Confusion is a natural part of growth but in today’s fast-paced world, it’s often seen as a weakness. We live in a society that glorifies quick decisions and solutions. If you’re unsure about which career path to pursue or which course to take, you feel that you have to “figure it out fast” or risk missing out. But what if confusion is not a problem to fix?
Why Do We Feel Confused?
Confusion is often felt when we face important decisions:
- Which career path should I pursue? (Planning, contracts, QS, site management, or quality control?)
- Which course should I take to advance my career?
- Which country should I live in?
These questions are exhausting because they have no straightforward answers. When you’re unable to decide, you feel drained, unproductive, and stuck in overthinking.
But nothing is wrong with you. It just means that you care deeply.
Without confusion, there is no curiosity. And without curiosity, there is no learning. And without learning, there is no growing.
For example, I’m currently exploring construction law and dispute resolution. I feel unsure about how much time and money I should invest in this area. Should I pursue a prestigious master degree? Should I enroll in a professional certification?
The truth is, I don’t have to decide everything now. Instead, I’m taking small steps to reduce my confusion and explore the subject further. Therefore, I’ve started with this book on construction law (which is so good by the way).
This process of taking small, intentional steps helps me move forward without having the fear of making the “wrong” decision.
The Problem with instant gratification
Modern life has trained us to expect instant outcomes.
- Want a new phone? You can have it delivered in 24 hours.
- Hungry? Order food, and it’ll arrive within an hour.
- Unsure about a topic? Watch a YouTube video or read an article in minutes.
These conveniences are great, but they’ve shaped us to expect quick resolutions for everything. If you’re taking “longer than expected” to figure out your next move, you might feel anxious and frustrated.
But humans aren’t designed to live like this. Meaningful decisions take time, patience to explore without guarantees.
Joy Comes from the Journey, Not the Destination
We often believe that reaching a decision or achieving a goal will bring us happiness.
“If I finalize my career path, I’ll be happy.”
“If I get my expected salary, I’ll feel content.”
But that’s an illusion. True joy comes from the process of showing up every day and doing your best.
Joy comes from:
- Attending a training session while others are staying at home watching Netflix.
- Doing what you hate to shape a better version of yourself.
- Sacrificing what you love for long-term growth.
It’s about embracing the small uncomfortable steps that shape your future.
Navigate the Unknown
Imagine stepping into a pitch-dark room with a torch in your hand. The entire room is already there, but you can only see the limited space illuminated by your torchlight. As you take a few steps forward, more of the room becomes visible.
That’s how life works.
You don’t need to see the entire path ahead. You just need to take small steps with the knowledge you currently have.
Here’s how you can do this in your career:
- Watch a few tutorials on topics you’re curious about.
- Talk to a friend or mentor about their experiences.
- Read a book to dive deeper into your interest.
- Take a short introductory course.
The most remarkable achievements in human history weren’t made overnight.
- Cities were built through patience.
- Space exploration was achieved through patience.
- Peace agreements were signed after years of negotiation.
Your career and life are no different. It’s a long game and you must learn to embrace confusion and uncertainty without rushing for immediate answers.
Practice gratitude
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of gratitude.
Even when things don’t go as planned, be grateful for the process.
- If you complete a course that doesn’t offer you any benefits, it is okay.
- If a decision doesn’t bring the results you expected, it is ok too.
Confusion motivates you to take small steps and improve your knowledge in multiple directions as life unfolds without committing to a specific path “yet”. That’s how you grow as a human being.
Confusion Is a Blessing
If you’re feeling confused, don’t rush to fix it. Instead, recognize that this is a beautiful state of growth and exploration.
Take small steps in every direction you have confusion about.
Be patient with yourself.
And trust that clarity will come with time.
As for me, I’m still exploring construction law and figuring out how much I want to commit to it. I don’t have all the answers, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is that I’m moving forward – one small step at a time.
Confusion isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a sign of growth.
Keep going. 💪
Regards,
Osama Saad, MBA, PMP, PSP, CCP, PMI-SP
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