6 Simple Steps to Gain Clarity on What You Really Want

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Have you ever found yourself feeling lost or unsure about what you want in life? It’s a common experience that can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. However, gaining clarity and understanding what you truly want is crucial for your happiness, career, and overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore various strategies and techniques to help you figure out what you want in life.

Understanding yourself is the first step to figuring out what you want. This involves identifying your values, beliefs, strengths, weaknesses, and passions. When you have a clear understanding of who you are, it becomes easier to identify what you want out of life. Additionally, it’s important to clarify what brings you meaning and purpose. This can help you set meaningful goals that align with your values and vision for your life.

Navigating your career is another important aspect of figuring out what you want in life. Your career should align with your values and provide opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Creating a life plan can help you identify your long-term goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Overcoming challenges and seeking support along the way can also help you stay on track and maintain your overall well-being.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding yourself is crucial for figuring out what you want in life.
• Navigating your career should align with your values and provide opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
• Creating a life plan and seeking support can help you stay on track and maintain your overall well-being.

Step 1: Understanding Yourself

To figure out what you want in life, you must first understand yourself. This involves recognizing your values, identifying your skills, recognizing your desires, and identifying your limits. By understanding these aspects of yourself, you can gain clarity on what you truly want and what you are capable of achieving.

Recognize Your Values

Your values are the principles and beliefs that are most important to you. They guide your behavior and decision-making, and they can have a significant impact on your overall happiness and well-being. To recognize your values, take some time to reflect on what is most important to you. Consider what brings you the most joy and fulfillment, and what you are willing to sacrifice for. Once you have identified your values, make sure that your goals align with them.

Identify Your Skills

Your skills are the things that you are good at, and they can be a valuable asset in determining what you want in life. Identify your skills by reflecting on your experiences, education, and training. Consider what you enjoy doing and what comes naturally to you. Once you have identified your skills, use them to pursue your goals and aspirations.

Embrace Failure

Failure is going to happen. Many entrepreneurs, athletes, and motivational speakers have said, “Failure is the best thing that can happen to you.” Failure can serve as a powerful teacher, leading to valuable lessons and eventual success. So, stop worrying about what someone else thinks about you. What are you willing to fail at doing over and over again before success?

To determine what you are ready to fail at doing, it’s important to explore activities or pursuits that ignite a strong sense of passion and purpose within you. Consider the endeavors you are deeply committed to, regardless of the potential for failure. These are the areas where you are willing to take risks and embrace the possibility of setbacks because the journey itself is incredibly meaningful to you.

Reflect on the tasks or goals you are willing to pursue wholeheartedly, understanding that failure is an inherent part of the learning process and a stepping stone towards growth and eventual success. Identifying these areas can provide valuable insight into your true desires and aspirations.

What are you willing to do that you’re passionate about even if it embarrasses you? It’s ok to suck at something. There’s always room for growth. You might not know what you’re doing but one day you will. You just have to figure out what that thing is and go for it. Don’t let anyone else stop you. Don’t skip doing something because someone thinks it is stupid or they wouldn’t do it. It’s your life.

Recognize Your Desires

Your desires are the things that you want most in life. They can be related to your career, relationships, or personal development. Recognizing your desires involves reflecting on what you want to achieve and what you want to experience. Consider what motivates you and what you are passionate about not things you “should” want. Once you have recognized your true desires, use them to set goals and take action towards achieving them.

Discover Your Superhero Power and Save the World

The key to success in life and business is to solve a problem. So, what are you going to do to save the world.

Discover a problem that resonates with you and take the initiative to address it. While it’s clear that you alone cannot solve all the world’s problems, your contributions can make a meaningful difference. The sense of making an impact is ultimately crucial for your own happiness and satisfaction, as it equates to finding purpose.

Know Your Limits

Your limits are the boundaries that you set for yourself to ensure your safety and well-being. Identifying your limits involves reflecting on what you are comfortable with and are not. What do you not want? Consider what makes you feel safe and what makes you feel uncomfortable. What have you seen in others (friends, parents, co-workers) that works well and what doesn’t. Once you have identified your limits, use them to make informed decisions and set boundaries in your life.

