Recently, I read something I learned back in grad school and decided it was a perfect illustration for something I’ve been seeing in my coaching. It has to do with the importance of spatial cognition—specifically, a visual point. We know that humans cannot walk in a straight line if they don’t have a point of focus. When blindfolded, we will eventually walk in a circle. It’s why people get lost.

Regarding your career, are you walking in a circle? If you could draw your work and career on paper, would it look like one big doodle? Until you determine where you want to go and who you want to be, you’re meandering…in circles.

Here are three common scenarios I see in my work with professionals and what to do.

If you are unsure because you lack exposure to the possibilities, try something, being sure to set a time period to determine whether it is for you. Avoid getting too comfortable in a wrong situation and staying there simply because its easy. Conversely, good counsel will prevent you from being too hasty, as everything takes time to germinate.

If you are in the mainstream, just floating along, make sure it’s where you want to go. It would be a travesty to get to the end and find yourself dissatisfied or can’t wait to retire, simply because you just went along. Have the courage to name it and begin a plan to change something.

If you’re experienced and unsure, chances are you’ve already decided and are simply reluctant to act. You’ve stayed too long where you are and now its hard to consider something else. Instead, you should be clear about what’s holding you back, like the financial, relational and work changes, and then set timelines for yourself to act. Continuing to remain where you are out of convenience exacts a steep price.

In the end, it’s up to you to determine what will give you career fulfillment. Don’t be held back because the uncertainty of change makes you anxious. Stay true to who you are and where you want to go. Come to terms with and commit—to your current situation or move to another. You owe it to yourself and to those around you.