Five Gentle Ways to Get Unstuck When You Don’t Know What’s Next

You don’t need to have your entire life plan mapped out to start moving forward. In fact, trying to leap to “the answer” too soon can keep you stuck even longer. Here are five practical, low-pressure ways to get started when you’re not sure what’s next.

1. Name the Season You’re In
When you feel aimless, it’s easy to slip into self-criticism. Instead, give your current chapter a name that feels neutral or even hopeful  “Exploration Mode” or “The Pause Before the Next Adventure.” This simple reframe removes the sting and creates space for curiosity.

2. Map Your Life Chapters
Draw a timeline of your life so far. Mark the key chapters like big moves, career shifts, personal milestones and note the feelings tied to each. This will show you the patterns in when you have felt most alive (and what’s been missing lately).

3. Notice the Sparks
Keep a running list of small things that grab your attention like a book title, a conversation, a skill you’d like to try. These “curiosity breadcrumbs” often point toward the experiences you are craving more of.

4. Run Tiny Experiments
You don’t need to commit to a huge change. Test new ideas with low-cost, low-pressure “tiny bets.” Try a one-off class, a short challenge, or a volunteer shift. Each experiment gives you data on what energises you and what doesn’t.

5. Create a Short-Term Map
Instead of a rigid life plan, sketch a simple 3-month Next Step Map with 1–2 experiments, a habit you want to maintain, and one action to strengthen your skills or resilience. Review it monthly and adjust as you learn more.

If these steps resonate, you’ll find the complete process  with tools, templates, and examples  in What Should I Do With My Life?, my new guide for navigating the “floating” stage and finding your next grounded step.