What Do You Really Want in Life?
Really, the question is how to determine what you want in life? Many people don't discover what they want in life until it's time to die - and that's a shame.
Indeed, many people spend the best years of their lives watching television or doing things they don't particularly like. Robin Sharma observed about humanity: "Most people die at twenty and are buried at eighty." Are you one of the living zombies?
So What do You Really Want in Life?
Often people struggle in answering such a simple question. When asked what they want or what their goals in life are, many are unsure. They haven't really decided, and have hardly given any thought to it. People without definite goals are letting time pass them by. Do you know anyone like this? Perhaps intimately?
If you are undecided about what you want out of life, don't worry. There are many ways of discovering what you want in life.
Discover What You Want Through Introspection
What does this mean? To discover what you want in life, try getting in touch with what your heart desires.
Often, people find they're ruled by logic. They live by what they think they should be or by what others like them to be. Now is the perfect time to listen to your heart. What your heart desires comes from the whispers of your authentic self. Your authentic self is the real you.
Listen to your heart to be able to listen to your authentic self. What your heart says usually feels right. What your heart desires is what you usually love to do and this represents your passion. Anything done with passion is like play where the task is accomplished without hesitation. You pour out your very best and feel no pressure or resistance.
You will enjoy doing things that you are passionate about. Setbacks, difficulties, and obstacles will make it more challenging, but should not deter you from pursuing your goals. Naturally, there may be barriers that may prevent you from reaching your goal. But your heart's desire will find ways to overcome these barriers so that you may ultimately get what you want in life. Remember: the universe supports people who are pursuing their passion and those who are pursuing their destiny.
Try This Simple Exercise
Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Now another, and let it slowly out. One more.
Now you should be in a calmer and more centred place. Place your hand over your heart and ask what it is you want right now. Don't censor anything - that's for later. Just accept what comes up. Be patient, and ask until you get an answer.
Listen To Your Heart AND Head
Using your heart does not mean that you don't use your head. People are born with both the mind and heart. Your duty is to live your best life and be in harmony with your mind and heart. The poet Rumi wisely said, "Live completely in the head and you cannot feel the breath and rhythm of life. Live completely in the heart and you may find yourself acting like a love-struck fool with poor judgment and discipline. It's all a fine balance - the head and heart must forge a lifetime partnership if one wants to live a beautiful life."
Listen to your instinct. It's human nature to value our mysterious and spontaneous reaction to things. Your authentic self communicates with you and guides you via instincts. Instincts are those gentle nudges that urge you to act and follow a certain path. Your role then is to listen attentively.
Check With Your Head
Now check with your head. Is what your heart says a logical thing? Is it acheiveable? Does it need adapting? Refine your idea with your head. Does it need organising, planning - some resources?
Then check again with your heart to see if the refined idea is still right for you.
Is This Your Chosen Life or Your Parents'?
Often times, we listen to what others say and allow them to run our lives. Parents often do this to their children. "We come from a family of doctors, so my son must also be a doctor." How often do we hear this from parents who have good intentions for their children? Some parents may unconsciously block the true expression of their child's real self and calling. Friends may discourage you and point out the impossibility of your dreams. Before heeding their advice, evaluate the accomplishments of the critics. Did they achieve their dreams? Do they dream big at all?
Remember, it is your destiny that is in line, not theirs. It doesn't mean, though, that you will not listen to what other people say. Hear them out just the same. But the final decision should be yours.
Summary: How To Determine What You Want In Life
Remember: every person, to live truly and greatly, must define how he wants to live and what his brightest life will look like. Listen to your instincts and follow your heart's desire. Then check with your head and you will rarely go wrong.
And if you'd like to explore this further and discover strategies that deliver you results, click on the graphic.