Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual, and choices are always changing. We may decide certain things early on that we come to outgrow, only to feel stranded and even tied down by our current way of living. Spouses and parents often feel guilty for dreaming bigger, as if their desire to experience to get more out of life means they aren’t grateful for the one they have.
Humans were not made to stagnate; by the time you’re 30, there is still a great deal of life stretching before you. Whether you’re wondering what comes after the big milestones or worrying you’re too late, this mini guide is for you. It will help you reassess where you are, where you want to go, and help you figure out the best path to get there.
Look at Your Values
What do you value the most in life? People who are miserable with their jobs and the endless rat race often realize their current work-life balance doesn’t provide them anything they find truly meaningful. Even CEOs with six-figure salaries can become disillusioned by the day-to-day, often reaching a point where they wonder if this is really all there is.
Your values are the most essential components of your life. They provide structure to your inner narrative, and they help you know what things to strive for and which to avoid. You may come to realize that you’ve been living a life fueled more by expectation and anxiety than passion and authenticity; if so, don’t waste time feeling guilty or mourning any should-have-been’s.
Now, it’s time to get serious about establishing clear ideas about what matters to you.
Stop Being a Slave to Money
Whether you are always working or can’t earn enough, a life that revolves entirely around money is bound to make you miserable. Those who live in poverty or paycheck-to-paycheck never have the time or financial opportunity to pursue things that make life fun and rewarding. Others who work constantly have plenty of income to spare but no time to do anything with it.
You need to figure out a budget, get out of debt, and start striving toward a life that is meaningful in ways that are not connected to your financial status. If you’re currently struggling, one thing that may be able to help you get a fresh start is a personal loan to pay off credit card debt. You can check your eligibility and review personalized loan offers here; enter some information, and results will be ready for you in fewer than 60 seconds.
Get Help if You Need It
There’s no shame in talking to a professional, especially if you’ve been wrestling with the same emotions or negative thoughts for years. Therapy or life coaching can help you gain valuable insight about patterns in your life and why you seem destined to repeat them.
They can also help you realize that this isn’t true, and there is always the power to change, transform and grow as long as you are willing to try. Whether it’s for your mental health or career planning, look for professionals who can support you and help you decide which steps you should take to become who you want to be.
