Self-knowledge is often regarded as the cornerstone of personal success and fulfillment. Knowing what you want out of life gives you a kind of clarity to guide your actions and decisions, even your relationships. Yet, many people live life without that realization, floating around unattached without any sense of direction at all. Of course, the worst case is the person who remains uninformed about their own capabilities, too, which spells a life of underachievement and regret. Not knowing what one wants is unfortunate, indeed, but not knowing what he is capable of is tragic.
The Misfortune of Not Knowing What You Want
It is because knowing what one wants provides direction, and without knowing, one's life would be like a series of unintended actions or events, thus leaving one's life unfulfilled. Those without vision are perpetually indecisive; they would often change routes every now and then but never reach their destination. Without purpose, it is very easy to get lost.
But for most, the process is to sift through societal expectations and distractions, self-doubts, to learn what really matters. Clarity usually comes with introspection and self-reflection; it takes time to understand exactly what you value, are passionate about, and want. Once you know what you want, everything in life seems to fall into place, and energy focuses on meaningful pursuits.
The Disaster of Not Knowing What You Can Do
Of course, it's sad not to know what you want, but not knowing what you can do is a catastrophe. Whenever you are unaware of your strengths, your talents, and your potentials, you tie yourself to a small rope. This is a prescription for mediocrity since you never test the limits of what is possible. You start living inside an envelope of fear, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs.
Many don't believe in their capabilities and stay oblivious to what they can achieve and which hurdles they can overcome. This lack of faith in themselves could be due to failures of the past, other people's criticism, or perhaps just because they never came out of their comfort zones. They end up getting less than what they actually deserve and live an unfulfilled life full of regrets and sorrows.
How to Discover What You Want and What You Can Do
Self-Reflection
This can be done through one's life, passions, strengths, and goals. It may include things like journaling, meditation, or quiet time spent alone. This is a good way to discover what you really want.
Seek Feedback
Sometimes other people recognize strengths in us that we don't see in ourselves. Ask people you admire and/or respect for their opinion of what you do well. Often others can identify our potential.
Challenge Yourself
Push your boundaries and get out of your comfort zone. Start doing something different, even though it might make you feel scared. It is through challenges and discomfort that one mostly finds hidden talents and capabilities.
Set Small Achievable Goals
Cut down your big goals into small, doable steps. Each smaller victory will give you not only a feeling of accomplishment but also raise the confidence bar in things you can achieve.
It always stands to reason when one knows what they want from life; that serves as direction. Equally important, however, is a realization of how much one is capable of: the hidden and untapped reservoir inside one that can bring about a change in one's life, should it be tapped. Never let misfortunes or disasters associated with life stop you. Be aware of yourself, push your limits, and find greatness in yourself.
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