How to Figure Out What I Want in Life as a Young Adult

Life in your teens and twenties can feel like standing at a crossroads with hundreds of roads ahead. Everyone seems to be asking the same thing: “What do you want to do with your life?” And honestly, most young adults don’t have a clear answer. That’s why so many of us wonder how to figure out what I want in life as a young adult.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, confused, or even pressured about your future, you’re not alone. The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to get clarity. Let’s walk through them together in a way that’s easy, honest, and practical.

Step 1: Accept That It’s Okay Not to Know Yet

The first thing to realize is this: you don’t have to figure everything out right now. Life is not a straight path. For many people, figuring out what they want takes time, trial, and error.

Instead of panicking, start with curiosity. Treat your 20s like a season of exploration. Every job you try, every class you take, and every skill you learn brings you closer to understanding yourself.

Step 2: Ask the Big Questions

One of the best ways to figure out what you want in life as a young adult is to ask yourself meaningful questions. Try journaling with prompts like:

What activities make me lose track of time?

What subjects or topics do I enjoy learning about?

When do I feel proud of myself?

What kind of people do I admire, and why?

The answers to these questions will reveal patterns. They’ll show you the values, passions, and skills that matter most to you.

Step 3: Focus on Your Strengths

Sometimes it’s easier to notice what we’re good at than to decide what we love. Take a strengths test, ask friends what they think you do well, or reflect on moments when you felt competent and confident.

When you build your life around your strengths, you’ll find more joy and success. Even if you don’t know the exact career path yet, knowing your strengths gives you a solid starting point.

Step 4: Try Things Out

Clarity comes from action, not just thinking. Don’t wait for the “perfect idea” before you start moving. Experiment instead.

Volunteer for a cause you care about.

Intern in a field you’re curious about.

Take a free online course on a subject that excites you.

Start a small side project just for fun.

Each experience will teach you what you enjoy—and what you don’t. Both answers are equally helpful in figuring out your direction.

Step 5: Pay Attention to What Feels Right

As you try new things, notice your feelings. Did you feel energized, inspired, or proud? Or did you feel drained, bored, or stressed?

Your emotions are signals. They help you see what fits you and what doesn’t. Following these signals over time will naturally guide you closer to the life you want.

Step 6: Learn from Role Models

Look at people who inspire you. What do you admire about their lives? Is it their career, their freedom, their creativity, or the way they help others?

Role models can give you clues about what matters to you. You don’t have to copy them, but you can borrow ideas and adapt them to your own journey.

Step 7: Define Success in Your Own Words

Many young adults feel lost because they’re chasing someone else’s idea of success—like money, status, or popularity. But true fulfillment comes from living in line with your own values.

Ask yourself: If no one else’s opinion mattered, what would success look like to me? Your answer might surprise you.

Step 8: Take Small Steps Forward

You don’t need to figure out your entire life at once. Instead, set small goals that align with your values and interests. For example:

If you love writing, commit to a daily journal.

If you’re curious about business, start a mini online shop.

If you want to help people, volunteer at a local community center.

Small steps add up, and they’ll keep you moving in the right direction.

Step 9: Be Patient with Yourself

Finding your path takes time. Some people discover it quickly, while others explore for years. Both are normal.

Give yourself permission to grow slowly. Every experience, even the mistakes, is part of the process. Remember, figuring out what you want in life is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing journey that evolves as you do.

Step 10: Keep Growing

The best thing you can do as a young adult is to commit to lifelong learning. Stay curious, keep reading, and surround yourself with people who inspire you.

If you’d like extra support, there are great resources out there. You can download other self-growth eBooks that go deeper into these ideas and give you step-by-step guides:

Explore practical guides here: https://payhip.com/lifechangingreads

Find self-growth resources I’ve written here: https://www.awahawehwrites.com/selfgrowth-ebooks

Or connect with me directly here: https://wa.me/c/237673283926

Each resource can give you new tools and fresh perspectives to keep moving forward.

Conclusion: Finding What You Want Is a Journey

So, how to figure out what I want in life as a young adult? The answer is simple but powerful: stay curious, explore, and keep learning. Start with small steps, pay attention to what excites you, and allow yourself to grow.

It’s okay if you don’t know everything right now. In fact, it’s normal. What matters is that you’re asking the right questions and taking action. With time, you’ll discover what feels right for you.

And remember—you don’t have to walk this path alone. There are plenty of tools and guides to support you along the way. If you’re ready to dive deeper, check out the self-growth eBooks, visit my personal growth collection, or reach out directly on WhatsApp.

Your journey is just beginning, and every step you take brings you closer to the life you’re meant to live.