What Should I Do With My Life? A Real Guide to Figuring It Out

May 22, 2025

By Will Moore

Feeling stuck and uncertain about your future is more common than you think. In fact, research shows that around 75% of people aged 25–33 have gone through a "quarter-life crisis. At some point, everyone questions their direction—whether they are just starting their career, considering a major life change, or feeling unfulfilled in their current path. The overwhelming number of choices, societal expectations, and the fear of making the wrong decision can leave you feeling paralyzed.

I know this firsthand. My life was a complete mess.

During my early college years, I was completely lost—drowning in family struggles, identity issues, and bullying. My mother was an alcoholic, and my life felt meaningless. At one point, I was even arrested after a heated argument at home. I had no direction, no clarity, and no will to go on.

Then, one day, a professor casually mentioned How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Desperate for any help, I picked it up. That book changed everything. It shifted my mindset, made me realize I wasn't doomed, and helped me take control of my life.

Fast forward to today—I turned things around completely. I built a seven-figure business, developed a clear life purpose, and now, after 25 years of studying psychology, habits, and fulfillment, I help others do the same.

If you're stuck wondering, "What should I do with my life?"—you're in the right place. This guide will help you find clarity using proven techniques, psychology-backed strategies, and real-world experience.

Upgrades You'll Earn From This Blog:

Clarity on Life Direction: By exploring six deep questions, you'll uncover insights about your passions, values, and strengths.
Strategies to Build Long-Term Discipline: Learn how to form habits that stick, making long-term success inevitable.
Techniques to Overcome Mental Barriers: Overcome procrastination, decision-making paralysis, and the fear of failure.

Why Feeling Lost Is a Universal and Valuable Experience

It’s easy to believe that everyone else has their life mapped out, especially when scrolling through social media or hearing about someone’s big promotion or new adventure. But the truth is, uncertainty and feeling lost are not only common—they’re a recurring part of every person’s journey.

Even public figures and high achievers admit to feeling unsure about their direction more than once in their lives.

Why is this so universal? Because life is always changing. As you grow, your interests, values, and circumstances evolve. What felt right last year might not fit anymore, and that’s not a sign of failure—it’s a sign you’re alive, growing, and paying attention to what matters.

Instead of seeing uncertainty as a problem to fix, try viewing it as a natural stage of growth. Feeling lost is often a signal that you’re ready for a new challenge or a different direction. It’s an invitation to reflect, explore, and discover new possibilities. In fact, some of the most meaningful changes in life start with the simple realization: “I don’t know what to do next.”

You don’t have to figure everything out at once, and you’re not behind anyone else. Everyone’s path includes twists, turns, and moments of doubt. Embracing this reality can take the pressure off and open you up to unexpected opportunities.

Am I Letting Pressure and Expectations Hold Me Back?

Feeling pressured by your own or others’ expectations can make figuring out your life even harder. Instead of letting this pressure paralyze you, try reframing it as motivation to explore and experiment—without needing to get it right on the first try.

Spot hidden expectations: Ask yourself where your ideas about success come from—family, culture, or social media? Decide which ones actually serve you.
Redefine success regularly: Allow your definition of success to change as you grow. Check in with yourself every few months and adjust your goals.
Set boundaries: If people question your direction, it’s okay to say, “I’m exploring options and giving myself space to figure things out.”
Embrace micro-experiments: Try small new things with zero pressure to be perfect. Treat mistakes as valuable feedback, not failures.

By transforming pressure into curiosity and growth, you free yourself to discover what truly fits you—on your own terms.

What Should I Do With My Life: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Develop a Growth Owner Mindset

Cultivating a Growth Owner Mindset is essential for accepting challenges and viewing them as opportunities for growth. As James Clear emphasizes in his book 'Atomic Habits,' small changes in behavior, fueled by a growth mindset, can lead to significant transformations over time.

This mindset shift can transform how you approach obstacles, helping you to see them as integral parts of the equation of life rather than setbacks.

In my journey, developing this mindset was a game-changer. My formula, aka the equation of life, has guided my transformation.

Your beliefs + actions + time = the person you become.

This formula helped me shift from feeling like a victim to becoming a successful business entrepreneur.

When I was building my own business, Doorstep Delivery, I faced numerous setbacks. From having our business plan stolen to being robbed by our general manager, the journey was filled with challenges. However, I realized that these obstacles were temporary roadblocks. By adopting a growth-owner mindset, I took ownership of my journey instead of playing the victim.

