Looking for the best ways to finding your path in life? I am glad you found this post. I have been able to completely change my life over the last decade. It’s been an ever-evolving journey with pockets of personal growth and new opportunities around every corner.
In my young adult years, like my 20s, I thought the most important thing in the world was to get married. I was convinced that if I didn’t find my partner by 30 that I was on the wrong path and would never be happy.
It wasn’t until I was an older adult, over 35, that I started to wake up and realize that my true happiness didn’t revolve around a partner.
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The Best Ways To Finding Your Path In Life
Are you waking up day after day just unhappy in your life? Are you searching for ways to find a new life path but don’t know where to start?
Making personal life changes starts with you. The only way to really know what is best for your life is to get to know yourself. And by that, I mean turning off the loop of social media reels of what a great life SHOULD look like. Dig deep, journal, meditate, and look within to TRULY find out what is brewing inside.
For so long I thought, I wanted to be that housewife that stayed home with the kids. But did I really want that, or did I think that is what I wanted because that is what everyone else wanted?
The best way to know what you want is to know yourself a little better. And in this day and age, I don’t think anyone really spends the time to get to know themself.
To get started you need to identify what are the key factors that are contributing to making you feel not so great about life. Then once you know where you need to make changes you will need to take some actionable steps to get there.
Ask Yourself These Key Questions To Find A New Path
1. What Is Your Career Motivation?
Did you say MONEY? That’s ok! There is no money shame here! It is totally ok if you are working in a career for the dough.
But there is a catch – if you are working in this job ONLY for the money you need to take a closer look at that.
It can be really scary to pull at this thread, but in order to find your most aligned self and life path, you need to do it.
If your current job takes all your mental energy or is so taxing to your physical health that you go home every day and numb yourself, your career might need a makeover.
The perfect job should allow you to feel good about the work you are doing and not rob you of your mental health and sanity.
Action Plan & Tips for making a career change
- Identify first if it’s the work or the workplace that needs to change.
- Spend time making lists of things you like to do. If nothing comes to mind, that’s ok. Take a break. Burnout often shows up and makes us feel like we can’t do anything. Try again in a few days.
- Use the list of things you like doing as a starting point. Go over each item and see where you can expand. Do you like cooking? Have you considered what you can do with that? There are so many new things out there that can do with your skills.
- Creative Careers Examples – Airbnb Experiences: maybe you host a class on how to make your favorite dish. Start a food blog: Do you have a passion for taking pictures of your masterpiece dishes?
2. Do You Have A Supportive Circle?
Do you surround yourself with people who share your core values and beliefs? Are the people around making a positive impact?
Getting stuck in patterns with others that are hindering our growth is a roadblock to finding your path in life.
Going different ways from long-term friends can be very difficult, but sometimes needed in order to get on the right track.
Things to Look For in your inner circle
- Does my best friend love to build me up and make me feel good? Or do they make you feel slightly judged or discouraged when you share big ideas and meaningful goals?
- Is the relationship a lot of hard work? Are you always drained or stressed out? It should take little energy when you are surrounded by the right people.
- Are the people in your life going in the right direction? It is common that when we age those around us go down different paths. To find your life purpose you don’t have to follow them.
3. Are You Giving Yourself Space To Find Your Passion?
I get that achieving a work-life balance is almost like a full-time job! But in order to find the passions you really need to separate yourself from the daily grind.
The way I came to find my new path was through solo travel. It allowed a new perspective towards life to emerge when I had the downtime and solidarity.
When I was off exploring new surroundings my inner voice started to tell me there was a greater sense of purpose to explore.
My current life is completely different as a result of my traveling alone. I became a stronger and more confident woman who found her passion.
Ways you can introduce space in your own life
- Take a solo trip, even if for just a weekend close to your hometown. A trip can be the best thing you can do to give yourself space. Look for your inner compass to take you somewhere you’ve always wanted to go.
- Make the conscious decision to set aside 3 or more hours a week where you shut off your phone and take a walk, or a bath or do something where you can just shut off.
- Write in a journey the key things you want in your future life. Ask the universe to help you gain clarity on what you should be doing on your journey of life. And be patient. The answers don’t always come on the same day, but they will come.
Be Patient While Your Life Path Evolves
Making major changes such as starting down new career paths can feel uncomfortable. A lot of imposter syndrome may arise as you start taking that next step into something new.
It is the universe’s way of testing us to be sure if we really want this new life we are aiming for. The hardest part can just be to trust that it will work out in the end when there are signs of trouble to start.
In my own life, I have experienced many setbacks and challenges when starting something new. The good things all did come in the end, but I did question many times if I had made the wrong decision.
If you know you are ultimately on the right path, just be kind and patient with yourself in times of distress.
What are some Breakthroughs To Finding A New Life Path?
Let me give you some examples from my own life. When I started to travel alone, I hated it. I felt pity for myself that I didn’t have someone to share my experiences with. Also, I didn’t feel like I had the expertise to write a blog. What the hell do I know about making a blog, I would think.
Then it began to dawn on me that the definition of professional or expert is someone with a lot of experience. And I have experience for days, years actually. That is when the wheels started turning.
Your breakthroughs might not be as obvious as you would like them to be. No one turned to me and said, “hey you are now living your true purpose.” It is just that I have a new sense of direction that is more of a meaningful life than I had before.
I may not have all the answers. What I do have to offer you are my humility and truths. Let my unfiltered and honest stories about my struggles help you in your journey to finding your life path!
