while having options is generally considered a good thing, too many options can actually be overwhelming and lead to dissatisfaction or regret. The more options we have, the more we feel like we are missing out on something better or making a suboptimal choice.

From a practical perspective, this can be illustrated by the example of a recent college graduate who is trying to decide on their career path. In the past, the options for a college graduate might have been limited to a few well-defined career paths based on their major or skills. However, in today’s job market, the options for a college graduate are vast and varied, with many jobs that didn’t even exist a few years ago.

As a result, the recent graduate may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start in their job search, especially if they are unsure of their passions or interests. They may spend hours researching and comparing different jobs, only to feel more confused and uncertain about which direction to pursue.

From a spiritual perspective, this can be seen as a manifestation of our attachment to outcomes and our fear of making the wrong choice. We may feel like we need to make the “perfect” choice in order to be happy or successful, leading us to overthink and second-guess our decisions.

Let’s explore the story of Barry Schwartz, a psychologist who has written extensively about the paradox of choice. In his TED talk, he describes how he went to a store to buy a pair of jeans, only to be confronted with dozens of options in terms of brand, color, style, and fit. Despite his expertise in decision-making, he found himself unable to make a choice and left the store empty-handed.

8. Past experiences

Past experiences shape our beliefs and attitudes about ourselves and the world, and can affect how we approach future decisions and opportunities. If we have had negative experiences in the past, such as failures, rejections, or traumas, these can create a sense of fear, doubt, or uncertainty that can impact our ability to know what we’re doing in life.

If someone has experienced a series of job rejections, they may start to doubt their abilities and feel like they don’t know what they’re doing when it comes to finding the right career. Similarly, if someone has experienced a traumatic event, they may struggle to find meaning or direction in their life, as their sense of safety and purpose has been disrupted.

From a psychological perspective, past experiences can also create limiting beliefs or cognitive distortions that can hinder our ability to see ourselves and our options clearly. For instance, if someone has grown up in a household where they were told that they would never amount to anything, they may internalize this belief and have a harder time pursuing their goals and dreams.

It’s important to note that past experiences do not have to define us or limit our potential. Our mindset is everything. With the right support and resources, we can work through past traumas and limiting beliefs, and cultivate a sense of resilience, self-awareness, and purpose.

9. Burnout

Burnout can affect our ability to make decisions, solve problems, and pursue our goals. When we’re burned out, we may feel like we’re just going through the motions. When I’m burned out, my mood got significantly dragged down, and I start wondering what I’m doing with my life. I become irritable, withdrawn, and disengaged with everything.

Burnout is dangerous, but it sure can be resolved. Take a break from work, engage in self-care activities, seek support from friends or professionals, and reevaluate our goals and priorities. Burnouts are actually signs from your body that you’re not taking care of it properly. There are always sacrifices to be made, so choose wisely.

Read more: 80+ Listen To Your Body Quotes

10. Lack of motivation

We all have that “spark” of motivation that seems to die out over time, and we don’t know how to find that spark. Sometimes you KNOW what you’re supposed to do, but you don’t have the energy and motivation to do it, even if it’s good for you.

It’s challenging at times to rekindle that motivation, but here are 12 solutions you can try:

10 Solutions For When I Have No Idea What I’m Doing

1. Identify your values and priorities

1. Reflect on your life experiences: Think about times when you felt happiest, most fulfilled, and most alive. What was happening during those times? What values and priorities were being expressed in those moments?

2. Consider what matters most to you: Ask yourself what you care about the most. This might include things like family, career, health, spirituality, education, creativity, or social justice.

3. Evaluate your current life: Assess your current life and compare it to the ideal life you envision for yourself. What values and priorities are you currently living out? Are there any areas where you feel out of alignment with your values and priorities?

4. Write it down: Take some time to write down your values and priorities. This can help you clarify your thoughts and gain a deeper understanding of what matters most to you.

5. Prioritize: Once you have identified your values and priorities, prioritize them based on what is most important to you. This can help you make decisions and allocate your time and resources in a way that is consistent with your values and priorities.

