Dear eNotAlone: I am in my mid 20's, completing college, and I'm starting to feel pressure to find myself, who I am and what path I should take. I don't know if I have merely been following a certain code for so long and I'm questioning everything that I want. Despite my talents, I still feel completely lost and confused. I'm overwhelmed by the idea of having an infinite amount of opportunities and choices, yet, I'm not sure how to make decisions that are best for me.
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Navigating the often tumultuous waters of life in your mid 20's can be especially challenging. You describe feelings of confusion and being unsure of who you really are - normal emotions, though daunting ones. An important step to finding yourself is setting aside time to reflect, allowing yourself to assess the situation and explore your options.
During times of uncertainty, it is wise to prioritize what matters most to you. Take some time to identify concrete and intangible elements of your life that are currently influencing your decision-making and understand what factors will have the most lasting impact. Writing out a list of your priorities can help bring clarity to the decision-making process.
From there, it is advantageous to try and identify the challenges in front of you. Once identified, brainstorm ideas and potential solutions for those issues. Consider enlisting help from trusted friends or mentors, who may provide insight into areas that would otherwise remain unexplored. To hone in on a few options, narrow down your list and ask yourself how each potential solution might feel after it is implemented.
One thing to keep in mind is that no one decision will define your future- you are capable of taking on numerous paths throughout your life. It is important to remember that life is unpredictable and not every choice will work out as planned. If something isn't going according to your preference, it is important to remember that hope remains on the horizon. The various obstacles presented with our lives always have the potential to be overcome – even when they appear daunting at first.
When it comes to your current predicament, don't be afraid to challenge the status quo. Don't be afraid to pivot away from society's preset norms and take a chance on something that might look intimidating to others. You have the opportunity to forge your own individual path, irrespective of limitations and expectations imposed upon you by outside forces.
Stating the overarching facts about life are easily said, but in actuality, pursuing this philosophy is often more difficult. Everybody experiences failure and disappointment throughout their lives, and it is natural to feel unmotivated and disheartened during such scenarios. If you do find yourself struggling to stay positive, dedicate yourself to an activity that brings you joy and invigoration. Concentrate on the parts of your life that bring you happiness and allow these moments to refresh your perspective. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the vastness of the world and its possibilities. Always remember that you are in control of your story. Don't forget to remain flexible and patient with yourself, as you undertake the journey you have chosen.
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