What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do

We've all experienced that feeling. Some of us more than others.

You know, that feeling you get like when you're stuck in the world's longest line at the grocery store, and all you want is your delicious soy ice cream melting away in your cart? 

Well, imagine that, but as it relates to your life. The overwhelming sense of not knowing what to do.

And usually it's just a minor inconvenience. 

But sometimes we get stuck in a rut and that feeling of indecision hangs around until it feels like we're diving off into the deep end of emotional and mental exhaustion. 

The Importance of Breaking Free from Inaction

In most situations that I've experienced, inaction tends to crop up (for me at least) as the ultimate saboteur in the way of my personal growth, success, and happiness. Because inaction keeps you parked in the same old rut, even if you don't like the rut you're in and would rather get out of it.

And like I said before, usually this feeling of inaction isn't a big problem because something happens (life happens) to kick start us back into motion and we move on.

But when it hangs around, or we insist on hanging onto this habit of inaction, that's when it's not just a casual inconvenience; that's when it becomes a life-slowing, dream-stifling monster. 

And again, I'm just speaking from my own experiences, maybe you've experienced something different.

But basically, the point of this post is to get you to realize that the old adage "action speaks louder than words" has a lot of truth to it and that the time to take action is in the present moment, even if you don't know exactly what you're doing.

Acknowledge the Inertia

Inertia (lol ever thought that would be a practical concept outside of physics?) has a lot to do with you and taking action.

Like I said, feeling stuck and not knowing what to do is a normal way to feel sometimes. 

Life throws curveballs that leave us reeling and needing to take a minute or two to recalibrate and get our heads back in the game.

I used the example of a curveball, but it doesn't even have to be that big of an incident.

For example, I was sitting at my desk last weekend, swiveling in my chair, daydreaming about jetting off to Europe and yet, there I was, stuck in the 9-5 grind feeling stuck. 

That's one example of a wake up call.

These wake up calls in life are when you realize that you can't keep letting indecision dictate the actions (or non actions) you take in your life. 

It's like going all the way to the airport and then not going anywhere because you don't know where to go. 

It might be fun for a while - I like airports - But if you were to stay there indefinitely, what happens? Well, you miss out on incredible adventures, connections, and experiences. Similarly, not taking action when needed can lead to missed opportunities, unfulfilled dreams, and that ever-elusive sense of purpose. 

Keep in mind that indecision isn't just a pesky mosquito buzzing around your ear; it's a powerful force that can leave you feeling stuck at a standstill in life.

The Toll on Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Our brains are like computers, constantly running different programs in our subconscious that keep us alive and healthy. However, when you keep prolonging the program of indecision going "Should I or shouldn't I?" Guess what? That program can be a real energy hog. And your brain already uses up a large percentage of the body's total energy anyway. 

So while you're grappling with indecision, your mental capacity gets spread thinner and can make you feel stressed out or even anxious. 

And the kicker is that most of the time we dither about in indecision trying to put off feeling stressed out or anxious. Sorry to break it to you, but that strategy doesn't have much success.

Embrace Imperfect Action

So now that we've acknowledged that feeling of being stuck and the chaos it can bring, it's time to bust a myth that's been holding you back.

The Myth of Needing a Perfect Plan

You do not, and I have said this before and I will say it again, you DO NOT need a flawless plan before taking action. (I'm probably saying this yet again because I still need to hear it) 

In fact, waiting for that perfect plan is like waiting for a unicorn to show up at your doorstep with the winning lottery ticket. 

A perfect plan, a lot like perfect timing, doesn't really exist and if it does, it doesn't stay perfect for long. Which is why it's better to start taking action. 

Check out our blog post: Perfect Timing the Lie We All Tell Ourselves

Think about some of the most successful people out there. Did they all have meticulously detailed plans before they started? 

