3 Tips for Finding Out What You Want to Do
In my 40s, I didn't know what I wanted to do. Even though it was about my own life. I had plenty to do, but my heart didn't feel fulfilled. I felt like I was only spending my time for the sake of others.
In our 40s and 50s, we are so chased by our "roles" in family, work, and relationships that we stop listening to our own voices. That is why, even though it is our own life, we end up feeling lost and unable to figure out what we want to do.
However, to live the rest of your life in a way that is true to yourself, it is very important to know "what I really want to do." So, I would like to share what I did when I was lost in my own life in the past.
3 Tips for Knowing [What You Want to Do]
Tip 1: Look for what you want to stop doing rather than what you want to do
When you think, "What do I want to do?" you might not find an answer right away. When that happens, I tried thinking in reverse. Are there people you don't want to force yourself to see anymore, habits you continue just because, or a sense of responsibility that wears you down? Your sense of discomfort will tell you what you want to stop doing. Your true feelings are hidden within that discomfort.
Tip 2: Go meet the version of yourself that you used to love
When you were a child or in your 20s, what did you enjoy doing? What were you passionate about, and when did you feel excited? As we get older, our experiences and circumstances inevitably force us to prioritize practical choices. Maybe you used to love drawing or traveling alone. There are hints there about what the current you wants to cherish.
Tip 3: Record your emotions
Write down things that made you happy today, or conversely, things that made you feel uneasy. Just two or three lines a day is fine. As you write, you will start to see your own patterns, such as "I feel fulfilled by these things" or "I'm not good at this." Putting your feelings into words is a way of facing yourself. It is not about someone else's evaluation; your own emotions will tell you your true feelings.
Not knowing what you want to do is proof that you have been cherishing something other than yourself until now. That is a wonderful thing. But for the second half of your life, it is okay to use your time for yourself. Knowing what you want to do is a sign that you truly want to cherish your life from here on out. From this moment on, you can choose to live a life where you shine. Why not start a new, free, and rich second half of your life?