Think About Your Childhood Passions

Reconnecting with childhood passions can be a powerful way to gain insight into what you truly want in life. To identify lost childhood passions, take a trip down memory lane and recall the activities and interests that brought you joy and excitement as a child. Think about the hobbies, games, or creative pursuits that captivated your attention. Consider how these activities made you feel and why they resonated with you. Revisiting old hobbies or engaging in related activities can help reignite the passion and enthusiasm you once had, providing valuable clues about your true desires and aspirations.

Figure Out Your Why

Step 2: Create Your Life Plan

When it comes to figuring out what you want in life, creating a life plan can be a helpful tool. A life plan is a guide that outlines your goals, values, and the steps needed to achieve them. Here are some steps to help you create your life plan:

Set Life Goals

The first step in creating your life plan is to set life goals. Your life goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Consider what you want to achieve in your personal and professional life. Write down your goals and make sure they align with your values.

Develop a Strategy

Once you have set your life goals, the next step is to develop a strategy to achieve them. Your strategy should outline the steps needed to achieve your goals. Consider what resources you need, such as time, money, or skills. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and set deadlines for each task.

Creating a life plan is a process that takes time and effort. The outcome of your life plan is a roadmap that can help you achieve your goals and live a fulfilling life. Review and update your life plan regularly to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with your values.

Journal Daily

Regularly journaling and reflecting on what is working well for you and what isn’t can be instrumental in helping you figure out what you want in life. This practice allows you to gain clarity on your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, providing valuable insights into your strengths, passions, and areas for improvement. By documenting your successes and challenges, you can identify patterns and themes that reveal what truly resonates with you and may not align with your aspirations. This self-awareness can guide you toward understanding your desires and goals, ultimately aiding in figuring out what you want in life.

Step 3: Navigate Your Career

When it comes to figuring out what you want in your career, it can be a challenging task. However, it is essential to take the time to evaluate your goals, strengths, and weaknesses to determine the right path for you.

Choose a Career Path

Choosing a career path can be daunting, but finding a path that aligns with your interests, abilities, and values is important. It is essential to take the time to research different industries, job roles, and companies to determine which path is right for you. When deciding, consider factors such as work-life balance, job satisfaction, and growth potential.

One helpful tool to consider is self-assessment. Self-assessment tools can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and interests, giving you a better idea of what career path may be right for you. Additionally, consider seeking a mentor or career counselor who can guide and support you as you navigate your career path.

Balance Work and Wellness

Balancing work and wellness is essential for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling career. It is crucial to prioritize self-care, such as exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep, to maintain physical and mental health. Additionally, consider setting boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout and stress.

One helpful tool for balancing work and wellness is time management. Effective time management can help you prioritize tasks, reduce stress, and increase productivity. Consider using calendars, to-do lists, and time-blocking tools to manage your time effectively.

In conclusion, navigating your career can be challenging, but evaluating your goals, strengths, and weaknesses can help you find the right path. Consider factors such as self-assessment and seeking guidance from mentors or career counselors to make informed decisions. Additionally, prioritize self-care and effective time management to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Step 4: Overcome Challenges

When figuring out what you want in life, you will likely encounter various challenges that may make the process overwhelming. However, it is possible to overcome these challenges by managing fear and anxiety and building resilience.

Manage Fear and Anxiety

Fear and anxiety can be significant barriers to figuring out what you want in life. They can make you feel overwhelmed and prevent you from taking action. To manage fear and anxiety, it is essential to identify the source of your fears and anxieties. Once you have identified the source, you can take steps to address it. For instance, if you fear failure, you can practice self-compassion and remind yourself that failure is a natural part of learning.

Another way to manage fear and anxiety is by practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness can help you stay present and focused on the task, reducing your anxiety and fear. You can practice mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques.

Build Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. Get comfortable with change and try new things.

Build resilience to help you overcome the challenges you encounter when trying to figure out what you want in life. Focus on what you can control. Instead of worrying about things that are outside your control, focus on what you can control, such as your attitude, effort, and actions.

Another way to build resilience is by practicing self-care. Self-care involves taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. You can practice self-care by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.

Be Patient

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was your life. You didn’t just fall into this moment. So, why would you expect to have the rest of your life figured out in the flash of a second?

