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Not knowing what you want in your career can feel like a constant weight, especially if you’re prone to overthinking and getting caught in an endless loop of “What ifs.”
Many of my clients wait for a clear, defining moment that will point them in the right direction, but in reality, that clarity often only comes after they start exploring.
How to Let Go of Overthinking
One of the biggest obstacles to finding a career path is the pressure to get it exactly right from the start. If you’re constantly weighing every option or afraid of making the “wrong” choice, you might find yourself stuck in your head, circling through possibilities without making ANY moves. When you’re consumed by analysis, it’s nearly impossible to make decisions aligned with what you truly want.
Instead, take a step back and recognize that there are no perfect answers or wrong choices. Start by exploring different roles and fields, even if they’re not exactly what you imagine yourself doing long-term. Every experience will give you valuable insight, showing you what energizes you and, just as importantly, what doesn’t.
One of the biggest myths around finding a career you love is the idea that you should have it all figured out upfront. In reality, most people’s desires change as they collect new experiences, skills, and interests. So rather than forcing yourself into a box, allow your career goals to evolve. What excites you today might be different from what excites you in a few years, and that’s perfectly okay. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Tune In to Your Intuition
It’s easy to get stuck in a purely logical approach when making career decisions, but your intuition can often reveal what’s most important to you. This doesn’t mean you should disregard practical considerations; rather, consider what feels right alongside what makes sense on paper. Trust that your instincts can help guide you, especially when it comes to identifying which environments, cultures, or industries might be the best fit.
To help ease the pressure, try this affirmation: “Every day, I’m shown what I don’t want, and that brings me closer to what I do.” .
Once you’ve narrowed down a direction or field, the best way to gain clarity is to take action, however small. Begin with one step, like talking to someone who works in a job that interests you, enrolling in a workshop, or updating your skills to fit a new role. Each small action builds momentum, clarifies your preferences, and reveals opportunities that may have been invisible before.
Taking action doesn’t mean you’re stuck on one path forever. Actually, it’s the opposite—taking action gives you real experience that helps you adjust and find what works best as you go, rather than spending endless time just thinking about it.
