Are you feeling lost navigating your next chapter? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us – even those of us with multiple degrees and a library card that’s more worn than our favorite pair of slippers. It’s like trying to decipher a cryptic crossword puzzle – challenging, frustrating, and you might end up with ink all over your fingers.

But fear not, with your intellect and a healthy dose of humor, you’ll find your way to a new and exciting chapter in your life. So put down that book for a minute and let’s get started.

Feeling lost when it comes to navigating your next chapter is a common experience. Whether you’re entering retirement, yearning to make a career pivot, or going through a major life change, it can be overwhelming to think about what comes next. Here are some tips to help you navigate this challenging time and find your way forward.

Give Yourself Permission to Feel Lost

Feeling lost is a normal part of the human experience! We all go through periods of uncertainty and doubt, and that’s okay. Instead of trying to push your feelings away, give yourself permission to acknowledge them and accept them as a natural part of the process.

Tip: Take a moment to stop and ask yourself how you are feeling and identify that emotion. This helps you to be present and work through how you are feeling in this moment.

Take a Step Back

When you’re feeling lost, it can be helpful to take a step back and reflect on where you are and where you want to go. Ask yourself what you’re passionate about, what your values are, and what kind of life you want to lead. This will help you get a clearer sense of what’s important to you and what you want to prioritize moving forward.

Set Small, Achievable Goals

One of the reasons we often feel lost is because we’re overwhelmed by the big picture. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, break things down into smaller, achievable goals. This will help you build momentum and make progress, which will help you build your confidence and motivate you to move further towards your goals!

Seek Out Support

Navigating a major life change on your own can be tough, so don’t be afraid to reach out for support. This can be talking to friends and family, working with a therapist, or finding a coach, having someone in your corner can make all the difference.

Is this a time that perhaps you may need more specialized support? Someone who has “walked in your shoes”? Having a coach who can guide you through the rough currents of life can be a great support and hold you accountable!

Embrace Uncertainty

As much as we might wish otherwise, the future is always uncertain. Instead of trying to control every aspect of your life, embrace the uncertainty and focus on what you can control. This might mean taking small steps each day or being open to new opportunities as they arise.

With my coaching clients, we stress that things are happening for us and not to us! We leave the “victim mentality” in the dust. How is this change and uncertainty helping us to grow and evolve?

Practice Self-Care

When you’re feeling lost, it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. This might mean getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and making time for activities that bring you joy. It’s also important to be kind to yourself and recognize that this is a challenging time.

I also stress the importance of what we say to ourselves in challenging times. How do you talk to yourself? Is there an opportunity to have a kinder and gentler voice?

Stay Curious

What are you curious about learning? Whether it’s taking a class, attending a workshop, or reading a book, never stop learning and growing. This will help you build new skills, broaden your perspective, and find new paths forward.

Now that I am an empty nester, I recently renewed my interest in sewing and started some beginning classes with a new machine! It’s been fun to learn new techniques. It certainly keeps me focused on the present moment and I tell myself, “I can learn new things!”

Navigating your next chapter can be a challenge, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. I have created this free PDF, Lost Navigating Your Next Chapter? for you to download and work through the prompts! With the right mindset, support, and strategies, you can find your way forward and create a fulfilling life for yourself.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you experience difficulties navigating your life after retirement? Have you wondered what to do as an empty nester? What project have you started? Have you gained new skills?