Let’s be honest. Some days, you feel like you’ve got big dreams and the energy to chase them. Other days? Just getting out of bed feels like a win.

You’re at a stage where everyone seems to be asking you: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

“What are your goals?” “What’s your plan?”

And if you’re thinking, “I have no idea,” or “I want to do everything,” or “I just want to sleep,” that’s okay.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. But you can start building the habits that help you focus, stay motivated (even when you’re not feeling it), and move toward a life that feels good and meaningful to you.

 

Step 1: Start Small

Big goals can feel overwhelming. So start with something tiny:

• Drink water first thing in the morning.
• Make your bed.
• Finish that one homework assignment.

Small wins give you momentum. They teach your brain, “Hey, I follow through on stuff. I’ve got this.”

Try this: At the start of each week, pick one thing you want to do consistently. Write it on a sticky note or in your Notes app. Then do it. That’s your focus muscle growing.

 

Step 2: Find Your Own Why

Not everyone wants to be a doctor, start a business, or run for student council. And that’s okay. Your goals don’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Ask yourself:

• What makes me feel alive?
• What am I curious about?
• Who do I admire and why?

The answers don’t have to lead to a career right now. They just help you start listening to you, instead of copying what others are doing.

 

Step 3: Don’t Wait for Motivation — Build Routines

Here’s a secret: most people don’t feel motivated all the time. It’s true.  Even very successful people sometimes struggle with motivation.

The trick? Create routines that support your focus even when you’re not “feeling it.”

• A short morning routine (stretch, music, breakfast)
• A consistent time to start homework (with breaks!)
• A way to wind down at night (yes, this includes putting your phone down eventually)

Motivation comes and goes. But structure? That sticks.

 

Step 4: Avoid the Comparison Trap

Maybe your friend is already studying for the mid-term exams, and you’re still trying to remember what you had for lunch. Maybe someone else has a 5-year plan, and you can’t even decide on classes for year 12.

Please hear this: You are not behind. You are on your own timeline.

Don’t judge yourself if your goals or energy level don’t match someone else’s. We all grow at different paces. Be kind to yourself and to others.

 

Step 5: Encourage Others (and Yourself)

Something amazing happens when you build people up. You grow stronger too.

• Celebrate a friend’s win, even if it’s not your thing.
• Tell someone they’re doing a great job.
• Remind yourself of something you’ve done that you’re proud of, even if it’s small.

Encouraging others keeps your heart in the right place and your mind focused on what really matters: progress, not perfection.

 

It’s Okay Not to Know Yet

Not knowing what your life goals are doesn’t mean you don’t have direction. It just means you’re still exploring. That’s normal. That’s healthy.

Instead of pressuring yourself to figure it all out, just keep showing up. Try new things. Reflect. Repeat.

You’re not falling behind. You’re becoming you. And I think that’s pretty amazing.

 

Courtesy: Dr. Deepa Grandon, Transformational Life Consultancy (TLC)