Remember that identifying your values and priorities is a personal and ongoing process. Your values and priorities may evolve over time as you gain new experiences and insights, so it’s important to check in with yourself periodically to ensure that you are living in alignment with your most deeply held values and priorities.

You can refer to the List Of Values we added above, or have a look at this 100 Goals for reference:

I have no idea what I'm doing with my life

2. Set achievable goals

The S.M.A.R.T framework is a widely known framework used to set goals employed by many professionals, and you can use it in your daily life too!

The SMART framework stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here’s how you can apply each of these criteria to set achievable goals:

Specific: Make your goal clear and precise. Define exactly what you want to accomplish and why it’s important to you.
Measurable: Establish a way to measure your progress and success. This could be through numbers, percentages, or other metrics that are relevant to your goal.
Achievable: Set a goal that is realistic and attainable. Consider your resources, skills, and time constraints when setting your goal.
Relevant: Ensure that your goal is relevant to your overall vision and purpose. It should align with your values and priorities and contribute to your long-term success.
Time-bound: Set a deadline for achieving your goal. This will help you stay focused and motivated, and it will also give you a sense of urgency and accountability.

3. Practice self-care

Here is a list of self-care activities that you can do to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being:

Take a warm bath or shower.
Practice yoga or stretching.
Meditate or practice mindfulness.
Take a walk or spend time in nature.
Listen to calming music or sounds.
Get a massage or try self-massage with a foam roller.
Spend time with a loved one or connect with a friend.
Cook a healthy meal or try a new recipe.
Journal or write down your thoughts and feelings.
Take a break from technology and social media.
Do something creative, like drawing or painting.
Practice deep breathing or try a breathing exercise.
Read a book or listen to an audiobook.
Practice gratitude by writing down things you’re thankful for.
Get enough sleep and establish a bedtime routine.

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Remember that self-care is not a one-size-fits-all approach, so choose the activities that work best for you and your needs. Also, don’t forget to make self-care a priority and incorporate it into your daily routine.

4. Take action, even if it’s small

It all starts from the smallest thing. Yes, we all know that we are supposed to be doing all of those things, but STARTING is the hardest. Really, once you get the ball rolling and getting the commitment, you’ll realize it was not as terrifying as than you have thought.

Also, taking action, no matter how small, can create a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-confidence. This can motivate you to take further action and achieve your goals. At least you have done something, and now you have PROOF that you can do it.

As you start to accomplish more and more things, you’ll realize that you actually are not that bad. You can actually do things! You can overcome the inertia of inaction and start making progress. Have faith that everything will work out in the end.

5. Seek guidance from a mentor or coach

A mentor or coach can offer an outside perspective on your situation, providing insights and ideas that you may not have considered. You basically get a personalized support! They can provide tailored guidance based on your individual needs, helping you overcome challenges and achieve your goals more effectively.

A mentor or coach can help you stay accountable to your goals and commitments, providing motivation and support to keep you on track. Starting is one thing, but committing to it is another story. Having someone by your side to motivate you makes a world of difference. That’s not to mention the network you can leverage from your mentor. A good mentor or coach can also connect you with new people and resources, expanding your network and opening up new opportunities for growth and development.

6. Try new things and be open to new experiences

Trying new things is essentially embracing chaos and uncertainty. When trying new things, we never know what lies ahead. While it may be tempting to stick to what is familiar and predictable, doing so can limit our growth and potential. Challenge yourself to step into the unknown, unlock new opportunities and grow in ways we never thought possible.

One of the benefits of embracing chaos is that it can increase creativity. When we allow ourselves to break out of old patterns and routines, we open ourselves up to new experiences and perspectives. This can inspire us to think differently, come up with new ideas, and approach problems in new and innovative ways. In fact, many of the greatest breakthroughs in history have come from people who were willing to embrace chaos and think outside the box.

At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge that embracing chaos can be uncomfortable and even scary at times. When we step into the unknown, we may experience fear, uncertainty, and doubt. However, these feelings can also be a sign that we are pushing ourselves beyond our limits and growing as individuals. By leaning into these uncomfortable emotions and embracing the uncertainty that comes with trying new things, we can develop the resilience and grit necessary to succeed in any area of life.