Not really. Actually, a lot of them started out with no idea about what they were doing. Take Steve Jobs, for example. He didn't have a perfect blueprint for Apple; he had an idea and a vision. His plan was, far from perfect, and had a lot of hiccups, but in the end it all came together.

So, if you've been stalling because you're waiting for everything to be perfectly aligned, it's time to shake that mindset loose. Imperfect action is okay and quite honestly realistic and doable.

Set Clear Intentions

Another aspect that can help you shake the habit of inaction is to set clear intentions. 

A hard truth that I was confronted with recently said that most people don't get what they want simply because they don't know what they want. True or true?

Specific intentions/goals give your actions direction and purpose. They transform vague statements like "I want to be successful" into concrete targets with a laser-like focus. And to make things even more exciting, there's this nifty acronym called SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal-setting.

Clear intentions will also energize and motivate you because they're something you can actually take action on. 

The overarching idea of "I want to be successful" is too nebulous to be practically applicable in your day to day life. However, the intention of running five miles, three times a week is definitely clear enough, and simple enough to get your rear in gear and act on it. 

Defining Your Desired Outcomes

To define your desired outcomes, I sometimes like to use visualization. Because being able to visualize it, see it in your mind, is the first step to making your vision a reality. 

Not to mention that experiencing it in your brain, actually starts changing your brain so that it's prepared to accept that version of your future desired outcomes.

Some great ways to do this are by using vision boards or by writing a mission statement. 

Take the First Step

Okay, now you're all geared up and ready to take action when road block #1 pops up... analysis paralysis. 

This is a deer in the headlights syndrome. You're drowning in options, drowning in information, and it feels like trying to swim with a ten-ton anchor tied to your leg. And at this point it can look really tempting to go back to running in circles avoiding taking action.

But let's go on a tangent for a minute. Think back to that moment when you were a kid with a shiny new bicycle. You pushed off, wobbled a bit, and probably scraped your knee. But guess what? You were on your way! That wobbly push was more than just a ride; it was a declaration of intent.

Back to the main story, why bring up biking? Well, it's because it perfectly illustrates how that initial, sometimes wobbly, push is incredibly significant. 

It's a tiny but at the same time scary and monumental action that once you take it, motivates you forward. And just like learning to ride a bike, your first action can only be taken by you. 

Others can help stabilize you or give you a push, but you are the one who actually has to put your foot to the pedal and push.

So don't worry about the size of your next action, so long as you take it even if you're still uncertain.

Stay Adaptable

As much as I wish it sometimes were, life isn't a neatly arranged board game with predictable moves and set rules; it's more like an ever-changing chess match. 

And if you struggle with indecision that's probably partially because you're giving the decision too much weight. You see, decisions aren't carved in stone tablets; they can shift and change.

Change is the only thing that's consistent in life, and the more you're able to embrace uncertainty and discomfort, the more you'll find yourself growing. 

The Ability to Pivot When Needed

So realize that after you do make a decision or take that first action, it's not the end of the world. If the path you thought would lead you to a pot of gold takes an unexpected turn. What do you do? You pivot, adjust your strategy while keeping your goals in sight.

Adaptability is a real life skill and is what can turn you into an opportunist instead of a pessimist.

Manage Fear and Doubt

Lastly, inaction isn't a stand alone sort of feeling. Usually, we're only standing around avoiding making decision because of fears and doubts. 

And I'm not going to tell you that fears and doubts go away, because they don't - they just change and get smaller and more manageable, but the key is to learn to take action in spite of your fear and doubt and to not give them more credit than they realistically deserve.

Self-Confidence Grows with Action

And its like a building project. Every action you take, no matter how small, adds. The more actions you take, the more they build up and the more your self confidence and ability to take action grows. In other words, action is the key to growing your self-confidence.

So I feel like maybe I babbled a little bit in this post and got side tracked, but it all comes back to the point that 

- "action speaks louder than words" 

-  and that the time to take action is in the present moment, even if you don't know exactly what you're doing.

What actions are you going to take?

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