Confused at crossroads?: Take a pause & listen to your inner voice

Time of India

06-07-2025

Growing up, previous generations faced limited choices, unlike Gen Z navigating a world of endless possibilities and overwhelming options. While this abundance can lead to confusion, it's a byproduct of opportunity.
When we were growing up, life offered limited choices. Career paths were straightforward. Entertainment had its boundaries. The lucky ones had a TV at home, but even for them, options were few.
At 7.30pm, the only dilemma was whether to watch 'Krishi Darshan', a programme for farmers, or stare at the ceiling. Simpler? Yes. Less overwhelming? Definitely.
Now imagine Gen Z. They're not standing at a simple fork in the road; they're at a full-blown traffic junction with 97 blinking signs. There are thousands of careers, dozens of passions, millions of opinions, and a strange algorithm constantly suggesting what to eat, wear, watch, or even feel.
And ironically, it's the older generation (us), the very people who built this multichoice world, who now say, 'You kids are so confused these days'.
But let's be fair. Options aren't the enemy. Confusion isn't a flaw. It's the byproduct of possibility. Real art lies not in avoiding choices but in learning how to choose wisely. Sometimes, you'll choose the wrong option but that's okay. In fact, it's brilliant. Because failure isn't a detour; it's the actual syllabus.
The jobs you quit, the friendships that faded, the courses you didn't finish — they're all part of your growth chart.
It's not wasted time; it is a character being carved. Just don't hang on to the wrong choices, either by sulking over them or convincing yourself they deserve another chance.
'To be or not to be…' when Shakespeare wrote those lines, he couldn't have imagined an entire generation would ask themselves the same thing 20 times a day.
Having options is a privilege. Indecisiveness is a burden.
So, what should you do when you're stuck at a crossroads?
Take a pause. Step back from scrolling, opinions, and the buzz. Look beyond Instagram filters and viral success stories. Mute the noise for a bit. Listen to that quiet voice inside — the one that doesn't scream but always knows.
Make one decision. Not necessarily a perfect one, just a brave one, and walk that path.
If you stumble, learn from it. Course-correct if needed. Remember, you're not supposed to have it all figured out at 20. Or even at 30. Life isn't a single choice. It's a series of them. Each turn, each mistake, each restart adds up to the story only you can tell. And if you're stuck, start eliminating. Sometimes, clarity doesn't come from choosing.
It comes from crossing things out.
In a lighter vein…The next time you find yourself at a crossroads, don't freeze. Flip a coin, if you must. Not to let chance decide, but to listen to your gut while the coin is in the air.
Chandra Shekhar Varma (The writer is a behavioural scientist, leadership coach and a relationship counsellor)