How to Figure Out What You Want in Life

Knowing what you want in life can lead to the following benefits:

• Better career prospects: Your career is a significant commitment of time and energy, so it’s ideal to choose the kind of job that satisfies your wants and needs. Know how much money you want to make, the amount of time you’re willing to put in, and the type of work that interests you before beginning a job search. Identifying the type of work you want can direct you to the correct career path.
• Clearer goals: Knowing what you want in life can help you set goals. Working toward personal and professional goals can give you a sense of achievement and pride.
• Greater well-being: Knowing your aspirations can help you develop self-knowledge. Being able to identify your thoughts, feelings, and wants can lead to a greater sense of self and happiness.

Practicing self inquiry can be an excellent way to learn about your desires. Consider asking yourself the following questions:

1. 1. What are your baseline needs? To some degree, all human beings have the same basic needs: shelter, food, water, clothing, security, etc. Beyond these fundamental needs, consider what else is necessary for your well-being. The first answers that pop into your head can tell you a lot about yourself.
2. 2. What would you rather be doing right now? Ask yourself what you would rather be doing with your time. Your answer might give you hints about your life path. Make a shortlist of things to check out in your free time, and use those experiences to steer you toward a greater sense of clarity about the kind of life you want to pursue.
3. 3. What things make you happy? When asking this question, consider answers beyond activities and careers. Think about internal and external factors that bring you a sense of joy or happiness. Your answers might offer clues to find your sense of purpose.
4. 4. What are your values? Identifying your personal values can provide clarity about your wants and needs. Your values reflect every aspect of your life, from your relationships to your own business. Make a running list of your values and keep track of the values in your daily life.
5. 5. Who do you want to emulate? Having positive role models—anyone from personal acquaintances to celebrities—can help you form a life path. Take note of why you want to emulate these role models. Is it due to their work ethic? Do you admire them for their beliefs?
6. 6. What don’t you want? It can be helpful to identify what you do not want. For example, noting that you do not want a job with long hours can help you find one that promotes work-life balance.
7. 7. What scares you? Knowing what scares you can help you get to know yourself. For example, fear of success can be inhibiting you from applying for your dream job. If you push past your comfort zone, you may discover that what scares you most is what you want the most.

When engaging in big-picture questions, use the following tips to ease the process:

1. 1. Think broadly. Narrowing down what you want to a single, overarching life purpose is overwhelming. What you want will involve multiple things, not just one top priority.
2. 2. Stay in the moment. It is never too late to figure things out and pursue a new job or relationship. The best place to start is where you are right now.
3. 3. Be yourself. Avoid comparing yourself to others. There are many successful people whose lives and value systems will not translate to yours. Ultimately, only you can define what you want in your own life.
4. 4. Be open to change. What you want when you’re a high school student may not be the same when you are in your thirties. Wants and needs change as life circumstances evolve, and it is essential that you are open to changing your core desires.

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