How can I discover my purpose and overcome indecision?
Feeling stuck and unsure about what to do next? You’re not alone. Indecision can be frustrating and make you feel like you're going nowhere. It happens to a lot of us, especially when we’re trying to figure out what we’re really meant to do in life. The good news? You can break free from the cycle of overthinking and start making decisions that feel right for you.
Understanding indecision
There are a bunch of reasons why we get stuck in indecision—fear of failure, pressure from society, not really knowing ourselves, or even having too many options. The important thing to remember is that being indecisive doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It’s just a sign that you need a little more clarity on what truly matters to you.
The influence of society and family expectations
From a young age, we’re told what we “should” do with our lives. Get a good job, settle down, make smart choices. But how often do we stop to ask ourselves if those expectations actually align with what we want?
A lot of people follow a path because it feels like the safest option, not necessarily because it excites them. The key here is to question whether you’re making choices based on what you actually want—or if you're just trying to fit into a mould that was handed to you.
The role of fear and lack of confidence
Fear of failure and lack of confidence are huge when it comes to making big decisions. They can keep you stuck in your head, overanalysing every possible outcome without ever taking action.
But here’s the truth: failure is part of the process. Every so-called “mistake” is actually just a lesson that moves you closer to where you want to be. The people who succeed aren’t the ones who never fail—they’re the ones who are willing to try, fail, and keep going.
If confidence is holding you back, start small. Take little steps toward what you want. The more you prove to yourself that you can handle uncertainty, the stronger your confidence will get.
Strategies to make decisions aligned with your purpose
Get to know yourself: Take some time to really reflect on what excites you, what you’re naturally good at, and what kind of impact you’d love to have. Ask yourself: What brings me joy? What makes me feel most alive?
Clarify your goals: Once you’ve got a better idea of what lights you up, set some clear, achievable goals. Having direction makes decision-making so much easier.
Weigh your options: When you’re faced with a decision, look at how each choice aligns with your values and long-term goals. Think about the pros and cons, but don’t overthink to the point of paralysis.
Take action: Once you’ve thought it through, commit and move forward. Imperfect action is always better than doing nothing. You can always adjust as you go.
Reflect and adapt: After making a decision, check in with yourself. Is it working? If not, tweak things. Flexibility is key to staying on the right track. Enjoy the process!
A practical exercise to discover your purpose
Imagine you’re starting fresh—no financial worries, no restrictions. Ask yourself:
What would I do with my life if I had complete freedom?
How would I contribute to the world if nothing was holding me back?
This exercise helps strip away the external pressures and reconnect with what actually excites you.
Final thoughts
Figuring out your purpose and making aligned decisions isn’t a one-time thing—it’s an ongoing journey. But the more you step away from what others expect of you and start trusting yourself, the easier it gets.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. What matters is that you start taking steps, no matter how small. Every decision is a chance to learn, grow, and move closer to a life that truly fulfils you.
