Ever find yourself wondering what you really want out of life, only to come up blank? You’re not alone. Figuring out your true desires, goals, and purpose can feel like an impossible task. One day, you’re convinced you want one thing, and the next, you’re second-guessing everything.
Of course! Here’s your section, refined and structured smoothly:
My Personal Struggle with Finding Clarity
For a long time, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. My mother had always wished she went to university and did not just leave her future career to settle with a man , so naturally, that became my plan. I didn’t question it because, in my mind, that was the path to success. Everyone around me—friends, teachers, society—reinforced the idea that higher education was the only real option for a stable future. So I followed the script, convinced that this was what I wanted.
But something felt off.
The more I started exploring spirituality and learning about myself, the more I realized that my dreams weren’t actually mine—they had been shaped by external expectations. Deep down, university wasn’t the path that excited me. It was just the one that had been laid out for me.
Once I started questioning what I truly wanted, I realized my passion was something completely different. I wanted to make a positive impact on society through writing and helping people feel secure and safe. That realization didn’t come overnight it took time, reflection, and the courage to step away from what I thought I “should” be doing.
It wasn’t easy to let go of the expectations that had been ingrained in me for so long. But the moment I allowed myself to explore my own path, everything started to feel clearer.
But why is it so hard to be clear on what you want? Shouldn’t it be obvious? Let’s break it down.
1. Too Many Choices = Decision Paralysis
We live in a world overflowing with options. You could start a business, go back to school, move to another country, or reinvent yourself completely. The problem? Too many choices can leave you stuck. Instead of confidently moving in one direction, you end up over analysing every possibility, afraid of making the “wrong” decision.
🔹 How to overcome this:
Start by eliminating what you don’t want. Sometimes, clarity comes from knowing what doesn’t feel right. Write down everything you’re considering and cross out the ones that don’t excite you. If something feels heavy, forced, or is only on your list because you think you should do it, let it go.
Another way to break free from decision paralysis is to set a deadline for making a choice. Give yourself a specific time frame whether it’s a week or a month to make a move. Action is always better than staying stuck in indecision.
2. Fear of Making the Wrong Choice
What if you chase a goal, invest time and energy, and then realize it’s not what you actually wanted? That fear keeps a lot of people from making any decision at all. But here’s the truth: There is no perfect path. You won’t always have 100% certainty before making a move.
🔹 How to overcome this:
Reframe failure as learning. Every step you take, even if it doesn’t work out, teaches you something valuable. Instead of seeing decisions as permanent, think of them as experiments. You can always pivot.
Also, take the pressure off by reminding yourself that very few choices in life are truly irreversible. If something doesn’t work out, you’ll adjust. Trust yourself to figure things out along the way.
3. External Noise Drowns Out Your Inner Voice
From childhood, we’re conditioned to follow certain paths, go to school, get a job, start a family. Society, family, and social media all throw expectations at you, making it hard to separate what you truly want from what you think you should want.
🔹 How to overcome this:
Step back from external influences. If possible, take a break from social media for a few days and notice how you feel without the constant input of what everyone else is doing. Journal about what excites you when no one else’s opinions are in your head.
A helpful exercise is to imagine a world where no one would judge your choices—what would you do then? That answer often reveals what truly matters to you.
4. Identity Crisis: Who Are You, Really?
Sometimes the struggle isn’t about what you want, but who you are becoming. If you’re in a season of change, it’s natural to feel uncertain. What excited you five years ago might not align with who you are today.
🔹 How to overcome this:
Give yourself permission to evolve. We often cling to past identities because they feel safe, but growth means letting go of outdated versions of yourself. Reflect on what parts of your life still feel aligned and which ones feel forced.
If you’re unsure, experiment with new things. Try hobbies, read different books, or surround yourself with people who inspire you. Sometimes, clarity about your identity comes from doing rather than just thinking.
5. You’re Waiting for Clarity Instead of Creating It
A lot of people think clarity is something that magically appears one day. But in reality, clarity comes from action. You figure things out by trying, experimenting, and adjusting along the way.
🔹 How to overcome this:
Stop waiting for the “perfect moment.” The best way to gain clarity is to start somewhere, anywhere. Even if you don’t know your end goal, take a small step toward what interests you.
For example, if you think you might enjoy writing, start a blog. If you’re drawn to fitness, sign up for a class. These small steps lead to insights you wouldn’t get by just thinking about it.
Also, reflect on past experiences where you gained clarity through action. When was a time you didn’t know what you wanted, but figured it out by trying? Use that as proof that you can do it again.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what you want in life isn’t always easy, and that’s okay. The key is to take the pressure off. Instead of searching for the perfect answer, focus on progress. Keep moving, stay curious, and trust that with time, clarity will come.
✨ What’s one small step you can take today to move toward clarity?
Let me know in the comments!
Remember, everything starts with self love
-M
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Makia by Morgan Thain-Miller 
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