Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Examine Yourself
• Method 2 of 2: Change Your Life
• Tips

Do you feel like you are getting older and at the same time losing your way? Perhaps it seems to you that you have no path at all and you just go with the flow? Instead of berating yourself for not acting the way you think you should, take this feeling as a wake-up call. Start making changes in your life that will allow you to get on your chosen path.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Examine Yourself

1. 1 Explore your talents. If you feel inferior or immature, it may be because you haven't found and pursued your true talents. Part of growing up in this sense is achieving a certain degree of independence. Try a few professions or activities to begin with to unleash your innate talents. For example, after volunteering at a hospital, you may find that you are great at working with people or coping with difficult situations. This can lead you to a people-centered career.
   • Research shows that the most satisfied people in their lives find and pursue their innate talents. This is much more important than choosing a job based on popularity or income.
2. 2 Realize that your life is unique. Since there are no two people who follow the same path in life, your own development as a person is unique. It may be difficult for you to appreciate this, since we live in a society where there are expectations and where certain results are attributed to a certain age. For example, your community may expect you to get an education, find a job, and start a family (in that order). Or maybe you are expected to take care of a family member instead of living on your own.
   • It can be difficult to figure out what to do if social expectations conflict with what you yourself would like to do in life. Remember, research shows that the most satisfied people are not necessarily those who have chosen a career path based on prestige.
3. 3 Identify your passions. Find out what actions, people, or things make you act with the most enthusiasm and passion. This will help you feel more independence and satisfaction in your daily life. Try not to act impulsively. Instead, think about what already motivates you and learn to use those abilities.
   • For example, you may have realized that you really enjoy teaching other people. Leverage this knowledge and look for opportunities to harness this enthusiasm. You can help classmates with their studies, teach at school, or enroll in a pedagogical university.
4. 4 Think about what makes you happy. Start by making a list of as many happy moments you can remember. Write down as many details as possible about the events that come to mind. The list will help you understand what made you happy or energetic in these situations. You may notice that you were with certain people each time. Or find that you enjoy handling challenges. Since every person has their own concept of happiness, it is important to understand what you like best.
   • For example, your list might include things like video games, drumming, or painting. This can lead you to realize that you are happiest when using your hands.
5. 5 Find independence. This is especially important if you are young and rely on parental support. Take action to start taking care of yourself and your needs. For example, you might find a job to support yourself financially. Or, if you find yourself feeling lonely, plan some time with friends to unwind.
   • Don't rely on others to take care of you and your needs. Part of growing up is knowing that you are responsible for yourself.
   • Once you start supporting yourself, it’s easier for you to make your own decisions and stick to them.
6. 6 Make your own decisions. As we grow up, people around us often make all decisions for us (large and small). Part of becoming a personality is the willingness to make your own choices. You can start small, such as deciding which additional subjects to attend at school or where to eat. Gradually begin to make more important life decisions on your own.
   • For example, if you are unhappy with your job, you might decide to leave or change it. Or, if you are tired of living with your parents or roommate, you can rent a separate apartment and move out.

Method 2 of 2: Change Your Life

1. 1 Look for opportunities to develop your talents and interests. Once you understand what your passion is and what makes you happy, look for a job or volunteer opportunity. For example, if you find that you have always enjoyed interacting with your grandparents, you can try to find a job with an organization that helps older people. Or, if you are interested in video games, you can become a video game programmer or developer.
   • Look for opportunities that will make you happy in the long run. Ask yourself how you see your life in five or ten years. Then consider whether job offers or volunteering fits into that picture.
2. 2 Use your passion to find common ground with other people. Knowing yourself is an important part of growing up and creating your own life, but you should keep others in mind as well. Research has shown that when we share our passions with others, we fuel and develop them. Regardless of your hobbies, you can find a local or virtual community that shares similar interests. It may also happen that meeting new people will provide you with job opportunities that will allow you to fully focus on your interests.
   • For example, if you enjoy carpentry, look for local courses or experience sharing workshops. Most likely, they will give you advice on honing your skills and even talk about opportunities to make money on it.
3. 3 Take care of yourself. Part of growing up is developing self-care strategies.This means knowing how to respect yourself and deal with your emotional and physical needs. Thus, you will not be too dependent on others. For example, you should eat right, stay healthy, get plenty of rest, and build relationships that are respectful.
   • Also, learn to manage your desires and be happy without disturbing people who want to be left alone. For example, if you feel the need to rebuild a relationship with a family member but are rejected, learn to move on without satisfying that need.
4. 4 Experiment with daily activities and small changes. Establish a daily routine, even if it only consists of a couple of simple activities (for example, taking a shower in the morning or preparing your own breakfast). Sometimes life seems boring when we try to change everything at once. Start with those elements of your life over which you clearly have the most control. For example, you can rearrange the furniture in your home, change your hairstyle or outfit, or even make the habit of walking around the neighborhood every day.
   • If you want more clarity, sit down and write down what you plan to do the next day and what time. This will give you some sense of control over the changes in your life.
5. 5 Get an education. The right education can help improve life in many areas. You will be able to earn more money, know yourself deeper, expand your social circle and understand others better. There are many educational programs and opportunities. Choose a program based on your interests, finances, and commitment to a specific area.
   • For example, you can take a professional course in a craft, graduate from college, complete four years of university and get a bachelor's degree in a desired field, or even go to graduate / graduate school.
6. 6 Start developing relationships. It doesn't matter if you are looking for a romantic or a friendship based on mutual respect, they can all enrich your life. Build strong relationships with open communication, honesty, and dedication. Creating meaningful relationships doesn't happen overnight. Contribute to the relationship by resolving differences or unpleasant situations. This will show that you are in a mature relationship.
   • Be sure to be available to your partner or friend. Staying close to the other person only when it is convenient for you will not make you stronger and it will not do your friend or partner any good.
7. 7 Look for a job or volunteer opportunity. Most likely, you will need to support yourself somehow. Find a job that challenges, satisfies, and delights you. Understand that you may have to try several options before you find one that works. If you're not looking for a job, you still need to fill your time with something meaningful. Look for opportunities to volunteer in your community.
   • Volunteering is a great way to get to know yourself and the people in your environment who need help and learn new skills. It will make you feel more satisfied and help improve your social skills.

Tips

• Let your passion spread to the rest of your daily life. Once you get a better understanding of what you enjoy doing, you can learn to make sense of many small activities (from doing household chores to making breakfast).