I’ve been there. My business partners have been there.  Half of my clients have been there. The majority of my friends have been there too.

The qarter-life-crisis is a real thing, and it’s happening all around the world.  But it doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing, and from my experience, in most cases, the quarter life crisis is an important trigger for powerful and positive change (even though it can feel daunting and exhausting at the time).  Here are four key tips for not only dealing with a quarter-life-crisis, but actually embracing (and maybe even enjoying) it!

Change Your Mindset

When people experience a quarter life crisis, their default reaction is to panic. They often become anxious and overwhelmed and these feelings only work to exasperate the crisis.  In fact, a crisis is a signal that something needs to change and this can be a really positive thing. Sometimes people have been doing something they don’t enjoy for far too long, and this tipping point is just what they need to finally take action. Perceive the crisis as an important prompt – remember, your mindset matters! This is your chance to transform your life and/or career in a really positive way.

Focus Inward Before Going Outward

When people find themselves in a quarter life crisis, they look everywhere around them for help and guidance. They might bury themselves in distractions, seek the advice of friends (typically over one too many cocktails) or anxiously search job boards for something that might relieve them of their situation.  These are all band-aid solutions. The most important first step is to understand what’s going wrong. Are you doing something you hate? Are you with a company completely misaligned to your values? Are you feeling a lack of passion or purpose? Only once you understand what is going wrong can you take the necessary steps to overcome it.

Surround Yourself with Supportive and Empowering people

When we are feeling a certain way, our default is sometimes to surround ourselves with others feeling that way so that we feel less alone.  This can be dangerous because it only feeds your negative feelings and emotions.  Find people that believe in you and support you. Attend inspirational events and gatherings.  Think about your most inspiring friends or colleagues and organize coffee with them. Hire a coach who will support and empower you.  Whatever you do, don’t wallow. Surround yourself with people who will help lift you out of your funk.

Three Words: Bite Sized Pieces

It can be incredibly overwhelming to think about how on earth you are ever going to get yourself out of a quarter life crisis. At the time, you feel in a very dark and confusing place and nothing feels clear.  This can affect your confidence and self-worth which then makes things feel even worse.  The key is to take very small steps each day.  Don’t spend too much time dwelling on the end goal, just think about what you need to do next.  Perhaps it’s something as small as writing down everything you’re feeling. When we break big goals into small pieces, it helps diminish overwhelm and anxiety.  It’s great to have a vision, but focus just on your next step

If you’re in the throes of your quarter life crisis, I can definitely relate and understand this can be a difficult and confusing time. But the result of it might be a catalyst to move you forward in your life and career. Look for opportunity in the chaos, and you’re sure to find something amazing.