This mindset allowed me to pivot during tough times, merge with Bite Squad, and ultimately sell the company for $320.

Not only business; this mindset helped me to thrive in making meaningful relationships and replace my bad habits with successful habits in all core areas of life. Hence, changing the way you think is the first step to live the life you want.

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right― Henry Ford

Find Out Different Growth Mindset Activities for Kids to Develop Growth Mindset

Actionable tips:

Identify a recent challenge and reflect on what you learned from it.
Think about how that experience can help you in the future.
Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities instead of failures.
Remind yourself that every step, forward or backward, is part of growth.
Set small, realistic goals that help you improve over time.
Break big goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
Track your progress and celebrate small wins along the way.

Related Article: Growth Mindset Questions

2. Identify Who You Are and What You Want

Finding your purpose starts with self-awareness. shows that people who reflect on their values, strengths, and aspirations are more successful and fulfilled.

But what does self-awareness actually look like in practice?

For me, it meant looking honestly at every part of my life—not just my career, but my mindset, relationships, health, and emotional well-being. I realized that true fulfillment comes from nurturing all the important areas, not just chasing one goal.

That’s why I focus on what I call the five core areas of life:

Mindset
Career & Finances
Relationships
Physical Health
Emotional Health & Giving Back

If you ignore any one of these, your overall quality of life can suffer. For example, you might have a great job but neglect your health, or you might focus on relationships but feel stuck in your career. Similarly, not nurturing your emotional health can lead to stress and burnout, making it difficult to maintain a positive mindset and productive career. Balance is key.

To help you get started, I created a quick Core Values Quiz that gives you a snapshot of where you stand in each area. Even if you don’t take the quiz, simply reflecting on these areas can help you see where you need to grow.

Six Deep Questions to Discover Your Life Purpose

Set aside some quiet time and either journal your answers, talk them over with a trusted friend, or simply reflect. Writing things down often leads to powerful insights. Here are the questions:

What are my passions? What activities make me lose track of time? Use this Passions List to spark ideas and identify what lights you up.
What are my core values? What principles drive my decisions? (e.g., freedom, creativity, impact)
What are my strengths? What am I naturally good at? Explore this Strengths List to get clarity on your unique abilities.
What impact do I want to have? How do I want to contribute to the world? Try this Back to the Future Planning Guide to visualize your dream life.
What experiences have shaped me the most? What moments in life felt most meaningful?
What kind of lifestyle do I want? What does my ideal day look like?

You don’t have to have perfect answers right away. The goal is to get curious about yourself and spot patterns. Over time, you’ll notice what truly excites and fulfills you.

Quick Tip: If you feel stuck, start by answering just one question a day. Sometimes, the act of reflecting—even briefly—can spark new ideas about what you want from life.

3. Set Goals That You’ll Actually Stick To

Once you have a better understanding of your passions, values, strengths, and desired impact, it's time to turn these insights into specific, actionable goals.

As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said, 'A goal without a plan is just a wish.'

That’s why I recommend using the SMART goal framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

This approach transforms vague hopes into real progress. For example, when I was building my food delivery business, I didn’t just say, “I want to run a successful company.” Instead, I set a SMART goal: “Within the next six months, I will leave my current job and fully dedicate myself to Doorstep Delivery by securing $50,000 in funding, developing the initial business plan, and establishing partnerships with at least five local restaurants.”

This gave me a clear target and a way to track my progress. The same principle applies to any area of life—whether it’s your health, relationships, or mindset.

How to Set SMART Goals

Here’s how you can apply this in your own life:

If you feel stuck, set a goal to read one personal growth book per month and apply one new strategy from it to your daily routine.
If your job feels unfulfilling, apply to three relevant job openings each week and attend two networking events per month to transition to a career that aligns with your passion.
If you struggle with exercise, commit to 30-minute workouts three times a week by joining a gym and signing up for enjoyable classes like yoga or spinning.
If mental health is a challenge, practice mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes each morning and attend a weekly stress management workshop for the next three months. Learn more about clearing your mind for meditation.

Action Steps:

Pick one area from your five core areas of life that feels most important right now.
Write down a SMART goal for that area.
Break the goal into smaller steps and schedule them into your calendar or daily routine.
Track your progress and adjust as needed—remember, small wins build momentum!

