In our fast-paced world, where our to-do lists often never ends and our schedules remain packed with commitments, it's easy to lose sight of ourselves. Sometimes, we find ourselves adrift, caught up in the whirlwind of life without a clear sense of our own wants and desires. Other times, even if we know what we truly want, we struggle to carve out the time to pursue it. If these scenarios sound familiar, the following is for you.
Understanding what you genuinely want can seem like an intimidating task, but it is an essential step towards a fulfilling life. A clear sense of direction enables you to steer the course of your life rather than being a passive participant.
Let me share with you a personal journey of mine. A few years back I decided to buy a new mountain bike. It was a decision that took me back onto the trails, surrounded by friends, and allowed me to rediscover my love for mountain biking that I had originally discovered during my teenage years growing up in London. This rekindling of passion wasn't just about the thrill of the ride; it was about reconnecting with a part of myself I had lost touch with. It was a lesson in understanding that it's never too late to reignite an old passion or discover a new one.
Over the past few years, I’ve also found profound tranquillity and connection with myself through wild camping. There's an inexplicable magic about heading into the mountains as the evening unfolds, finding a solitary spot to sleep under a blanket of stars, without a tent. Just me, the quietude, and the raw beauty of nature. These experiences, while adventurous on the surface, provided a sense of clarity and introspection, a realisation of my own resilience, adaptability, and love for nature's grandeur.
So, how do you determine what you truly want to do? Here are a few steps to help you along:
Self-Reflection: Spend time in solitude, contemplating your values, passions, and dreams. What makes your heart race? What gives you a sense of fulfilment and joy? Your answers to these questions can give you a clearer understanding of what you truly want.
Visualise: Visualisation is a powerful tool. Picture yourself in various scenarios, both personally and professionally. Which scenarios make you feel excited, content, or passionate? This exercise can help you pinpoint your desires.
Consult Others: Speak to those who know you well and those you admire. They may offer insights you hadn't considered before.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Try new experiences, delve into different areas of interest. Through these experiences, you might discover passions you never knew you had.
Once you've identified what you want to do, the next step is making the time to do it. You might think you're too busy, but it's vital to understand that time is an entity under your control. These hurdles can deter you from pursuing the activities you genuinely love. But remember, every hurdle is an opportunity for growth. Here's how you can start to manage these hurdles effectively:
Prioritise: Not everything on your to-do list holds the same importance. Identify your non-negotiables and your passions – these are your priorities.
Time Management: Learn to manage your time effectively. Use tools and techniques like time-blocking, the Eisenhower Box, or the Pomodoro Technique to organise your day more efficiently.
Learn to Say No: In order to make time for what you truly want, you may need to decline other demands on your time. It's not easy, but it's necessary.
Establish a Routine: A well-structured routine can help you allocate time for your desires. Remember, consistency is key.
Address Your Fears: The path to self-discovery and time management isn't always smooth. You might face obstacles such as fear of the unknown, self-doubt, or a lack of discipline. Get to know your own personal fears and give yourself permission to feel these fears. Then find ways to move past these fears in service of your longer-term happiness.
Here's a simple exercise that I'd like you to try: Close your eyes and think of an activity that you love, or perhaps one you used to love but haven't found the time for recently. Visualise yourself engaged in this activity. Feel the emotions that are invoked in you - perhaps a surge of joy, a wave of tranquillity, or a burst of excitement. Now, write these emotions down. This exercise isn't about prioritising one activity over another; it's about recognising the emotions that your true passions stir within you. It is these emotions that provide valuable insight into understanding what you genuinely want to do.
Remember, knowing what you want to do and making the time to do it is a journey, not a destination. It's a process of continual self-discovery and readjustment. There will be detours and roadblocks, but that's all part of the journey. And remember, there's no right or wrong answer – just the one that makes you feel most alive. Because at the end of the day, that's what truly matters – living a life that resonates with who you are. So, embark on this journey of self-discovery, take control of your time, and steer your life in the direction of your dreams.
Embarking on a journey with a life coach offers a myriad of benefits. A life coach provides personalised guidance tailored to your unique aspirations and obstacles. They offer accountability, helping you stay committed to your goals. More importantly, they bring an external perspective that can shed new light on your journey. They can help you find your "mountain biking" or "wild camping" experiences – those transformative moments that redefine how you perceive yourself and your potential. Together, we can embark on the path to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
As a life coach: I help others embark on similar journeys of self-discovery, to find their passions, connect with their true selves, and lead a more fulfilling life.
If you're seeking clarity about what you truly want to do or need help managing your time to accommodate your desires, don't hesitate to reach out. As your life coach, I will guide you on this journey of self-discovery and self-improvement.
Contact me for a no-obligation introductory session and let's get started on shaping your life to reflect the real you.