What Do I Do with My Life? - A Guide For When You Feel Stuck

I Don’t Know What to Do With My Life | By: Katie Lister

May 17, 2024

How do I know what to do with my life? My life is stagnant; what do I do? I feel stuck in life; what can I do? If you have these and other questions, you have come to the right place.

Hi, my name is Katie Lister. I am a practicing Registered Nurse and the founder of Growth Gals. I lead personal development groups and coach women to live their best lives authentically. Growth Gals is more than just a platform; it’s a supportive community where women can connect with like-minded individuals, learn, and support one another.

It is so important that women have safe spaces to discuss various topics related to everyday issues that affect their lives, such as mental health challenges, navigating relationships, and self-improvement. This is what Growth Gals is all about. We provide a platform for women to share their stories, learn from each other, and grow together. If you have been wondering what to do with your life, this article will tell you everything you need to know.

Katie Lister

Written by Katie Lister, RN, BScN. An experienced Registered Nurse, Group Facilitator, Life Coach, and Community Leader. Read Katie's Full Author Bio

What to Do When You Feel Stuck

Most people sometimes feel stuck and wonder what they can do with their lives or look for ideas of how to get a life. They try different careers in their lifetimes, always looking for something that might work. We all worry about finding our passion and fear pursuing a new career path. Feeling lost and uncertain about what to do can feel unsettling, but it’s crucial to personal growth.

If you are trying to find your path and thinking, “I don’t know what to do with my life,” here are a few tips on how to get started.

Evaluate your current situation

Take a moment to evaluate your situation. What do you enjoy about your life now? What aspects would you like to change? What do you wish you had more or less of? Self-reflection is a powerful tool that can help you take control of your life and steer it in the direction you want.

You can understand your core values by noting the activities you enjoy and those you don’t. As a volunteer at a local animal shelter, it shows a passion for animal welfare that could be part of your potential career as a veterinarian, animal rights advocate, etc.

Try journaling

Writing turns your abstract thoughts into words. When you later review these journal entries, you can identify any recurring theme that pinpoints your passion or things you need to change.

Talk to other people for inspiration

Call or meet several people who could be your family, friends, or acquaintances. Schedule informational interviews with them and have a list of interview questions to ask them. Let them know it’s for informational purposes and that you want to gain insights into their careers.

Listening to others may provide valuable insight into their ambitions and what motivates them. It helps you understand their career choices and the secret to their success. This enables you to decide if it’s a path you want to follow.

What am I looking for in life? Find the answers in this detailed guide.

Get out of Your Comfort Zone

You might feel unsure of what to do with your life because you are unwilling to venture out of your comfort zone. Feeling stuck and like you don’t have other options happens often. When you are bold enough to step out of your routine, you might find your purpose and do something you never thought you would enjoy in a million years. Start small, try new things, and gradually push your boundaries.

Know your purpose

Reflect on what makes your life meaningful. Whether it’s charity work, creating things, or changing the world. People are different, but you must align your actions with your purpose for a fulfilling life.

Evaluate your core values

Your values are the foundation for your life. When you know what matters most, you make decisions that align with these values.

Some examples of core values:

Family
Connection
Career
Beauty
Freedom

Reflect on your career

Scrutinize your work history and reflect on the challenging roles, the inspiring internships, or projects that gave you joy. This analysis helps you decide what excites you and what drains you. You should consider a career change if you see a pattern around a particular role or field.

Engage a life coach

If you feel lost, a life coach can be a valuable resource. They can help you set goals, find direction, and provide the support and accountability you need to make meaningful changes in your life. The coach will help you reflect on your desires and create actionable plans for change. If you have any mental health challenges, consider speaking to a professional therapist.

Questions to Ask Yourself When You Don’t Know What to Do With Your Life

Ask yourself the following questions to help you with your life and career.

What do I want?

The answer to this question helps you to understand your values and what you need to feel content. Make a list and include:

The amount of money you want
What type of lifestyle do you want?
Where will you live
The experiences that move you
Things that make you happy

What do I value most in a job?

During a job search, this question helps to determine the company culture you prefer working in. Make a list of your values, starting from the most important to the least important, such as:

Independence
Flexibility
Salary
Work-life balance
Leadership
Acquiring new skills

You can choose between jobs when you understand what you value in your career. You might land your dream job with great pay but long work hours and no overtime. Instead, you choose a different one with a startup that pays less but has more schedule flexibility.

What things make me lose track of time?

Identify time-absorbing activities, like work-related tasks or hobbies, that make you lose track of time. Why do you get immersed in these activities? How can these traits be helpful in a career? Recognize the potential for career growth that you can get from using these traits. For example, your knack for organization and love of competition could lead to a career as an analyst.

What am I doing with my life? This helpful guide can help.

How Do I Find My Purpose?

Studies show that people who live in a way that aligns with their values and brings them fulfillment (Eudemonic well-being) live longer. Finding your life purpose is a personal journey of discovering what drives you, and no two journeys are alike. It takes a lot of self-reflection and sometimes a life crisis like a sudden illness to make one discover one’s purpose. Here are a few ways you can find your purpose.

Give back to the community

Helping others can give your life meaning. Giving to others lets you appreciate what you have and want from life. Giving back does not have to be monetary. Still, you can do small things for others, such as mowing your elderly neighbor’s lawn or getting their groceries for them. You can also volunteer at your local animal shelter, soup kitchen, or hospital.

Listen to what others say about you

Sometimes, it takes other people’s feedback to discover who we are. Ask your mentors, family, and close friends what they remember about you when they think of you. They might think of you as confident, kind, empathetic, eloquent, or funny. Take note of when people compliment you and look for a pattern.

When people say you have a passion for children, that’s the nudge you need to change to a new career. Sometimes, all it takes is a friend from high school to remind you who you used to be before life got in the way!

Keep the company of positive people

Choose carefully the people you spend time with. The people you surround yourself with say a lot about you. If they make positive changes, they will inspire you to do great things and encourage you to have your own business. It’s hard to feel passionate and purposeful when surrounded by negativity.

Explore your passion

Check if you are active on social media platforms such as Facebook or LinkedIn and regularly engage in discussions or post your thoughts on topics you are passionate about. Are you considering starting a podcast or YouTube channel focusing on these topics? For instance, you are passionate about climate change. If so, you need to follow your passion part-time or full-time.

What Do I Do With My Life? How Growth Gals Can Help You

Our aim at Growth Gals is to inspire women to reach their full potential. We also strive to create positive change by giving women the resources to discover their true selves and expand their knowledge base on various issues, such as emotional intelligence and mental health.

Growth Gals helps women overcome obstacles and make informed decisions. We also help them connect with others with similar values and experiences. Subscribe to the Growth Gals newsletter to access helpful guides and resources for women. Learn more about how we can support you and help you learn more about what to do with your life by signing up below or contacting us directly.

What Do I Do With My Life? Conclusion

You can spend your entire life in the wrong career and not know it. When you start wondering what your life is all about and what to do with your life, it’s time for a self-discovery journey. Find out what you love doing, ask others for their feedback, volunteer, and explore what makes you feel alive.