What Is Your Next Step?
Mar 15, 2025
Life can be busy, and we don’t always have the time we would like to consider who and where we are, and where and who we would like to be. Sometimes we are so busy rushing around, doing our ‘to-do’ lists, that we can lose sight of the bigger picture.
In our ‘busy-ness’, life can sometimes feel like an endless list of decisions, big and small. We can often ask ourselves, "What’s next?" But how often is that a question of our next activity, our next item on the ‘to-do’ list?
However, taking a few minutes to take a step back, and looking at our life for a bit, can be beneficial.
Figuring out your next step doesn’t have to be daunting. We’ve broken it down into a few general questions to get you started. And remember, it doesn’t have to all be figured out at once. You can take your time. Consider each question carefully. Maybe do something journaling. Or talk it over with a close friend or family member. Or create a vision board. There are lots of ways to work through this, and as many options as there are people. No pressure, just some time with yourself, figuring out who you are, and where you want to go, and who you want to be – one step at a time, one day at a time.
1. Where Do You Want to Go?
First things first — do you know what you truly want? Maybe it’s a dream career, a healthier body, a stronger relationship, or just more happiness in your day-to-day life. Take a quiet moment to really think about it. Ask yourself, “What will make me excited to wake up in the morning?” If the answer feels blurry, don’t stress.
You could start a journal, to explore your thoughts and ideas. Or consider potential careers, or holidays if you’d like to travel, or traits in a person if you want a relationship. You might want to change careers, so you could look at courses out there, to see what is available, and check out whether it is something you enjoy doing. (There are a lot of courses available for very reasonable costs, or even no cost at all.) You might like to join a hiking club, to exercise and meet new people. Just start exploring to see what lights you up.
Sometimes the path only becomes clear once you start walking. (We are in the process of creating a course to help you find your life purpose - stay tuned, and sign up for more information, as it happens, at the button at the end of the blog.)
2. What Do You Need to Get There?
Once you’ve figured out where you want to go, the next question is — what’s missing? Do you need to learn a new skill, go back to school, or dedicate more time to your passions? Maybe you simply need space to rest and recharge. Are you doing something that you don’t enjoy – and if so, can you not stop doing it, or ask someone else to take it over? Is there a way to make more time for yourself eg. stop watching tv, or call people on the way home, so you have time at home to study?
Or perhaps your mind is so busy, you can’t hear yourself think. If that’s the case, you could try walking alone in nature, where it’s quiet, and peaceful, and see if you can untangle your thoughts. Or start a regular meditation or yoga practice (yin yoga and restorative yoga are very peaceful, and great for mindfulness).
Think of this step like packing for a trip. Gather everything you’ll need along the way, even if it’s just small tools like patience and self-compassion – while stopping yourself from packing the kitchen sink – it will be there when you need it at the other end.
3. What’s in the Way?
We all have obstacles — mental, emotional, physical, or even logistical. Are you doubting your abilities? Feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities? Perhaps you have a fear of failure (you’re not alone in that!), or physical barriers like fatigue. It’s important to identify what’s holding you back so you can start finding ways around, over, or through those roadblocks.
For example, if you feel you need to know more, you can study, or ask to apprenticeship with someone. If it’s financial, you might see if you can get a pay rise, or see if you can take on a part-time job that can work around your current circumstances (there are a lot of roles that you can do in your own time if think outside the box eg. ironing for others, Uber, typing for others, VA work, etc).
Mental and emotional barriers can be worked on in the same way. Perhaps you could speak with a trusted friend or family member, or even see if a counsellor could help? (We all get tangled up in our minds sometimes – there’s no shame – everyone has something they are working through.) And if you are after a more positive mindset, our Positive Mindset Mastery is a great option which provides tools to help you master your mindset. And congratulations to everyone working on themselves – you’re on your way to being who you want to be!
4. Do You Have the Energy to Get There?
Achieving goals requires energy, both mental and physical. Do you spend time on your self-care? Give yourself time out to do nothing when you need it? Have fun, and relax, and connect with others?
Are you getting enough sleep, and nourishing your body, with healthy whole foods? Do you drink enough water (and no, soft drinks don’t count)? Are you exercising regularly? (You could even organise to walk with a friend, so you can catch up and exercise at the same time.)
If you feel depleted, don’t worry — it’s not a failure. It just means you might need to focus on restoring your energy before taking the next leap forward. You might like to start meditating before bedtime. It could also could include juggling your time, and letting go of some things, and/or adjusting things eg. having food delivered instead of spending a few hours a week shopping, or making your phone calls while walking, so you exercise and catch up with friends at the same time. Or perhaps there is a more efficient way of doing something – perhaps you could team up with someone else, and take it turn driving kids to and from various places, giving you a few hours of time back. If you need a health boost, you can check out our Busy Life Health Boost Bundle, which provides lots of ideas on how to incorporate healthy foods and exercises, etc. into a busy life.
5. Is Your Life in Balance?
Sometimes, we put all our energy into one area — like work or family — while neglecting others, like fun or relaxation. A balanced life is key to living your Best Life. Take a step back, and look at the big picture.
Are you working too hard and playing too little? Or perhaps playing too much, and avoiding responsibilities? Balance doesn’t mean perfection, but it does mean finding a rhythm that feels good to you. It may take a bit of thinking to get more balance in, but there are a few suggestions on how to do this in the sections above. If time is the issue, you could car-pool, or organise a cleaner, or for food to be delivered. Or even pay a friend or family member to cook for you, if that would help. Or perhaps organise play dates if you have children, so you each have time to do other activities.
Final Notes
You’ve Got This! No matter what your next step looks like — big or small — it’s your journey, and every step counts. Remember, there’s no “right” way to move forward, and progress isn’t always linear. Trust yourself, be kind to yourself, and take that first step with confidence. And if you need some ideas to get you started, why not start with our 52 Ideas to Help You Live Your Best Life, One Week at a Time ebook?
You’re on your way to living your Best Life, one step at a time. ❤️
FAQs - Your Next Step
Q: I don’t know what I want. Is that normal?
A: Absolutely! It’s completely okay not to have everything figured out. Sometimes the first step is just exploring what feels good to you. Try new things, listen to your heart, and don’t rush. Clarity often comes when you least expect it.
Q: What if my goal feels too big or impossible?
A: Big goals can feel overwhelming, but remember — you don’t have to climb the whole mountain at once. Break your goal into smaller, doable steps, and celebrate each little victory along the way. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
Q: How do I deal with mental blocks like fear or doubt?
A: Fear and doubt are normal, and they show up for everyone. Start by being kind to yourself. Talk to a trusted friend, journal your thoughts, or seek support if needed. Facing those feelings head-on, allowing yourself to feel the emotions (with support if that helps), can help you overcome them. There are a lot of modalities that can assist with this, as well, such as tapping, yin yoga, or compassion keys.
Q: What if I’m too tired to move forward?
A: It’s okay to pause. Rest is just as important as action. Take time to care for your body and mind — whether that means more sleep, better nutrition, or simply giving yourself permission to relax. You’ll move forward when you’re ready.
Q: How do I balance everything in life?
A: Balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly. It’s about finding harmony. Look at where you’re putting most of your energy. Are there areas being neglected? Try small adjustments, like scheduling time for fun, connecting with loved ones, or setting boundaries at work.
Q: What if I fail?
A: Failure is not the end — it’s a stepping stone. Every time you try, you’re learning and growing. Be proud of your effort, and remember, success often comes after many little failures. You’ve got this!
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