HAYLEY CARR

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

Episode 83 - Available 4 Oct 2024

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Let’s talk about that paralysing feeling when you’ve got a massive goal or dream, but the path ahead is totally unclear. Maybe you’re staring at this huge vision and thinking, “I don’t even know where to start.” Trust me, I’ve been there, and I get it. But here’s the thing—you don’t need to have it all figured out before you move forward. In fact, not knowing is part of the process.

So, if you're stuck wondering what to do when you don't know what to do, I've got five strategies that will help you get unstuck, take action, and start moving towards that big dream—even if the next step feels super blurry right now.

1. Stop Taking Advice From the Wrong People

When you’re feeling lost, it’s easy to start searching for answers from anyone and everyone. But here's the thing: not everyone is playing the same game you are. Are you taking advice from people who align with your values and vision for life? If you want to live a creative, freedom-filled life, but you’re listening to people who don’t get it, no wonder you feel confused. Make sure the voices you’re tuning into are aligned with your values and what you’re trying to create.

2. Embrace the Power of Emergent Strategy

Here’s a truth bomb: you don’t need a perfect plan to get started. I know this sounds terrifying if you’re a planner like me, but hear me out. An emergent strategy is about trusting that the next step will reveal itself once you take action. You don’t need to know every single move. Just ask yourself, “What’s one small thing I can do right now?” Do that, and the next step will become clear when it’s time.

3. Accept That You’re Not Meant to Know Yet

Sometimes we feel stuck because we’re obsessed with having all the answers before we take action. But let’s flip the script: maybe you’re not supposed to know yet. When you’re in a phase of not knowing, it can feel uncomfortable—like you’re stuck in the mud. But often, this discomfort is where the magic happens. It’s where breakthroughs are born. Give yourself permission to be in the fog for a bit. Trust that clarity will come when it’s meant to.

4. Understand the Three Types of Fear

Fear gets a bad rap, but it can actually be a powerful guide—if you know how to read it. There are three types of fear, and knowing the difference can make all the difference:

  • There’s the instinctual fear that’s your body telling you, “Hey, this isn’t safe.” (Listen to this one—it’s about survival.)

  • Then there’s the fear that shows up when you’re about to do something big and bold. It feels scary, but it’s also exciting, like you’re on the edge of something amazing. (This is the one you want to lean into.)

  • Finally, there’s the fear that feels heavy and wrong, like your whole body is saying, “Nope, not this.” (This is your intuition telling you it’s not the right path.)

Learning to tell these apart is a total game-changer when you’re figuring out your next steps.

5. Release the Pressure by Pushing Out the Goal

Let me tell you something that most people don’t want to hear: sometimes the best way to move forward is by giving yourself more time. Yep, I said it. When you’re feeling stuck or under massive pressure, pushing your goal timeline out a bit can make all the difference. You’re not giving up or delaying your dream—you’re just giving yourself space to breathe, think clearly, and let the right moves emerge. Ironically, when you do this, you often end up hitting your goal faster.

Trust the Process

I get it—feeling stuck is frustrating. But if you’re wondering what to do when you don’t know what to do, the key is to keep moving, even if the steps are small or unclear. Trust the process, trust yourself, and remember: clarity comes through action, not from sitting still.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to listen to my episode above or reach out! I’d love to hear what you’re working on and how you’re navigating the unknown. And remember—everything you want is closer than you think.


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