UCanMakeItIfYouTry – 9 Ways to Gain Direction in Life
Finding direction in life means having achievable goals that make you happy and bring you joy. When you lack direction in your life, everything seems meaningless and purposeless. Living life without direction can leave you feeling unfulfilled and apathetic. If you want to add more direction to your life, consider these nine tips.
1 – Let Go of Past Decisions
Sometimes, you regret decisions made in your youth. You might think of what could have been instead of what is right in front of you. It is time to let go of the past and choose to make decisions that help you grow.
2 – Don’t Overthink Things
Once you stop living with the regret of your past decisions, you need to take new steps. This can get quickly squelched by overanalyzing your next moves. Lying awake at night worrying will not get you anywhere except in the same place a year from now.
3 – Decide What You Want Your Life to Look Like
If you could do anything in life, what would it be? What does your perfect life look like? Taking some time to jot down what comes to your mind will help move you toward the nirvana you seek.
4 – Take Action
Handling the mental changes that come with finding your life direction is excellent. Letting procrastination get in the way is not. Take small steps towards your new goals and how you want your life to look. Action creates more action, and soon you will notice that things are heading in the right direction for you.
5 – Develop a Schedule
Living without focus will keep you heading in the same direction you have been in for years – and getting nowhere fast. Creating a schedule (and sticking to it) will give you the power to keep moving forward. The discipline you gain will be a massive benefit for you.
6 – Have Fun
Finding direction in life should include some time for fun. Taking things too seriously leaves you stuck in a rut. It can also increase your stress levels. Life is too short not to enjoy it.
7 – Set Boundaries
As you find direction in your life, others may try to impede your efforts. Be clear about your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual boundaries. Please determine what you will not accept and stick to it. You will feel empowered to keep moving forward.
8 – Increase Your Reading
Reading is a terrific habit to maintain. You can glean much from reading thought leaders. Remember to read from those who are where you want to be and those who aren’t. The differences in perspectives will open your eyes to a world of possibilities.
9 – Try New Things
Staying within your comfort zone will leave you stagnant, lethargic, and uninspired. Trying new things is the best way to learn how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. It will also help you find more direction in your life.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – It’s time to move away from the past and toward your future. Write down the past decisions you have made and regret. Look over them, and then tear up the paper.
2 – Decide on one action you can take today and do it. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed and stuck. Make that phone call you need to or do some research. Just do something to change the trajectory of your life’s direction.
3 – Check out some books from the library and get to reading. Choose two books on a favorite topic and one on an unrelated one. Be ready for your horizons to be broadened.
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
