If you find you are not moving forward in your independent life, start by admitting that you are struggling. Imagine the life you want instead of where you are currently stuck. Sometimes it only takes a few actions to get unstuck and move forward. Other times (depending on how long you have been stuck) it can take more intervention including therapy, career counseling, transition housing, more education or a job or apprenticeship. Accept the help you need to get to independence. You do not have to do this journey alone. Now is the time for you to take control of your new independent life.

Tips for Emerging Adults To Move Forward

• Make a list of your fears that are keeping you from moving forward. Start by being honest with yourself. Everyone experiences fear and anxiety when it comes to making transitions. Change is good but it can be difficult. Make a list of your fears and review them to see if they are reasonable. If you are not sure, discuss them with friends, parents, mentors, or a therapist to separate your feelings from the facts.  
• Image an independent life and write down what that looks like to you. The only reason for you to move forward to adult independence is to drive your own life. Up to this point, your parents were driving. Now you can determine the destination and when and where to stop along the way. What does your imagined life look like? Where do you want to land?  This is your life. Take credit for the successes and address any challenges on your own terms.
• Make a list of your dreams and aspirations. Whether there is a trip you want to take or a career that you think is unattainable, be specific in your list and identify the hurdles that are in your way. If you are going to work hard for something, it should be something that you want to achieve. This can be career related or an adventure you want to experience. Give yourself something to work towards that will result in your satisfaction.
• Start with some small steps. Sometimes it only takes one action to make a change.
  Consider actions from taking a walk every day to learning how to cook something or setting up social engagement. With each success, you will gain confidence. If you’re stuck, brainstorm with others to define some small steps you can take to move forward.
• If you have been stuck for a while, consider seeking professional help. Sometimes your brain is stuck in fear mode, and it’s hard for you to overcome the hurdles. Fear can be debilitating if you have lived with it too long. Seek out professional help from a therapist, a career advisor, or a life coach to help you get unstuck and achieve your goals.

Debbie Murad, LCSW provides emerging adult launch therapy and wraparound services. Her practice specializes in supporting families and young adults with behavioral and mood disorders including anxiety and depression, attachment disorder and other emerging adult challenges. By providing multiple services to failure to launch young adults, Debbie Murad combines therapy with a custom mix of life skills, education and career counseling to help young adults take ownership of their future. The program also helps parents and emerging adults break their unhealthy communication patterns to become supportive partners in healthy separation with love. Email us at [email protected]  to learn how Debbie Murad, LCSW can help your emerging adult and your family thrive. Or call her office at 424-625-3145.