What do you really want in life? This is a question that many of us never really take time to think about. How clear are you really? Do you know exactly what you want? Enormous power and purpose accompanies clarity. The absolute first step to achieving anything is to get clear on what you want. Know where you’re going or you’ll go nowhere.
Personally, this has been a life-long struggle for me. I have always had so many interests and focusing in on one or a few is something that has taken time for me to become better at. We are all plagued with limiting beliefs as well, even if we know them to be self-imposed limits.
When you know exactly what you want and why, your focus becomes like a laser-beam and anything irrelevant cannot distract you. If your goals are compelling (as they should be if you truly want something) you will never lack motivation and persistence.
There are many books devoted to helping you figure out what you really want and you can go to long and complex seminars on the subject. However, I would like to share a simple and effective strategy that will only take you about five minutes. All you need is a pen and paper or somewhere to type on your computer.
Here’s what you do. Write down exactly 20 sentences which start with, “I would love it if…”
You can write about anything at all, deep and profound hopes and dreams or just something you really want to own. Try to just let your answers flow freely and don’t censor yourself if you feel ashamed about wanting something (after all this can be for your eyes only). You must be honest with yourself in order to get an honest list. If you get stuck, take a deep breath or stand up and stretch for a bit.
When you are finished, look below (past the photo) to see the next step. If you look before completing the first step you may not get an accurate picture. When you’ve got your twenty down, see the next step below.
- Now, you have to narrow things down. 10 things go and 10 things stay.
- When you’ve got your top 10, it’s time to get even tougher. Cut it in half again – down to your top 5.
You now have a list of 5 things that you really want out of life. Are there any surprises? Feel free to share your list in the comments section below.
One thing that I wish to add is that, just because you want something, it doesn’t mean that it’s worth pursuing. Ask yourself if something is worth devoting your time to and if it will benefit not only yourself, but the greater good as well.