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2020 has been an anomaly for all of us, to say the least. Things that used to feel so normal to us, like going on a spontaneous trip for the weekend, or grabbing coffee *inside* of a coffee shop (and without a mask), or even visiting our grandparents, are suddenly off limits.
The nature of our jobs has also been transformed. Most of us (if we’re lucky) are now working from home. And a lot of us, sadly, are no longer working.
Our world has been turned upside down, and there’s no telling just how much longer it will go on like this.
Related: Feeling Overwhelmed? 5 Ways to Counteract Stress
Experiencing such an upheaval like this on nearly every facet of our lives has forced many of us to an uncertain crossroads. Many individuals, couples, and even families are being forced to ask tough questions, such as:
Where do I go?
How do I live?
How do I afford to live?
What does this mean for my job/livelihood?
What does this mean for my future?
It’s not surprising that many of us feel like we’re at a crossroads in our life (myself included).
Making such major decisions is already hard enough, but during a year like 2020 when it seems like the entire world is at the mercy of a virus, such decisions feel even heavier.
If you’re wondering how to make a decision at a crossroads in your life, read on to gain some clarity.
5 Things to do When You Feel Like You’re at a Crossroads
1. Lean on those you love. Your family and your friends are your support network. Seek advice and comfort from those you trust the most within that network, and let them know what you’re feeling. Chances are that they are feeling or have felt something very similar, and they’ll be able to provide you with some guidance.
2. Examine what isn’t working. Take time to assess whatever isn’t working for you anymore. Is it your job? Your career? Where you live? Who you’re dating? Maybe it’s time to broaden your horizons.
3. Don’t stay inside. As tempting as it is to stay inside on your computer avidly researching solutions, don’t. You’re not going to find the answers to life’s problems buried deep within the search results on Google (although I hope this article helps you). Get outside to clear your head. Not only will your mood lift from the added Vitamin D, but you’ll find that you’re better able to focus.
4. Focus on what matters most, and forget the smaller details. Too much of the time we allow ourselves to become mired in the details, and forget the bigger picture. When you find yourself searching for reasons why something can’t work, focus instead on how it can. Smaller details are often distractions in disguise.
5. Learn, but don’t lament. Whatever mistakes you’ve made that have gotten you to this crossroads are all lessons you can learn from. However, it does you no good to continually regret or dissect those decisions. Instead, focus on what you learned from that experience, and what the positive takeaways are. Not only will this help you to move forward, but this will also help to better equip you for the next greater challenge.
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