Many of us live with a sense of what we should achieve, often shaped by outside influences like family, peers, or society. But how do we define what we truly want from life? Finding a genuine goal—one that sparks joy and excitement—is not always straightforward. It requires us to look inward and distinguish between what we really want and what others expect of us. This process takes time, but the reward is worth it: the freedom to pursue a life that genuinely fulfils us.
Understanding What a True Goal Feels Like
A true goal should light you up from the inside. When you think about it, it should excite you, giving you a sense of purpose. It’s something that, even in its most challenging moments, feels right. We often mistake goals based on external approval or societal standards as our own. But if these goals don’t resonate deeply with who we are, they will eventually leave us feeling empty, even if we achieve them.
To define your real goal, ask yourself what makes you feel most alive. What would you do if no one was watching? These questions can guide you in identifying the things that bring you joy. Genuine goals aren’t just about the end result but about the process too. They involve work that excites you, even on the toughest days.
Letting Go of External Pressures
One of the hardest parts of defining your true goal is untangling yourself from the pressure of external expectations. We grow up surrounded by ideas of what success should look like—whether that’s reaching a certain salary, buying a house, or following a traditional career path. These ideas, though common, can easily cloud our understanding of what we really want.
To uncover your real goal, it’s important to tune out these external voices. This means setting aside what society or other people deem as success. It can be challenging, but by letting go of these external pressures, you free yourself to pursue something that is a true reflection of your desires. The key is to stop viewing success through other people’s eyes and instead ask yourself what success feels like to you.
Listening to Your Inner Voice
Defining your goal requires you to listen closely to your inner voice. This is the part of you that knows what you truly want but may have been drowned out by other influences. To hear this voice clearly, you need to create space for it. This could mean spending time in quiet reflection, journaling, or simply paying more attention to the things that make you feel good.
Sometimes, your true goal isn’t immediately obvious. It may take time to figure out what you really want. But the more you tune into what excites you and what makes you feel content, the clearer your goal will become. Trust that your inner voice knows what’s right for you, and let it guide you.
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