It’s easy to recognise that something needs to shift—whether it’s in your job, your relationships, or your sense of purpose. But the real challenge lies in deciding what that change should be and how to make it a reality.

Let’s walk through the steps that will help you make those easier, firm, confident decisions that will lead to a new chapter in your life.

1. Identify the Type of Decision You Want to Make

The first step in breaking free from that “stuck” feeling is clarity. What kind of decision are you facing?

For most of my clients, the hardest part is simply figuring out where to start. Before you can make any lasting decisions, take stock of your current situation and get specific about the type of decision you want to make. Are you unhappy with your career path? Are your relationships draining you? Do you feel disconnected from the life you’re leading?

Perhaps you’re dealing with something more immediate, like escaping a toxic work environment or addressing a personal relationship that no longer serves you. Or maybe you’re experiencing burnout, where the balance between work and life feels impossible to achieve.

Acknowledging where you are is the first step to understanding where you need to go.

2. Stop the Guilt Trip

It’s common to feel like you’re behind—like you should have achieved more by now, or that your life should be further along. But holding onto that guilt only adds pressure, making it harder to make clear, considered decisions.

Let go of the idea that you’re somehow failing because you’re at a crossroads. No one makes empowered decisions from a place of guilt or shame. When we rush to “fix” things out of fear or embarrassment, we often end up making decisions we regret later.

So, take a pause. Breathe. Give yourself the time and space to figure out what you really want, rather than what you think you’re supposed to want.

3. Consider Your End Goal

What’s your ultimate destination? Instead of focusing on everything you think needs fixing, consider the end result you’re aiming for. You don’t need to have a detailed life plan, but think about the overall feeling you want to bring into your life.

Perhaps you’re seeking more peace, balance, creativity, or freedom. Visualising your end goal will help you make decisions that align with the bigger picture.

One creative tool you can use here is a mind map. Start by writing down the core ingredients of your dream life. As you review your mind map, look for patterns or themes. What elements keep appearing? These are clues to the life you’re aiming to build.

4. Turn Your End Goal into Your Why

Once you’ve painted that big picture of where you want to go, use it to guide your next steps. Your end goal, or rather your “why”, becomes your compass, helping you make decisions with ease.

Ask yourself these questions before taking action:

1. Does this move me closer to my “why”?
2. Will it help me develop a skill that supports my “why”?
3. Is it a stepping stone towards my bigger vision?

If the answer is yes, then it’s worth pursuing. If not, it may be time to reconsider.

5. Make a Plan to Bring Your Decision to Life

Now that you’ve made your decision, it’s time to take action—but in a thoughtful, deliberate way. Jumping into action too quickly can lead to burnout or mistakes. Instead, approach your new path with a holistic view.

Take a life audit. Look at where your time and energy are currently going. What’s working for you? What isn’t? This audit will help you make space for the new direction you want to pursue.

Break your goal down into manageable steps, and create a roadmap that makes the path forward clear. When you give yourself the space to breathe and strategise, your decisions will come from a place of calm, confidence, and purpose.

Remember, being at a crossroads doesn’t mean you’re lost—it’s an opportunity to redirect your life towards something even better.