You had a plan. Maybe it wasn’t a perfect roadmap, but it was something—a vision, a direction, a sense of purpose. Then life happened. A layoff. A loss. A slow drift into disconnection. One day, you wake up and realize you’re not where you thought you’d be. You feel lost. Off-course. Derailed.
But here’s the truth: Feeling lost isn’t the end of your journey. It’s a signal that it’s time for a new route—one that aligns with who you are today.
This blog is your invitation to pause, reflect, and begin again—not from scratch, but from experience.
Let’s Just Acknowledge the Truth: It’s Okay to Feel Derailed
We often mistake being off-track for being a failure. But derailment isn’t a character flaw—it’s a life experience. And it’s incredibly common, especially for those navigating major transitions in midlife, like divorce, empty nesting, or a career pivot.
When life throws a curveball or slowly shifts without notice, it’s easy to internalize it as defeat. But in reality, it’s an invitation to evolve.
Keyword note: “feeling lost in life,” “how to get back on track after life changes”
You’re Not Starting Over — You’re Starting From Experience
One of the most powerful mindset shifts you can make is realizing you’re not at square one.
Think about it:
- You’ve faced setbacks and survived.
- You’ve learned what drains you and what lights you up.
- You’re more equipped now than ever before to make intentional choices.
Every detour has gifted you with insight. Now, it’s time to use it.
3 Steps to Re-Routing Your Path When You Feel Lost
You don’t need a complete life overhaul. What you need is clarity and a first step. Here’s where to begin:
1. Reconnect with What Matters Most
Start by reflecting on the present—not your past dreams, but your current truth.
Ask yourself:
- What truly matters to me now?
- What am I craving more of in this season of life?
- What values feel most aligned with who I’ve become?
Example: After becoming an empty nester, one woman I worked with realized her former goal of corporate leadership no longer excited her. What she craved was creativity and freedom. She started painting again—and eventually launched a side business that brought her joy and income.
2. Let Go of the “Shoulds”
Letting go is just as important as holding on.
Ask yourself:
- What expectations am I still carrying that no longer serve me?
- Am I chasing a dream that belonged to a former version of me?
You are allowed to pivot. You’re allowed to evolve.
Example: A recently divorced client thought she should stay in the same city for stability—but her heart longed for a fresh start. She moved closer to the ocean and rediscovered peace.
3. Take the Next Tiny Step
Don’t wait until you have the entire plan. Start small.
Ask:
- What’s one action I can take today that supports who I want to become?
- Who could I talk to that encourages my growth?
- What can I let go of to make room for something new?
Even the smallest steps can shift your trajectory. Progress isn’t about speed—it’s about direction.
Remember This…
You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re simply at a turning point.
Derailment isn’t a dead end—it’s a detour with purpose.
And maybe, just maybe, this moment of feeling lost is the beginning of the life that truly fits you. One aligned with your values, your growth, and your legacy.
Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re ready to grow. If you’re ready to re-route with intention and clarity, I’d love to be in your corner. Let’s connect and explore what your next chapter could look like.
Contact Liz to learn more: liz@legacyofgrowth.com or click here