Setting goals this way makes them less overwhelming and much more achievable. Over time, you’ll gain confidence as you see steady progress, and that motivation will carry you forward.

4. Form Habits to Support Your Goals

Setting goals is a powerful first step—but turning those goals into reality depends on the habits you build every day.

A study by Phillippa Lally et al. at University College London found that, on average, it takes 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic. This reinforces the importance of consistent practice in building habits that support your goals. They provide the ongoing momentum you need to stay on track,

The Three Keys to Building Lasting Habits

Over years of personal experience and research, I’ve found that three strategies make habit formation much easier:

Make it Obvious: Design your environment so the cues for your new habit are impossible to miss. Example: If you want to read more, leave your book on your pillow or desk.
Make it Easy: Start small and remove friction. Break down big habits into tiny, manageable steps. Example: If you want to exercise, start with just 10 minutes a day or lay out your workout clothes the night before.
Make it Fun/Rewarding: Attach a reward or enjoyable element to your habit so you look forward to it. Example: Listen to your favorite podcast while you clean, or treat yourself to a favorite snack after journaling.

Action Steps for Building Habits

Identify one small habit that supports your current goal.
Anchor it to an existing routine (habit stacking). For instance, meditate for two minutes right after brushing your teeth.
Track your streaks—use a habit tracker app or a simple calendar to mark each day you complete your habit.
Celebrate small wins to reinforce the habit and keep motivation high.
Be patient with yourself. Remember, research shows habits take time to stick. If you miss a day, don’t give up—just restart the next day.

By focusing on building supportive habits, you make goal achievement a natural part of your life. Over time, these small daily actions add up to big results.

Related Article: How Many Does it Take to Form a Habit

5. Find People Who Push You Forward

No one succeeds alone. The people you surround yourself with—friends, mentors, coaches, or supportive communities—can make all the difference in your journey to clarity and fulfillment.

In fact, research led by Dr. Kathleen Milkman at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago has shown that social accountability significantly boosts goal achievement. When you share your goals with others or work alongside people with similar ambitions, you’re more likely to stay motivated and follow through.

How to Build Your Support Crew

Identify people who inspire you or are already doing what you want to do. This could be a mentor in your field, a supportive friend, or a community group.
Reach out and connect. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, join a group, or simply share your goals with someone you trust.
Consider professional guidance. Life coach, career counselor, or a therapist can offer structured support and proven strategies for growth.
Engage regularly. Schedule check-ins, attend meetups, or join online communities to stay connected and accountable.

Action Step: Pick one person or group to reach out to this week. Share a goal you’re working on, ask for feedback, or simply let them know you value their support. Even a small conversation can spark new momentum.

For more info, read: Life Coach Vs Therapist: Which One Can Help You the Most?

6. Celebrate Your Wins and Keep Moving

Celebrating your progress is crucial for maintaining motivation and reinforcing positive behaviors. As Walt Whitman said, "I celebrate myself, and sing myself," acknowledging your achievements, big or small, is a powerful tool for self-motivation. By gamifying your life, you can turn your goals into an enjoyable journey with rewards and milestones.

How to Celebrate Your Progress

Give yourself small rewards for daily or weekly successes—a favorite snack, a walk outside, or time for a hobby.
Reflect on your journey: At the end of each week, take a few minutes to write down what you accomplished, no matter how minor it seems.
Share your wins with your support crew. Letting others celebrate with you can multiply the positive impact.
Gamify your growth: Use a Weekly habit tracker app, create a points system, or set up milestone rewards for yourself (like a special outing or treat when you hit a big goal).

Action Step: Tonight, write down one thing you did well today—even if it’s tiny. Make this a daily habit. Over time, you’ll train your mind to focus on progress, not just perfection

Use AI to Put This into Practice

You don’t need to figure it all out on your own. Use this single AI prompt to help you gain clarity, set meaningful goals, build habits, and create a system that sticks—all based on the Moore Momentum framework.

Copy & Paste This Prompt into ChatGPT or Your Favorite AI Tool:

“Help me figure out what I want to do with my life using the Moore Momentum approach. First, ask me questions to uncover my top values, strengths, and current struggles across these 5 Core Areas: Mindset, Career & Finances, Relationships, Physical Health, and Emotional Health. Then help me turn those insights into one SMART goal per Core Area. For each goal, suggest one daily habit I can start now and give me a ‘When I, then I’ habit stacking phrase. Finally, recommend a fun and simple way to track my progress weekly so I can stay consistent and motivated.”

