If you now find yourself midstream in life… on a journey that’s included countless opinions of others and perhaps limiting beliefs of your own, and you believe you’re so far off track that you have no idea who the real you is or what your greatest potentials are, then you’re probably asking one of the most asked questions of all time:
“What should I be doing with my life?”
This is not a fun place to be; I’ve been there. Fortunately, moving forward is far easier than it may seem.
Here are a couple of thoughts that will help you get back on track:
1. Be yourself.
While the following may not thrill you, the fact is, there is no one answer to the question of what it is you should be doing with your life.
Sure, it sounds pat to say that everyone has a special role to play—a special niche to fill that no other could ever fill—but that role or niche comes from you just being you and has no relation to what you do for a living any more than what you eat for breakfast or what you wear to bed.
Thinking otherwise implies that there is some profound mission to every life or some deep responsibility to humanity for your presence. But again, both of those are met when you are simply you, regardless of what you decide your career will or won’t be.
Spiritually, your unique awareness—your mere existence—is one of a kind; it is what’s important.
People tend to think things like “Oh, I must be here to work with my hands, or to teach and heal people, or to write books, or to balance the energy on the planet.” But it doesn’t matter what “hat” you wear as long as you’re you.
And by being your real self—true to yourself—you’ll automatically be led by your own natural inclinations and impulses to the roles that will please you the most at any given point in your life, thereby enriching the world the most.
2. Deal with what’s already on your plate.
If you’re wondering what it is you should be doing with your life, first realize that wherever you are now has meaning and there’s a reason you’re there.
That doesn’t mean that the reason is profound, nor does it mean that you must stay where you are, but because you are there—wherever there is—it needs to be your starting point.
The good news about this is that it means that wherever you are now is exactly where you should be, so don’t look back and second-guess earlier decisions.
Embrace your current situation for what it is, and for as long as you remain there, be your best and shine like there’s no tomorrow.
Don’t fight it, or you’ll create such an attachment with your negative thoughts and feelings that you’ll anchor yourself in place!
Instead, accept it, go with the flow, approve of yourself, and understand its worth and value, and you will rise above anything unpleasant you may now be facing, releasing yourself from the past and the grip your resistance has had on your present circumstances.
After all, if you were not where you now are, you wouldn’t be asking the questions and receiving the answers that you are now asking and receiving.
3. Follow the fun.
This advice may sound irresponsible to some, but it’s probably the most responsible thing you can do.
Whether or not you feel lost, always follow the fun.
That doesn’t mean that life should be one nonstop party. Some of the greatest fun can come from the satisfaction of a job well done, like being a good parent or spouse, or growing a flourishing garden. Almost anything can be fun with the proper perspective.
You know what gives you peace and fulfillment—you remember the kind of things you liked as a kid—and in this regard you probably haven’t changed much. Think back to those times.
For me it was being outdoors, walking through the woods, paddling a boat, and building things—all of which still thrill me. Scan your life, past and present, and reacquaint yourself with making fun a joy and a priority.
4. Begin it.
Whatever you decide to do, begin it.
Even if you’re not sure what you should be doing with your life, take baby steps, today, in any direction that may possibly resonate with you.
Do something. Anything is better than nothing. Move. Take action. Be the spark. Just do what you can.
Weave new steps and thoughts into your workdays and throughout your weekends, and inch forward however possible. Be gentle on yourself, forgiving and compassionate, and don’t expect overnight enlightenment.
It will come, and it will light your way; that’s inescapable. And you can accelerate its arrival by busying yourself in each moment, addressing what’s before you and simply expecting it sooner rather than later.
I talk more in depth about these ideas in my book, A Beginner’s Guide to the Universe, now available in paperback! If you order it today, you can attend my LIVE Workshop “Old Soul Wisdom for 2020: The Dawn of Enlightenment,” happening on November 4th. Click here for details!