7. Focus on the present moment

Eckhart Tolle, the author of The Power Of Now, emphasizes that our minds are often stuck in the past or worrying about the future, and we rarely focus on the present moment. This lack of presence can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of dissatisfaction with our lives. To combat this, Tolle encourages the practice of meditation as a way to cultivate presence and awareness in the present moment.

Meditation is a technique that involves training the mind to focus on the present moment. By bringing our attention to the breath, the body, or a specific object of focus, we can quiet the chatter of the mind and become more attuned to the present moment. Through regular meditation practice, we can develop a deeper sense of awareness and presence, and learn to let go of the constant stream of thoughts and worries that often occupy our minds.

For Tolle, the present moment is where true joy and fulfillment can be found. When we are fully present in the moment, we are able to appreciate the beauty of life and connect with the world around us in a more meaningful way. We become more attuned to our own inner wisdom and intuition, and are better equipped to handle the challenges and uncertainties of life with grace and resilience.

In addition to meditation, Tolle also emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in daily life. By cultivating a habit of mindfulness, we can bring presence and awareness to all aspects of our lives, from the most mundane to the most profound. This can lead to greater happiness, fulfillment, and a deeper sense of connection with ourselves and the world around us.

8. Write a journal

Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and creativity. It allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings, gain insight into your inner world, and express yourself in a unique and creative way. If you’re new to journaling, here’s a brief guide to help you get started:

Set aside time for journaling: Choose a time of day when you can devote at least 10-15 minutes to journaling without interruption. This could be in the morning, before bed, or during a break in your day.
Choose a format: You can journal in a notebook, on your computer, or using an app on your phone or tablet. Choose a format that feels comfortable and accessible to you.
Write freely: There are no rules when it comes to journaling. Write whatever comes to mind, without worrying about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. This is a space for you to express yourself freely and explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Explore your psyche: As you write, try to go deeper into your thoughts and feelings. Ask yourself questions like, “Why am I feeling this way?” or “What is this experience teaching me?” Allow yourself to explore your psyche and gain insight into your inner world.
Experiment with creativity: Journaling is a great way to express your creativity. Try experimenting with different writing styles, drawing, or even collaging. Allow yourself to play and explore without worrying about the outcome.
Reflect on what you’ve written: After you’ve finished journaling, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve written. What insights have you gained? What patterns or themes do you see emerging? Use your journaling as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth.

9. Read books or take courses in areas that interest you

After learning more about yourself, you can start finding books or courses that answer the questions you can’t find the answers. You may choose non-fiction for more practical knowledge or fiction for pure escapism and imagination nurturing. Whatever book you choose, don’t let yourself be influenced too much. Choose the books that most interest you and read with a critical mind.

10. Embrace uncertainty and trust the journey

You know that saying: Trust the process. Embracing uncertainty and trusting the journey of my life was truly a powerful mindset that can bring peace, fulfillment, and growth when I don’t know what I’m doing with my life. Here’s why:

Life is unpredictable: No matter how much we plan or try to control our lives, the truth is that life is unpredictable. Embracing uncertainty means accepting that there will always be factors outside of our control. Rather than seeing this as a negative, we can view uncertainty as an opportunity to grow and adapt to new situations.
Letting go of attachment: Trusting the journey of your life means letting go of attachment to specific outcomes or timelines. This can be difficult, as we often want things to happen on our own terms. However, letting go of attachment can lead to a greater sense of peace and contentment.
Building resilience: Embracing uncertainty and trusting the journey of your life can build resilience. By learning to adapt to new situations and challenges, we become more capable of handling future difficulties.

Here’s a quick guide to “trust” the journey:

Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a powerful tool for staying present and accepting what is. By focusing on the present moment, you can let go of worries about the future or regrets about the past.
Take action: While it’s important to embrace uncertainty, it’s also important to take action towards your goals. Set intentions and take steps towards achieving them, even if the path is not entirely clear.
Cultivate gratitude: Focusing on what we’re grateful for can help us stay positive and appreciate the journey, even when things don’t go according to plan.