Let’s be real - no one has life completely figured out, no matter how much it seems like they do. If you’re in your 20s or 30s and feeling lost, you are not alone. School, family, and social media make it feel like you should have everything sorted, but life doesn’t work that way, and that’s okay.

Honestly, most people don’t know where they’re headed. In fact, figuring it out doesn’t follow a map, not knowing is part of the journey. A friends son trained for years in one career path, he qualified, hated what he was doing and has completely changed direction. My own daughter is doing something she never thought she’d do. Your destination can shift and there will be learning experiences and moments of growth along the way.

1. Life is About Exploration

The expectation is:

✔ Graduate by 22

✔ Land your dream job right after college/university

✔ Find “the one” and settle down

✔ Have your entire life sorted by 30

But let’s be honest - how many people do you know that this is true of? Some people change careers many times before finding their thing. Others finally figure out their passion after years of trial and error. Personally, I’ve had at least three career passions. 

Success isn’t a race. Your journey is your own.

Don’t chase ‘perfection’:

• Try new experiences, even if they don’t fit into the “ideal” plan.

• Take small risks - whether it’s travelling, learning a new skill, or starting a side project.

• Remember, everyone’s different, so what works for someone else, might not work for you - and that's okay.

2. Uncertainty can be a sign of growth

When you step outside your comfort zone, it’s messy and confusing. 

If you’re feeling lost, ask yourself:

• What do I enjoy doing, even if I’m not “good” at it yet?

• What would I try, if I wasn’t afraid of failing?

• What’s one small step I can take today to explore something new?

Your 20s are about learning, experimenting, and making mistakes. Give yourself permission to grow without having all the answers.

3. Don’t compare your start to someone else’s established success

Social media can make it feel like everyone else is ahead - dream jobs, traveling the world, getting engaged, buying houses. But what you don’t see are the struggles, and failures behind the scenes.

Instead of comparing yourself to others try to:

• Celebrate - even your small wins.

• Unfollow accounts that make you feel “behind.”

• Remember that everyone’s journey is different.

4. Action vs Overthinking

People often wait for the perfect plan, but the truth is, clarity comes from doing, not just thinking.

• Not sure about your career path? Try different things, I’ve had more than one career in my life.

• Not sure what you love to do? Experiment - take a class, start a hobby or travel somewhere new.

You don’t need to have your whole future figured out. You just need to start.

5. Trust Your Own Journey

Your life is about growth and change. You’ll make mistakes, switch directions, question yourself along the way and that’s okay.

Instead of stressing about having life all figured out:

• Trust yourself. You’re learning.

• Know that every experience - good or bad - is helping shape you.

•Great things often come from unexpected detours. 

Final Thought

You don’t need all the answers today. Life isn’t about having a perfect plan - it’s about figuring things out along the way. So, take the pressure off yourself, try new things, and enjoy the ride.

What’s one small step you can take today toward figuring out your path?