You’re all about becoming your best self, but you’re not even sure what that looks like. We’ve all been there, or at the very least doubted our vision for ourselves. Finding out what you actually want your life to look like is a daunting task. So, why even bother dreaming up a vision for yourself? Won’t things just fall into place regardless, if you’re making strides in life? Yeah, I believe that’s true. You don’t have to have life all planned out. And it won’t come together exactly as we dream it up, of course. But I also feel like it’s fun to have dreams to work toward.
A few years ago, I had no idea what I wanted in life. No real path laid out. For me, it started with blogging and deciding to run this online magazine. I started seeing the vision of building something here. Then more passions kept falling into place from there. I started working out and eating healthier, so I began to have more wellness-based goals. Eventually, I really saw a visual of where I want to live, what I want to do for work, what my work-life blend would look like, what my fitness level would be at, etc. I started crafting a visual of what my best self could be. And honestly, that’s the most useful tool to motivate myself that I can think up.
Can you even imagine your potential? Well, here are some tools you can use that might have helped me to define what I want in life.
What you would like to learn with no intention of having it as a side business?
What skills have you always admired in others, but never tried because you were afraid you wouldn’t be good at it? Or you got too busy or simply didn’t make it a priority? Maybe try your hand at it. You honestly never know where a hobby or interest can take you. Dabbling in interests and following the spark of your curiosity is a great starting point to discovering what you want your future to look like.
What did you enjoy doing as a child?
Childhood interests always seem to find their way into adulthood, even if you left them behind for a decade. These interests are a good indicator of where your true calling lies. What were you doing as a child? Are you still interested in those things? Maybe they’ve evolved, but I can probably bet that the inner child in you still craves those things. Start diving in.
Photo: @themonoclemuse & taken by @jackiembarrWho are the five people you admire (or envy) most? And what do you admire about them?
This activity was really helpful for me, because I have the tendency to glorify other people’s lives and vicariously live through them instead of doing the work to achieve what they have (aka way too many hours on YouTube!).
What do you like about the people you admire or even find yourself jealous of? What about their lifestyle is impressive/interesting to you? How might you incorporate that? Or how did they achieve what they did? Do some research. Instead of getting jealous, turn it into motivation. You see something in them that you already possess. It’s why you’re drawn to them in the first place!
What can you start saying yes to?
We’re all about saying no for things that don’t align with you, but sometimes saying yes is the best way to discover who you want to be. Something sparks your interest? Say yes. Opportunity comes up that you wouldn’t normally do? Say yes. If you don’t like it, don’t do it again. But we’ll never see what our potential is if we’re never getting out there and trying new things.
Photo: @alexandreagarzaWhat can it look like?
Girl, we need visuals. I love a good Pinterest vision board for what I want to achieve in life. My life will probably never look that put together, but it’s a helpful tool to help you see what you can become. Pin from websites or Insta. Whenever you find something that feels like something you want in life, add it to the vision board. You can even make boards for your 1-year plan, 5-year plan and 10-year plan if you wish.
What don’t you want? Then shift it around.
Sometimes it’s easier to start with what you don’t want. But I feel like focusing on what you don’t want kind of attracts it into your life. So after you create your no list, let it guide you to create a yes list. If you don’t want a partner who lies to you, you likely are seeking an honest and kind person. If you don’t want to work at a 9-5 ever again, you’re likely feeling drawn to a life of freedom and independence. Start focusing on the feelings that you’re after.
What is the future you like?
Writing to future you is such a fun journaling activity–and was one of the most impactful for me. Write to yourself in five years. What are you working on? Where are you at in life? How do you feel? Get as detailed as you can. In five years, you can accomplish a lot. Think of the age you will be. What do you care about the most? This can help you see where you need to start moving and where you might need to shift your attention to get to your goals that maybe you weren’t even aware you had for yourself.
