“What to do with my life?”

If this is a question you have been asking yourself, you will be pleased to know that you are not the only one wondering. In fact, recent statistics show that there around 500 hundred people asking this very question every day.
I happen to be one of them.
I also happen to believe that it is not only important, but crucial, that we ask ourselves this question! Why?
First of all, asking this question shows that you are willing to do something with your life.
Secondly, it shows that you believe it is in your power to do something with your life.
Thirdly…asking the question is the only way to get an answer.

And don’t we all want answers? Here are some:
– Discover + fulfil my purpose
– Spend my life learning and travelling
– Commit myself to be really successful at something
– Follow my dreams with passion and energy
– Do something cool, something adventurous
– Make a contribution to the world around me
– Dedicate my life to others
– Find the secret to lasting happiness and make sure I am happy
– Make my life count

Have you found your answer? Great!! All you need to do now is…make a plan and keep to it. Easy, isn’t it?
Well, I know, I know… It isn’t easy. But asking the question and then deciding on your answer should set you on the right path.
If none of the answers above resonates with you, don’t despair. This only means that your answer is so uniquely yours that only you can find it!! In fact, I believe this is true for all of us. Because despite some of the above answers making sense to many of us, we still need to own our answer.
Only you can decide your answer to this question. And that is how it should be. After all, we are talking about your life! Even if I told you what I think you should do, it is unlikely you would listen. We don’t like being told what to do and for a good reason. We know better.
In this case this is certainly true.
So stay with this question. Trust it. Let it guide you to your unique answer. Trust yourself. Above all, have fun with it. Don’t make it a burden. Make it a game, an adventure, a riddle, a treasure hunt if you like. Give yourself credit for embarking on this quest. Keep it light…Smile.
Can I tell you a secret?
The answer tends to come when you least expect it. Life is playful like that.

It is important that you stay open and inquisitive. So let’s explore together and give you some tools to help you on your journey to your answer. (As it happens, helping people finding their own answers happens to be my passion – and my personal answer to the question above. :))

Step 1: Reformulate the question . Make it more friendly, take some of the burden off by asking:
“What would I love to do with my life?” instead.
By doing this you change the focus from duty to joy, from burden to cheerful responsibility. From “what I should do” to “what I would like to do”. You acknowledge and accept the fact that this is your answer. You are free to formulate it whichever way you want.
Allow yourself to dream. Close your eyes and imagine yourself at your happiest. Visualise. Listen. Use all your senses. Stay with this experience. Enjoy it. Let it guide you, let it enrich you and empower you. Most importantly, keep all your “sensible”, “rational” arguments like “Yes, but this will never happen because”…or “I don’t have the necessary time/money/qualities…etc, etc…” at bay. See them for what they really are: mere excuses. Imaginary ropes that keep you trapped. You are not only free to decide your own answer but actively invited to do so. Why else would you have been given access to the question in the first place?
Life wants you to find your answer and fulfil it.
Your fulfilment enhances you. Your fulfilment enriches life.

Step 2: Clarify your vision – Spend some time clarifying the details of the life you envisage for yourself. Then put this image into your own words, write it down on a piece of paper or draw a picture if you want. Give it a caption. Keep it succinct and focused. This is powerful. Your answer is taking shape.

Step 3: Test your answer .
Now that you are excited and inspired by the clear vision of the life you desire…ask yourself this simple question:
What will happen if I don’t create the life of my dreams?

Your reaction to this question will give you a clear indication about the depth of your commitment. It will be useful to look at and note down all the possible consequences of not following through with your dream.

And then make a decision.
What will you do with your life?

I trust you enjoyed reading this article and following the steps suggested so far.
Finding your own answer and committing to it is one of the most exciting experiences you can create for yourself.
Enjoy the journey, trust your answer and celebrate yourself. You are on the path to creating the life of your dreams.
Isn’t that wonderful?

In my next blog I invite you to further explore and deepen your answer by discovering your perspective on life.
To your happiness and success!!