Not to brag, but I'm pretty good at being confused. I'm an extremist, taking a liking to projects and ideas that are challenging. I admit I'll work too hard on one thing and could stand to be more well rounded, but I like to be passionate - certainly a good trait if well maintained. People like me, and you might be one of them, tend to get depressed when we can't find our motivation quickly. In this case, I have tips on keeping your sanity during layover periods. Though it's not an easy spot to be in, there are things to do the day you wake up and realize life's not what it used to be.

Appreciate the New

Remember as a kid, when you had seen every episode of Spongebob five times - to the point that you had them memorized? If you happen to be in college, consider this: So much of your life up to this point has been out of your hands. You were forced into kindergarten, forced into high school, and possibly pressured into higher education. With each piece of confusion you have in your head, try to consider this a detox of sorts. You made it. You're alive. Do something with that. After all, there are still a lot of "firsts" to enjoy.

Recognize Friendship

It may be that you floated through high school. There's not shame in that, certainly. Did you spend time with people simply they were there? Maybe at school, at practice, or at rehearsal? As life moves ahead, it's not always convenient to find a social circle, but this can be good. It can mean getting involved in activities purposefully and picking your hangouts with a bit more intention. Rely on those who stick with you. Consider who it is that checks in with you, long enough to see how you're really doing. They say that college is a time to be weeded out, and that's true in many senses. Don't turn your back on anyone, but use this as a chance to focus on your support group.

Kill the Fear

Will you do a favor for me? Thanks, I appreciate it. Take a deep breathe in, hold it for a moment, and then let it out. Feel better? Are your shoulders more relaxed? Have your eyes opened up a little? Fear is one of those things that can kill any of us. I like to think of freedom as the little moments where there are no parachutes or safety nets - the feeling you got in grade school when it was time to release Mom's hand and walk inside? That's what a crossroads feels like. Every day. Don't let that bind you. You know now that there was never any danger in that first day of school. In the same way, there is help in this world for you. But if your eyes are closed, it becomes hard to think logically, and your ability and willpower can deflate. Breathe, guys.

You Aren't Alone

Are you afraid to make eye contact? Nervous about calling the friend you know could talk you out of a negative place? Even those who aren't deciding what to do can get like this. Aim to see - at least a little bit - the world in front of you. The truth is that this time matters. Books continue to be written about it. Films are released each year with characters who face difficult decisions. Your pain is felt by a lot of people, even those who are successful. You'll know when it's right to get back out there. Until then, what's good is that there's is still a world outside of you. There are healthy people who are willing to influence you and lift you up. When they come around, be with them.

Remember

There may come a time when someone; be it your kid, your friend, or a classroom; is inspired by your story. Forgive, but don't forget. When you've decided what to do, and you're passionate enough to wake up excited about the day ahead, recall the moments of pain and anguish you suffered through. However messed up it is, you may find fondness in these memories. Even miss the freedom you used to have when it's over. Our brains are weird.

Robert Frost It

Maybe the road you're on is uncommon, and you're not sure of anyone else who has taken a similar path. Congratulations, because it's hard to go against the grain. The black sheep can be the one to change the world. Uniqueness. It doesn't make you a freak; it doesn't make you irresponsible. It makes you powerful, if you give it a chance.

Utilize Anger

Ever been in a gray area where you can't seem to simplify a choice and just do the right thing? When it happens, those around you may not know how to help. They might see a testiness in you, and even assume that it's about them. Anger can be used in a positive way. It can be the boldness and courage it takes to relieve you of stuff that no longer belongs in your life. Consider that being in the middle of nowhere for long enough - not being able to pick a major, not being able to pick your nose without being paranoid - can be the final push to delete an old photo or to be a part of something new.

Remember Who You Wanted to Be

You do you. Although looking to the past for too long is a risk, I believe that much of the reason people are confused as twenty-somethings is that they had goals as a younger person that aren't quite adding up. Luckily, YouTube nostalgia exists. Finding something you forgot about, or watching an old TV show and realizing how young the actors were may bring back something in you that you forgot about, or maybe didn't believe you still posses. It may may bring you hope.

Control What You Can

The small things you have control over can help keep your sanity from what you don't. Sleep schedules, meal times, projects; can all build consistency and help you find peace.

Appreciate Failure

Many of us reach a point where we no longer feel unstoppable. Take note of your failures. Appreciate them. I have no problem with popstars, but we see what happens when young people in the spotlight crash suddenly and have little experience in getting back up. Learn from them. Keep your failures close to your heart. Treat them like vaccines.

You Aren't Behind

Some people find what they want to do in college. For some, it happens at six years old, and for some it genuinely comes at sixty. If someone has found what's important to them, it's beautiful. But consider that those who are in a great spot now may find gratification in something else later. And don't mind the showoffs, they're probably scared too.

Your Safe Place

Are you someone who frequently leaves campus to be with your family? Do you take solace in that one coffee shop that no one else seems to know about? Maybe you just like to hang out in Chuck E Cheese and pretend the child you're sitting near is yours?Where do you turn when things don't make sense? Because whatever it is, that place is awesome.

Be Kind

Opportunity is held within the people you meet, and you never know who it is you're talking to. But more importantly, this time might give you some perspective on what it means to be in a tough spot. To not have security in yourself, at a time when you may have a car that runs or a house to sleep in. There are always people worse off. There are people who need, more than anything, a smile from a stranger. Maybe a retail employee had to come in sick to work, maybe the teller at your bank just didn't want to get out of bed today. Being at work can be zombie mode for many people. Wake them up. A quick, "Have a nice day," as you're leaving can reaffirm the knowledge that small actions are valid - good to know if you're taking the action of searching for photos of places you'd rather be.

Learn About Yourself

Like a grape, you made not know what's on the inside until you're squeezed. Take time to reflect. Don't dwell on past mistakes, but learn your interests. Consider your strengths; consider your weaknesses. Self awareness might train you for what you'll take on when you do find your way. Keep it positive, but be pensive when you can be.

You Have Choices

A few years ago, I had a conversation with my Mom on being young and confused. She informed me of something important that day. I have choices. As you grow older, it's very depressing to feel stuck. More than that, many people of earth have no choice in their career, their living situation, or in what it is they are legally allowed to do. There are people who would like to make decisions. Where there are options, there is potential. There are also those who have the means to succeed, but lack ambition. Within you is something to be curious about, and something to look forward to. Although vulnerability may be a weakness, it's certainly those willing to have the hard conversations with themselves who are strong.