How to Figure Out What You Want in Life

 Determining exactly what you want to do in life is akin to navigating a labyrinth with no map. You know there’s an exit, a place where your ambitions, dreams, and reality align, but the path is anything but clear. It’s not just about picking a destination; it’s about understanding why you’re drawn to it, what it represents, and how it aligns with the deepest parts of who you are. This journey, fraught with introspection and self-discovery, isn't for the faint-hearted. Yet, it's the most rewarding expedition you'll ever embark on.

Discovering Your Life Goals

Learn how to identify your life goals and take steps to achieve them.
- List what you want: Create a list of things you want to do.
- Ask yourself: Reflect on your desires and aspirations.
- Visualize and plan: Imagine your future, set goals, and make a plan to achieve them.

1. Make a List of What You Want to Do

The act of writing has a strange way of clarifying thoughts. When pondering the grand question of what you want to do, start by making a list. But not just any list. This should be a raw, unfiltered compilation of every aspiration, job, hobby, or venture that sparks even the slightest intrigue. I remember sitting in my dimly lit room, armed with a pen and a notebook, letting my imagination run wild. From learning the art of Japanese pottery to leading a tech startup, everything made it to my list.

This list is not about feasibility; it's about unlocking the chambers of your desires without the guard of practicality standing watch. It’s astounding how this simple exercise can unearth long-forgotten dreams or highlight patterns in your interests. For me, it was the recurring theme of creativity and entrepreneurship that stood out—a revelation that steered my career pivot.

Insider Tip: Don't rush this process. Spend a few days adding to your list as new ideas pop into your head. The more comprehensive it is, the better.

2. Ask Yourself What You Want to Do

After you've spilled your dreams onto paper, it's time to introspect. Why do these particular aspirations resonate with you? What is it about them that lights a fire in your belly? This step is about connecting with your inner self on a profound level, peeling back the layers to uncover the essence of your desires.

I remember the first time I seriously asked myself what I wanted to do. It felt like standing at a crossroads, with each path representing a different version of my future. It was daunting, yet exhilarating. To navigate this, I found solace in journaling. Writing down my thoughts helped me understand my motivations and fears. It was a deeply personal journey that revealed my true aspirations weren't just about success or recognition but about making a meaningful impact and fostering connections.

Insider Tip: Reflect on moments in your life when you felt most alive or fulfilled. These are clues to what you genuinely want to do.

3. Think About What You Don’t Want to Do

Equally important as knowing what you want is understanding what you don’t want. This realization often comes from experiences that leave us feeling drained, unfulfilled, or frustrated. I've had my share of jobs that looked perfect on paper but felt soul-crushing in reality. It was through these experiences that I learned the value of aligning my work with my inner self.

Creating a "not-to-do" list can be incredibly enlightening. It’s not about dwelling on the negative but about recognizing what doesn’t serve your greater purpose or happiness. For me, this list was a clear indicator of the environments, tasks, and roles that I should steer clear of, guiding me closer to what I truly wanted.

Insider Tip: Be honest with yourself in this step. Acknowledging what doesn’t work for you is crucial in narrowing down your true passions.

4. Visualize Your Future

Visualization is a powerful tool in determining what you want to do. It involves picturing your ideal future in vivid detail, imagining not just the achievements but the feelings associated with them. When I first attempted this, I was skeptical. However, as I closed my eyes and envisioned my future — speaking at conferences, writing a book, leading a creative team — I felt a surge of motivation and clarity.

This exercise isn’t just about daydreaming. It’s about embedding these visions into your subconscious, making them a part of your inner narrative. Visualization has been shown to enhance motivation and increase the likelihood of taking the necessary steps toward your goals. It’s a method used by athletes, entrepreneurs, and artists alike to propel themselves forward.

Insider Tip: Create a vision board or a detailed written description of your ideal day in the future. Refer to it regularly to keep your goals top of mind.

Real-Life Example: Finding Clarity Through Visualization

Sarah's Story

Growing up, Sarah felt lost and unsure about her future. She struggled to figure out what she truly wanted in life. However, everything changed when she started incorporating visualization techniques into her daily routine. Sarah began setting aside time each day to visualize her ideal future, imagining herself in a career she was passionate about and living a fulfilling life.

Through this practice, Sarah gained clarity and a sense of direction she had never experienced before. She was able to identify her true desires and aspirations, which ultimately led her to pursue a career in graphic design. By visualizing her goals and dreams, Sarah was able to create a clear roadmap for herself and take the necessary steps to turn her vision into reality.

By sharing her story, Sarah hopes to inspire others to use visualization as a powerful tool for figuring out what they want in life and taking steps towards achieving their goals.

5. Write Down Your Goals

Once your aspirations start taking shape, it’s crucial to transition from vague ideas to concrete goals. This is where many falter, overwhelmed by the gap between their current reality and their dreams. However, breaking down your ambitions into achievable goals is a game-changer.

Start by setting SMART goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, instead of a nebulous goal like "become a writer," specify "write a 50,000-word novel in six months by committing to 1,000 words a day." This approach transformed my aspirations from intimidating mountains into manageable hills.

Insider Tip: Begin with the end in mind and work backward. Identify the steps needed to reach your ultimate goal, then break those down into smaller, actionable tasks.

6. Make a Plan

With your goals in place, it’s time to devise a plan. This isn’t about crafting a rigid, minute-by-minute schedule but about outlining a roadmap that guides your journey. My plan included timelines, milestones, and contingencies, acknowledging that the path to achieving what you want is rarely linear.

This step also involves identifying the resources, skills, and knowledge you’ll need. When I decided to pivot my career, I realized I needed to upskill. Thus, my plan included taking specific courses, networking, and gaining experience in my fields of interest. The act of planning made my goals feel more tangible and achievable.

Insider Tip: Keep your plan flexible. Be prepared to adapt and adjust as you progress and as circumstances change.

7. Take Action

The final and most crucial step is to take action. Dreams and plans amount to nothing without the courage to act. It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of planning and refining, but there comes a point when you must leap. For me, taking the first step was daunting, filled with fear of the unknown and potential failure. Yet, it was also liberating.

Action breeds momentum. Each step forward, no matter how small, builds confidence and brings you closer to realizing what you want to do. It’s about embracing imperfection and learning from each experience. Remember, the path to achieving your dreams is not a sprint but a marathon, filled with challenges and victories alike.

Insider Tip: Start with the smallest actionable step. It could be as simple as reading a book, attending a workshop, or setting up a meeting with a mentor in your field of interest.

In conclusion, figuring out exactly what you want to do is a journey of self-discovery and bold action. It’s about listening to your inner voice, challenging your fears, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Through introspection, visualization, goal setting, planning, and, most importantly, taking action, you can pave the way to a fulfilling life aligned with your deepest desires and aspirations. Remember, the only way to truly fail is by never attempting to reach for your dreams. So, embark on this journey with an open heart and an unwavering resolve to transform your life.