There’s no direct path. Never was, nor will be. It’s always zig-zaggy, meandering, taking turns. Sometimes, it feels like you’re going backwards.
All that footwork is progress. Every step moves us forward along the path of life. Even if it’s all unclear and muddy.
So the best thing to do is to not get discouraged. To consistently continue pursuing this confused path like a mad man. To live; eventfully, gracefully.