Life is a journey that is meant to be enjoyed over time. Patience allows you to approach life calmly and openly, enabling you to explore different paths and opportunities without feeling rushed or pressured. This mindset creates space for introspection and self-discovery, allowing you to carefully consider your options and make informed decisions about your desires and aspirations.

Welcome Flexibility

Flexibility enables you to adapt to changing circumstances and new information, empowering you to refine and adjust your goals as you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. Embracing patience and flexibility ultimately fosters a more thoughtful and deliberate approach to figuring out what you want in life.

Step 5: Seeking Support

Figuring out what you want in life can be a challenging journey, and seeking support from others is okay. Here are a few ways you can get the help you need:

Using a Coach or Mentor

A coach or mentor can help you identify your strengths, values, and goals. They can provide guidance and support as you navigate your path and help you stay accountable. If you’re interested in working with a coach or mentor, you can research online or ask for referrals from friends and family members.

Relying on Family and Friends

Your family and friends can also be a great source of support as you figure out what you want. They know you well and can provide honest feedback and advice. You can talk to them about your aspirations and goals and ask for their input. They may also be able to connect you with people or resources that can help you on your journey.

Remember that seeking support doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable. It takes courage to ask for help, and can be a valuable part of your growth and development. So don’t be afraid to reach out to the people you admire and trust, whether it’s your family members, coach, or friends. They may have insights or perspectives you haven’t considered before, and their support can help you achieve your goals.

Step 6: Maintaining Your Well-Being

When you are trying to figure out what you want in life, it is important to prioritize your well-being. This means taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are two important ways to maintain your well-being:

Creating a Comfort Zone

A comfort zone is a place or situation where you feel safe and comfortable. It is important to have a comfort zone because it can help reduce stress and anxiety. To create a comfort zone, you can start by identifying what makes you feel safe and comfortable. This can include people, places, or activities. Once you have identified these things, try incorporating them into your daily routine. For example, if spending time with your family makes you feel safe and comfortable, schedule regular family time.

Establishing a Ritual

A ritual is a set of actions you do regularly with special meaning. Establishing a ritual can help you achieve a state of flow, a mental state where you are fully immersed in an activity and feel energized and focused. Choose an activity you enjoy and can do regularly to establish a ritual. This can be anything from reading a book to practicing yoga. Set aside a specific time each day or week to do this activity. Over time, this activity will become a habit, and you will start associating it with a feeling of well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective methods for discovering your passions and interests?

There are several effective methods for discovering your passions and interests. One way is to explore different activities and hobbies that you find enjoyable. This can help you identify what you are naturally drawn to and what fulfills you. Additionally, reflecting on past experiences and accomplishments can help you identify what you are good at and enjoy doing.

How can you identify your values and priorities?

Identifying your values and priorities involves taking the time to reflect on what is important to you. This can involve asking yourself questions such as, “What do I value most in life?” and “What are my top priorities?” You can also consider what motivates you and what you are willing to sacrifice for. By understanding your values and priorities, you can make decisions that align with them and lead to a more fulfilling life.

What are some strategies for setting and achieving personal goals?

Setting and achieving personal goals involves breaking down larger goals into smaller, more achievable steps. This can involve creating a plan of action, setting deadlines, and tracking progress. Additionally, it can be helpful to surround yourself with supportive people who can help keep you accountable and motivated.

How can you differentiate between your own desires and external influences?

Differentiating between your own desires and external influences can be challenging. One way to do this is to reflect on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment rather than what you think others expect of you. Additionally, it can be helpful to consider the source of external influences and whether they align with your values and priorities.

What are some common obstacles that prevent people from figuring out what they want, and how can they be overcome?

Common obstacles that prevent people from figuring out what they want include fear, self-doubt, and societal pressure. These obstacles can be overcome by taking small steps towards your goals, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and practicing self-compassion. It can also be helpful to seek guidance from a therapist or coach.

How can you use self-reflection and introspection to clarify what you want in life?

Self-reflection and introspection involve taking the time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can involve journaling, meditation, or simply taking a quiet moment to reflect. By gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, you can identify what brings you joy and fulfillment and make decisions that align with your goals and values.

Featured Image Credit: Ridofranz and iStock.