“I’m not sure what I want”

In the last few weeks, I’ve had several conversations — with clients, with colleagues, and friends — that circle around the same thing:

“I want more purpose.”


They know they want more meaning in their work, more intention in their choices, and more connection to something that feels real.

But consistently, they also say:

“I don’t really know what I want. How do I figure that out?”

It’s an important question.

But many people use not knowing as a reason to wait.

  • They tell themselves they’ll take action when they have more clarity.
  • They’ll start a new behavior or policy after they have the whole picture.
  • They’ll hire a guide, shift the role, start the thing… once they know for sure what they want.

In the meantime they keep handling the job the same way.

  • They say yes to travel they don’t want.
  • They fill the weekends with familiar routines that aren’t rejuvenating.
  • They continue with surface-level conversations that don’t excite them, because going for depth might scare people off.
  • They chase goals that are familiar because they don’t want to disappoint anyone.

All because they think: “Once I’m clear, then I’ll act.”

But what I’ve learned is:

Confidence doesn’t follow clarity.
Clarity emerges when you pay attention to what matters, and act on it.

Momentum doesn’t come from clarity. You start moving, and clarity appears.

This is the kind of shift my clients learn to make.


And it’s the kind of question you can bring to my free Ask Me Anything About Coaching session this Friday.

  • I’m not sure what I want — how do I figure that out?
  • How do I figure out my purpose, when I’m so busy with tasks?
  • How do I stop waiting for the perfect answer and get moving?
  • How do I make changes when the big picture still feels blurry?
  • How do I lead with conviction when I’m not sure where I’m headed?

Bring your version of that question — or any other curiosity you’re carrying.

The Ask Me Anything is this Friday at 11am ET.

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MEET THE FOUNDER
Stephen Mayo

A Seasoned Executive and Consultant, Stephen Mayo is the founder of The Questions Company, bringing an innovative coaching approach to help leaders get their busy workload under control so they have the bandwidth to make even greater contributions.

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