How To Figure Out What You Want

I spent YEARS not knowing what I truly wanted in life. I chased after dreams that didn’t spark joy, and I was going through the motions without feeling fulfilled.

That is, until I discovered the secret to figuring out what you want in life and making it a reality.

Paralyzing indecision extends far beyond ice cream flavours. If you’re anything like me, you’ve had moments when choosing your life’s path feels just as tough.

Ask yourself some tough questions.

What do you value most in life?

What are your ultimate goals?

Don’t be afraid to dig deep here.

Wait… but what if our goals are hazy?

In this post ill cover all about how you can figure out what you want.

It All Starts with Self-Reflection

The Importance of Knowing Yourself

Before you can pinpoint what you want, it’s essential to take a deep breath and take a good, hard look at yourself.

We often don’t realize how our dreams and desires are influenced by external factors

When I started examining my own aspirations, I realized that some of my goals weren’t genuine. They were influenced by societal norms or what others expected of me. I needed to let go of those false goals and identify my true desires. And guess what? You can, too!

Questions to Ask Yourself

Self-reflection is crucial in this journey. Here are some questions that helped me discover what I genuinely wanted in life:

What are my core values?
What makes me feel genuinely happy and alive?
What are my strengths and passions?
What does success truly look like for me?
If I could change one thing about my life, what would it be?

Take some time to answer these questions honestly, and you’ll unravel your heart’s desires!

Turning Your Desires into SMART Goals

What are SMART Goals, and Why Are They Important?

Once you have a clear understanding of your desires, it’s time to turn them into SMART goals. I know, I know, you’ve probably heard about this concept a million times before. But believe me, it’s that important!

SMART stands for:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound

Going through this process really helped me visualize my dreams and goals realistically, preventing them from being vague and hard to achieve.

How to Create SMART Goals

Grab a pen and paper or open up your favorite note-taking app 📝, and let’s start turning those desires into attainable goals:

Specific: Clearly define what you want, without ambiguity. Instead of “I want to be successful,” try “I want to write a best-selling book.”

Measurable: Establish criteria for tracking your progress. If your goal is to start your own business, for example, you might measure progress through revenue or number of clients.

Achievable: Now, let’s keep it real. Your goals need to stretch you, sure, but they’ve gotta be within reach. Think “run a 5K” before “win an Olympic gold medal,” unless you’re already on the national team, in which case—go for gold.

Relevant: Here’s the juicy part—make sure your goals are aligned with your life’s mission. Do you want to empower people? Start a business that helps folks crack the code to their potential. Want to live a life of adventure? Maybe setting a goal to travel twice a year fits the bill.

Time-bound: Deadlines aren’t just for work projects, they’re the secret to making things happen! Set a date, and make it a date with your future self. “I will publish my book by June next year” sounds a lot like a plan, doesn’t it?

Building the Roadmap to Your Dreams

Breaking Down the Goals Okay, you’ve got your SMART goals. High five! But how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

So, we break those big, scary goals into teeny, manageable tasks. Want to write that best-selling book? Start by writing a page a day. That’s 365 pages a year, and boom—you’ve got a manuscript!

Staying on Track

Can you believe how far you’ve come?

To keep the momentum: Use tools like planners and apps to keep track of your progress.

Find a buddy who shares your vision and hold each other accountable.

Celebrate the small wins. Wrote a page today? That’s a step closer to your best-seller. Go you!

Equip Yourself with the Right Tools

Self-Improvement Resources

Let’s be real—growth is KEY. And guess what? There are amazing resources out there that can give you the skills and knowledge you need.

Books: For instance, “The 4-Hour Work Week” by Tim Ferriss blew my mind. It’s not just a book; it’s a life-changer. Want in? Grab a copy and see for yourself how it can revamp your productivity game. (Yes, it’s that good!)

Online Courses: Skillshare is a hot spot for knowledge. Whether you want to perfect your writing or master public speaking, there’s a course for you. Here’s a link to get two months free—get learning and thank me later!

The Power of Networking

You’ve heard it before, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.’

But, like, it’s actually both.

Joining communities like LinkedIn groups or local meetups can connect you to mentors, peers, and opportunities. Networking could lead to partnerships, jobs, or even friendships that make the ride worthwhile.