Traveling Solo To Finding Your Path In Life
Solo travel does bring out life lessons that help you find your way. Traveling alone can bring out who you are inside. I believe getting to know who you are within opens the doors to getting everything else you want in your life. It can really be that simple.
Putting yourself in situations where you may feel a bit awkward or uncomfortable allows you the opportunity to grow. Honestly, there is no better way to get out of your comfort zone than traveling alone.
I realize traveling alone could sound downright dull and unappealing. But, think about how exciting it could be to try it just to see what happens. The saying “you won’t know until you try” is a saying I use often.
Traveling Alone Can Change You
Over the years, I have had to look deep into myself to find confidence. It may surprise a lot of people close to me, as I am a naturally driven and ambitious person. Those that do know me well might say I give no Fs. I just do want I want and appear as the most courageous woman out there.
When it comes to taking chances, I take them, I go for it, I stick my neck out, and I try. And honestly, I have no regrets. Then why is there a need for me to find confidence in myself? What inner work do I need?
I am talking about self-worth and self-recognition. I do have the natural confidence to do things required to make changes to my life. However, I don’t have enough inner strength to hold my own in a self-worth contest.
Always felt like if I could be a little skinnier, prettier, smarter, I would have it ALL. Does this sound like you?
In the past, there were specific places that were off-limits for me to travel alone. An example would be going solo to the south of France. I was saving that destination for when I had a man to go with me.
The ah-ha moment
Then one day, I just realized that I was depriving myself of things I wanted in life because I thought they wouldn’t be special alone. It was like I was telling myself I wasn’t enough, and I couldn’t enjoy time being me.
The sorrier I was feeling for myself, the more I was feeding that self-doubt, ultimately killing my inner confidence.
When it comes to attracting a partner, you need to have REAL confidence. That strong confidence gives you enough strength to stand alone. Being too accommodating isn’t sexy, and it doesn’t work. Standing tall in who you are is hot, and does work.
Books That Help You To Do Inner Work To Grow
Wouldn’t it be great if we just spent time doing all the work we needed on ourselves once, and then it was done? I sort of thought it worked that way. I would have a breakthrough in getting to my core and think, great! I’m healed! Let the fantastic benefits of my self inner work begin!
But, this is an ongoing practice. Much like daily affirmations, you need to be consistent. A continuous healing process that I have to remind myself of daily.
It’s not a once-and-done; it’s an everyday conscious mindset. The sooner that becomes something you accept, the less frustrating this all is.
There are several books that really have made a difference in helping me create this new life.
Some of my favorites are:
Traveling Alone To Find Yourself
Now getting back on track about the benefits of traveling solo. Traveling alone is something that can sound scary, sound impossible, and be something you absolutely don’t want to do.
For all you first-timers, know that YOU can do this. And it’s a good idea to start small. Don’t attempt a 3-week trip abroad your first time out the gate. Go somewhere within 3 hours of home for two nights.
Leave all your life’s disappointments at home. Take time for yourself. Think long and hard about what YOU want for the future. It can be incredible what can develop.
When you start on this incredible journey there are a few things to know:
- When traveling solo, don’t expect to fall in love with anyone else but yourself.
- Remember that the first time is always the hardest, so don’t be discouraged by travel mishaps.
- This journey is about new experiences and you getting to know yourself, not what a city can do for you.
- It may take more than one try to get it right, so don’t give up.
- Feeling sad, stupid, and lonely is normal. Don’t worry; the feeling does pass.
- Your friends and family may not be as supportive as you think they would be.
- People are often afraid of things they don’t know or would do themselves. Expect that some people will discourage your brave journey.
Plan A Solo Journey To Find Your Life Path
Preparing to go on a journey abroad is a lot of work. When you feel ready to take this step, I have some advice for you.
If you are traveling a great distance to visit somewhere like Europe or Asia, you may want to see muli-cities. In Europe specifically, it is really feasible to visit a couple different countries in just two weeks.
For your first solo journey abroad, you might want to take it easy, and not plan too ambitious of a trip. But, for those of you ready to go and see multiple destinations I have some great tips!
First, you should check out my guide for How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe. This guide not only has some very helpful tips but has a video on how to find cheap flights and a FREE PDF worksheet planner!
When you are choosing destinations to travel to, have a look at all the places I recommend. I visited all of these places solo over my ten years of traveling! The guides will help you choose the accommodations, dining options, and daily activities.
Inspirational Quotes to Help Finding Your Path in Life
“You got to go down a lot of wrong roads to find the right one”
-Arthur C Clarke
The only way we will really find a new life path is by being brave enough to walk a new one. I promise you that if you give it enough time, you will find your way.
“Pay attention to the things you are natuarally drawn to. They are often connectted to your path, passion, and purpose in life. Have the courage to follow them.”
-Ruben Chavez
Look out for little clues as to what your new life could include. Sometimes it is sudden little indications that something feels good. Explore that!
“Everything you want to be, you already are. You’re simply on the path to discovering it.”
-Alicia Keys
I found my new path by traveling solo. If you are not 100% convinced about solo traveling, read more on the 5 Benefits of Traveling Alone.
I hope you enjoyed reading my story, and are ready to start prioritizing yourself! No matter what you decide to do in the future with solo travel, the first step is saying yes to YOU! It will bring you that much closer to finding your life path!
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Love this post! All your posts are so inspiring and relatable!
Thank you for sharing your journey it has helped guide me to make better decisions for my own path… keep posting and I will keep reading ???
I am so happy to hear you are enjoying my posts! It can be hard to be so open and honest, but it’s worth it when I hear someone has benefited from it! More posts on the way!