Asking Yourself What You Want

Life moves fast. We’re busy.  We have jobs to complete, career ladders to climb, people to please, Joneses to keep up with, carpools to run, jeans to fit into, dinner to cook, and obligations to fulfill.  Acceptance, success, perception, expectations – they’re big and demanding.   We’re so conditioned that this is simply the way of life, that we don’t stop to consider our choices.

The bottom line? With all the things we’re “supposed” to want, do, be, and have, most of us don’t stop to ask ourselves what we actually want.  Meanwhile, we’re wondering why we’re unsatisfied or feel like something is missing.  Why we have “good” lives that really aren’t all that happy or fulfilling.  Or why we’re overeating, overdrinking, overworking, or binging on Netflix or social media.  

So… here’s the goal: start to ask yourself what you want.  [I share one of my own pivotal moments here.]  I’m not talking making drastic changes or throwing in the towel on your current life, I’m talking starting to notice. 

Action Steps:

1. Take mental or physical note of things that feel empowering, refreshing, rejuvenating, and joyful.  Take mental or physical note of things that drain, drag down, and weigh on you. 

2. Quite literally, begin regularly asking yourself, “What do I want?” (Emphasis on the “I”).  Approach the practice with curiosity and without judgment.  There are no right or wrong answers, and at this point, you are simply noticing – not aiming to make different choices.

Remember, living a fulfilled life is ongoing and evolving. It starts with awareness and giving yourself permission to explore and question.