Finding Focus when life lacks direction

I’m feeling a lack of direction at the moment. There was a time when I would not have mentioned how I was feeling, but I’m changing. For the last 5 years of blogging my aim has been to encourage and inspire others so how could I let my guard down and admit that I too have times when I struggle? I’ve since learned that my experiences – positive or negative – should be shared to inform and hopefully help others who are in a similar situation at any given time. I’ve learned there is no failure in expressing how we feel – good or not so good.

I posed the following question to the ST60 & Beyond Facebook Group this week.

I’m feeling a lack of direction at the moment. Do you ever feel this way? What is your tip to overcoming these moments?

The responses came flowing in and in fact, it was one post which seem to attract more commentary and participation than usual. I must have hit a nerve as it seems that I’m not alone in feeling a little adrift in life. The positive aspect was that many of the comments also provided some tips on how to overcome these times when life just seems off balance.

Cheryl, one of our FB members travels quite often and finds re-establishing a routine and adjusting to normal life in between can be difficult.

As a Health & Lifestyle Coach, I actually know what to do. but I’m much better at helping others to problem solve and take action, than I am at taking my own advice. As a Health and Lifestyle Coach, I’ve guided my clients to successfully achieve their goals and find purpose in their lives. But like you, I’m human and although I may have the answers it isn’t easy implementing them sometimes. I do find it comforting to hear the thoughts of others who are experiencing the same feelings. It confirms that I’m not alone and that asking the opinion of others and how they cope with situations is a great learning experience.

I’ve collated the responses and words of wisdom from my tribe and also included some of my own ideas for finding focus again.

Finding Focus when life lacks direction

1. ‘Spring Clean your Life’

Kathy from 50 Shades of Age, commented that she is feeling exactly the same way. Her tip was to Spring Clean your life, pick yourself up and get back on track. Currently, Kathy is looking a decluttering and simplifying her life and shares ways to achieve this in her post Time to Declutter and Simplify My Life.

2. ‘Get Back to Basics’

Linda commented that she also lacks direction at times and her go to tip is to get back to basics. She suggests to think about your whys, your how’s and your when’s.

3. Accept the feeling and try to go inward

Toni my friend and author advises accepting that feeling and try to go inwards. She suggests encouraging and supporting yourself, without the need to prove anything to anyone.

“My opinion of myself is the only one that really matters. I would never criticise myself for not feeling as if I have a direction”.

4. Keep moving forward

Lesley, suggested that what works for her is reminding herself that direction doesn’t matter as long as we keep moving forward.

If I keep moving forward there is bound to be a signpost!

5. Shutdown and Reboot

Marilyn suggested the ‘old computer trick’. When lacking direction she ‘shuts down, has a think and reboots’. Her advice is to switch off regularly to clear our minds of unwanted junk.

6. Focus on what is good in life

Jen tries to focus on what is good in her life rather than what she is missing. Her process is to refocus, organise her priorities in life and remember how far she has come. Her other advice is to

do things for you first then if there is time and room then spread yourself to others

7. Journaling, meditation and making a list

Jane, finds that although she has much to offer, she is having difficulty finding out how to do this. Taking time out to journal, meditate and list what she would like to do has helped. Try something, if something doesn’t work, cross it off the list. Slowly the way forward become clearer.

8. Find comfort in Quiet and Non-Productive days

Denyse from Denyse Whelan Blogs, finds that she loses direction when ‘not much is happening’. Taking time for Quiet and Non-Productive days actually brings some refreshment to her life and mind.

9. Take action

For me, taking action helps. Moving in the form of exercise, going for a walk or even getting stuck into the housework is productive and brings clarity to my mind. Sure, my direction might still be unsure but the ‘high’ from exercise or the satisfaction of a clean and tidy environment certainly helps my focus.

10. Talk it through

Talking things through with a friend, coach or mentor can certainly help mental stress and anxiety and also as a way to define what our thoughts are. As I mentioned above, my clients have appreciated the listening ear and the opportunity to discuss their thoughts in a confidential environment. I have several projects that I want to work on and am procrastinating because my thoughts are jumbled. Whilst running with a friend, we started chatting about my ideas and by the end of the run a plan was formulating for me to work on.

11. Defining your Core Values

Reflecting and defining your core values brings you to a place where you know what is important in your life and what to let go of. I revisit my Core Values Process to bring clarity.

What do you do to find focus when life is lacking direction?

Check out my Resources Library page for some goal setting and other tools which may help. If you are lacking direction or purpose and would like to work through the process with me, send me an email to sue@sizzlingtowardssixty.com.au I would love to help you.

Ageing Well, Living Well with Sue