Once AI gives you your roadmap, plug your new habits and goals into the Weekly Habit Tracker—a gamified personal productivity tracker that helps you stay on track without the overwhelm.

Conclusion: What Should I Do with My Life

Finding your life's purpose can seem overwhelming, but with a structured approach, it's achievable.

By adopting a growth-owner mindset and focusing on the five core areas—Mindset, Career & Finances, Relationships, Physical Health, and Emotional Health & Giving Back—I found true fulfillment.

Start by developing a Growth Owner Mindset, which transforms challenges into opportunities for growth.
Identify who you are and what you want by reflecting on your passions, values, strengths, and desired impact.
Set clear, actionable goals that align with these insights and establish supportive habits to achieve them.

For helpful tools and resources to guide you through this process, visit this resource page.

Remember, the most important business you own is your life. Managing your life with the same dedication and strategic planning as a business can lead to incredible results.

Ready to Get Unstuck? Take the Next Step

You've taken the first steps by exploring how to find your life's direction. If you’re serious about finding clarity and building momentum in your life, personalized support can make all the difference.

Start by taking the Core Values Quiz, which will help you identify your strengths and areas for growth.

Visit the Coaching Page to learn how one-on-one coaching can help you discover your purpose, overcome obstacles, and create a future you’re excited about.

You don’t have to do this alone—let’s build your momentum together.

FAQs - What Should I Do With My Life

I Don't Know What I Want To Do With My Life—How Do I Figure It Out?

If you feel lost, take a step back and assess your passions, strengths, and what excites you. Journaling, talking to mentors, and trying different experiences can help. Instead of waiting for a grand realization, take action on small things that interest you. Over time, patterns will emerge, leading you toward finding purpose.

What To Do With My Life At 40?

Your 40s can be a powerful time for reinvention. If you're feeling stuck, reassess what brings you joy and fulfillment. Whether it's changing careers, pursuing a passion, or improving personal relationships, give yourself permission to explore new paths. Growth has no age limit—many people find their true calling later in life. The most important thing is to take action rather than dwell on what could have been.

I’m 20 years old, what should I do with my life?

First, take a deep breath. You’re not supposed to have it all figured out yet. At 20, life is about exploring possibilities, not picking a final path. Try different things—internships, part-time jobs, travel, volunteering. Ask yourself: “What feels exciting?” Learn about your interests, not just what pays the most. And if you mess up? Great. That’s part of the process. You’ve got time on your side.

I’m 23 years old, what should I do with my life?

You’re in the middle of the “quarter-life confusion” stage. It’s normal to question everything right now. Use this time to experiment wisely—try different industries, start a side hustle, take a class you’ve been curious about. At 23, it’s not about choosing one thing for life, but eliminating what isn’t for you. Keep building skills, connections, and confidence. Direction comes through motion, not overthinking.

I’m 24, what should I do with my life?

At 24, you’ve probably had a taste of adult life, and maybe it’s not what you expected. That’s okay. It means you’re thinking critically, not settling. Start asking deeper questions: What do I value? Who do I admire? What problems do I care about solving? You don’t need a 10-year plan. You need a 1-year experiment. Pick something aligned with your curiosity, commit for 12 months, then reevaluate. Your 30s will thank you.

I’m 27 years old, what should I do with my life?

27 is when many start comparing themselves to others—careers, houses, relationships. Don’t fall into that trap. Your path is yours alone. If you feel lost, it means you’re awakening to what you don’t want. That’s powerful. Take inventory of your skills, passions, and what energizes you. Pivot if you need to. It’s not “too late.” In fact, it’s the perfect time to realign before deeper roots set in. Growth happens when you choose courage over comfort.

I’m 30 and don’t know what to do with my life. Is it too late?

Absolutely not. In fact, many people don’t figure things out until their 30s, 40s, or later. At 30, you bring maturity, resilience, and some life lessons. You can pivot smarter. Maybe what worked for your 20s no longer fits—and that’s a sign of growth, not failure. Start small: read, reflect, talk to people doing what you admire. Take the pressure off needing a grand plan. Just start moving in the direction of what feels more like you.

How Can I Do Best In My Life?

The key to excelling in life is continuous growth. Set realistic yet challenging goals and be willing to adapt when needed. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you. Take care of your health, build strong habits, and stay consistent. Success isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up every day and making small, intentional improvements.