We all feel lost sometimes. In fact, I did my Pecha Kucha talk recently about actually getting lost…I am terrible at finding my way in new places. I used to have a limiting belief about it…but for that, you’d need to watch my talk . For now, though, I am not talking about map reading and navigation but instead about that feeling we get when we feel we have no goal.
I have talked with clients who might have a good job, a loving family but they feel exhausted, overwhelmed, restless. They come to me stuck, paralysed by choices and/or indecision. Sometimes something happens which gives them an opportunity to reflect, usually a life-changing event. Whatever is going on, that’s when they find me.
Here are my 3 tips for finding direction when you are feeling lost:
Mindful thinking
We cannot predict the future, no matter how much we would like to. Our thoughts can sometimes spiral, we ask ourselves questions, try and find some order in the chaos. We overthink things. The only time is now, in the present. Make your choices based on the information you have now and on the things that are important to you. You can always choose a different path in the future if and when you get more information.
Take action
When you take action you feel better. Whether it’s starting to tidy up your living room or making a decision to do something for yourself e.g. find a new job, take up a new hobby or starting a self-care routine. You may not be able to control your future, the things that happen to you or life generally but you can control your actions. By taking one step forward each time you keep moving. Try some new things, experiment, engage, listen, ask and find your own way.
Find your resilience
We all have resilience, it’s an innate quality. We usually discover we have it when we have to deal with a crisis of some kind. Think back to a time when you have had to find strength that you didn’t know you had. That is your resilient nature. You can do this. You may have to trust your own instincts, you may have to go it alone, you may need to find encouraging support (through someone like me or your tribe). Focus on those who believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself…until you do.