We often ask the question, “What’s next?,” and most of the time it’s usually at a place in our life where we’re content, thriving, but still seeking more.
This usually occurs with people who are just conquering an achievement, just retiring, or tired of doing the same thing. I’ve found sitting and thinking about the plans for your life helps you find out who you are and what you truly desire to be. Finding yourself happens when something clicks in your brain, and you realize who you truly are as a human being. This means something different to everyone, but ultimately, it focuses on what you want out of your life.
Finding yourself may sound like an inherently self-centered goal, but it is actually an unselfish process that is at the root of everything we do in life. In order to be the most valuable person to the world around us, the best partner, parent etc, we have to first know who we are, what we value and, in effect, what we have to offer. This personal journey is one every individual will benefit from taking. It is a process that involves breaking down – shedding layers that do not serve us in our lives and don’t reflect who we really are. Yet, it also involves a tremendous act of building up – recognizing who we want to be and passionately going about fulfilling our unique destiny – whatever that may be. It’s a matter of recognizing our personal power, yet being open and vulnerable to our experiences. It isn’t something to fear or avoid, berating ourselves along the way, but rather something to seek out with the curiosity and compassion we would have toward a fascinating new friend.
Finding yourself is a process. Therefore, after you decide to start this process, it’s key to get as specific as possible. Where in your life do you feel lost, confused, or stuck? For many, it happens when they wake up in the morning.
They are faced with the prospect of getting ready for another day for a job they don’t like. Or at least, that is what they think the issue is.
You don’t feel lost in your career or life because you have a crappy job.
You feel lost because what you are doing does not excite you on some level. It does not align with what you want to be doing and who you want to be helping. It also may not be utilizing your talents properly.
Doing work you don’t care for and ignoring the things you are good at is a recipe for disaster when it comes to feeling satisfied, accomplished, or founded.
Before you begin looking for your better self, I would like you to stop and remember a few things.
First, any type of a significant shift in your life is a marathon, not a sprint. Second, you are not wired to make sudden changes, so you need to let them develop over time. Lastly, change is not about one big choice, it is about a series of little choices you make every day. If you know what you would like to explore, whether it be a career change, side hustle, or business, what is the first thing you need to do?
What is the second, third and fourth? Finding yourself is the best thing you may do this year, so invest in yourself and see what’s next.
