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What If You Don’t Know What You Want?

What If You Don’t Know What You Want?

I’m realizing how common it is for people to think there’s something wrong with them if they don’t know what they want, in their work, their business, or their life.

I often hear things like this:

  • “I don’t have a clear goal or vision for my future, so I might be a hopeless case.”
  • “Other people just know what they want, but I’m not one of those people.”
  • “I’m trying to be self-employed but really I need to figure out what I actually like.”

I feel sad when someone thinks she is “a hopeless case.” In reality, lack of clarity on what you want is super common. It’s probably the norm!

But then, what to do?

[image - looking out wondering]

Anyone can find clarity. It’s not hopeless!

It’s just that it’s not easily found from reading a book or just thinking about it. It doesn’t just pop into your head one day, Ta Dah! For some reason that’s what many people are waiting for, but it’s usually the wrong expectation, and that can keep you stuck.

There are ways to discover it, but it takes some conscious effort, a true willingness, and usually some support from outside your own head.

For some people, the idea of choosing something you want is not even a question, due to circumstances or cultural norms. I can’t possibly speak to all circumstances.

Even in the toughest circumstances though, I believe people hear callings in their hearts and wonder what more is possible. I invite you to allow the wondering.

Inspiring Story

I’ve been deeply inspired lately while reading Frederick Douglass’ account of his years as an enslaved African in the U.S. South, and how he listened to a deep calling to find a way to do more with his life even though he couldn’t yet imagine how to escape or anything past that.

Escape he did, and eventually found his path in helping others to escape and to fight for the abolition of slavery.

Douglass took one step at a time, following his heart, not knowing where it would lead. Eventually, he even became an occasional advisor to President Lincoln, to his own surprise. I have been blown away by his story and his level of perseverance.

What if you feel a tug but not sure to what?

What if you’re someone who feels a tug in your heart to do something different? Are you willing to find out what your heart wants? That’s a real question to ponder.

Actually stop and ask yourself if you’re willing to find out, and notice whatever feelings show up. It’s OK to listen. Often that’s not easy to do. Sometimes it kicks up fear and inner blocks.

What about the Fear that arises?

Fear and inertia are usually part of what keeps us from even getting clear. Our mind says something, a bit unconsciously, like:

“I probably won’t be able to do it, so why even find out what I want?”

Here’s what helps me. I find it’s worth finding out what I want and THEN figure out the How.

It takes some effort to get to clarity, but stepping away from the How is my first step. Stop asking How before you know the What.

I can imagine some of your questions from here. Like, “What does it even mean to listen to your heart?”  or “I’ve tried many things but it stays murky.” or “My ideas are all impossible.”

For today, I’ll say this. I believe there’s always a way, if you’re willing to get creative, be patient, and let in a little guidance. You just might need help for the doubt part and the “How” part. Both are resolvable.

When to get help:

I’ve noticed people don’t seem to know they can get help to find clarity. They think they should already know what they want before they can get help from someone like a life coach. But finding clarity is a big part of what I help with as a coach.

So it’s funny, yet sad, when people contact me and want help, but tell me they might be a hopeless case since they don’t know what they want. I tell them not to worry. That’s what I help with.

I think of my role as helping with clarity, confidence, and momentum. Maybe people think coaches only help with momentum (and that’s true for some coaches), but I love helping with all three.

We all need to find clarity, confidence, and momentum to create the life we want. And we can.

Please don’t let worries about clarity stop you from getting help to find clarity.

One of my clients recently wrote this, looking back on our work together. It seems to capture this theme I’m talking about:

I wasn’t sure what I wanted next in my career or life and was worried that would make it hard to work with a coach. I felt really frayed and unmoored. Our work together helped me discover that I really do have a strong inner compass that I can trust and call upon as I make decisions about trying new things.   ~JG

To Find Some Clarity Sooner Than Later

I have found that knowing a few things about yourself, like values, personality, and strengths, can help the picture start to come clear. The problem is it’s not easy to see those things about yourself, without some outside reflection, and guidance for how it applies to your work.

A good career coach or a career clarity course can walk you through those steps so it becomes a lot easier.

I’ve created an online course to help walk you through the steps and it includes getting my feedback on your ideas:
Check out my course, “Simple Steps to Uncover the Best Use of You.”

Val Nelson

Val Nelson

I’ve been a self-employed career/business/purpose coach since 2009. I help introverts and HSPs (like me) who want to make a difference — in a way that fits our practical needs too.
Val Nelson | Coaching | Groups | Courses | Newsletter | LinkedIn

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