Not knowing the answer is to a problem or issue is a normal state of affairs.  A large portion of our lives is spent on figuring things out.  Though it does not always feel like it, figuring it out is exciting and invigorating.

Without the need to determine what and how to act, basically seeking purpose, our lives would be boring and to a large extent meaningless.   We need the challenge of not knowing.

Approaches

There are many ways to figure things out.  These range from just passively following along to proactively analyzing options and planning a course of action.

Typically there is some balance between passive and proactive actions geared toward figuring out what to do.  Detailed analysis and planning can be overkill while coasting along and hoping for the best can be very risky.

Optimism

Recognizing that figuring things out is both natural and satisfying helps to address issues or problems where we often ask “why?” or ‘why me?’.

Actually, the need to determine what to do, that is, how to best spend your time, how to create pleasure and enjoyment for yourself, is really just what living is all about.

You will be able to figure it out, we always do, although the outcomes may not be fully desirable, ultimately they will be acceptable (You just need to figure out what acceptable looks like.)

To quote the lyrics of popster Bobby McFerrin’s hit song from the 1980s, “Don’t worry, be happy”.    The key to making this mantra a reality for yourself is believing there is nothing you can’t figure out.