Do Things To Know What To Do

We discover whether something fits us in practice — not theory.

I talk a lot about discernment. I make videos about how to make good decisions. Until a few months ago, my job was working with young people trying to discern God’s will for their lives.

It then surprises people when my advice is Just. Do. Something. 

I’m supposed to be the discernment guy, and my advice is to just do something?

Well, it depends. If a person never has never reflected on what life is all about, I would want to explore those big questions. If a person does not make time for silence, I would talk about how we need to take a step back to understand our activity. 

But if a person checks those two boxes but is weighed down by uncertainty, then yes, just do something.

Last week, I read the reflection of a college senior who is discerning what to do with his life. He has holy desires and has been praying for guidance. He writes: 

“I am not sure what to do. What is the next right step? Over and over again, during moments of prayer at the Grotto, I have asked God to guide me. The answer is unclear at the moment.”

Things may continue to be unclear for him — and for most of us. 

But we get closer to clarity by just doing something. We need to gather data to know what to do: