You may know the question all too well. Especially if you are a recent graduate, or have experienced transitional phases in your life. Here's some examples that may hit close to home:
- You studied social work? Cool, so what do you plan to do with that?
- Congratulations on the new marriage! When is the baby arriving?
- You quit your job? That's risky. Do you have a side hustle until you settle into something?
- Now that the season is over, how are you being proactive in staying sharp for the next one?
Curiosity is so important. I am a firm believer in this. I am also aware that a lot of times these questions stem from someone looking out for the best interest of a beloved, excitement regarding life stages, or just pure desire to know what's up. This is why, though sometimes I dreaded it, I worked to embrace the loving question of "what's next?" with open arms.
When you are struggling to find your way about the answer to said question you are not alone. There is a weird balance we must find between staying grounded in the present, while simultaneously planning for what is yet to come. Sometimes it is just hard. I was the person that always tried to have an answer prepared even if I had no idea, in order to curve the awkwardness.
So rather than asking you questions like what is next on the agenda or what your passions might be, allow me to rephrase. Take a minute to consider...
- I heard in a podcast once that looking back into our childhood is helpful in figuring out what we may be passionate about. What did you enjoy doing as a child? This could be making up dances, running your own grocery store, writing storybooks, etc.
- What kinds of things have caused a stirring in your heart? This could be an experience traveling, a line in a book, a movie plot, a class you took, creating music, being on the field with your teammates, etc.
- What is your story leading up to this point? What kinds of life experiences have gotten you to now?
Maybe you won't be able to answer these questions right now, but maybe they will allow you to think differently about what you would like to do next. Maybe there are fingerprints left by God that you have yet to take notice of or believe in throughout your life.
If you are in a hallway of life, breathe deep. Don't be afraid to be introspective. Don't let the busyness surrounding you guilt you out of your stillness. Remember, we are all trying to figure this life thing out and that's okay.