One thing we can’t escape is time. No matter what we do, time will keep on moving. I would hate for you to look up and wonder what you’ve been doing all this time. I want you to look up and realize that you’ve achieved everything you wanted out of life. In order to do that, self-awareness must come first and foremost, and then work.
If you’re not sure what your purpose is or what you want your life to truly look like, I have some questions that may help. Sometimes, all we need is a little reflection to get us on the right path towards what we want most. Check out these 7 questions to ask to determine what you want out of life. Give yourself time to honestly answer these questions!
#1 What would I like to be doing during retirement?
For most of us, retirement is decades away. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t start moving in that direction right now. If you could plan it exactly how you want, what would you be doing during retirement? Do you want to be traveling regularly? Maybe you want to stay put and always have family over. Perhaps you want to have millions of dollars to leave behind to a cause you support.
Depending on how you answer this question, you’ll have a better idea of what you should be doing now to get you there. If you know your retirement is filled with travel and luxury, you’ll need to up your retirement savings right now. This could mean some sacrificing now so you have it to enjoy it later. If your retirement will be more low key, you can focus your extra money on other things.
#2 What is my love language?
If you haven’t taken the Love Language test yet, I strongly suggest you do. Finding out your love language as early as possible allows you to express to others what you need to feel loved and show love. You’ll have a better understanding of yourself and what you need. You can use this information to share with others and ensure you’re fulfilled in your relationships.
Love languages aren’t just for romantic relationships, either. The way you give and receive love trickles into every relationship you have—platonic or otherwise. Knowing your love language brings an added layer of self-awareness, which is the key to seeking happiness.
#3 What impact would I like to have?
Everyone will answer this question differently, and that’s perfectly okay. Maybe you’ll want to help thousands of people, which you can do by starting a business or non-profit organization. Maybe you’ll want to be the best parent you can be, which you can do by focusing your energy on your family. Maybe you’ll want to help people financially, which you can do through donations and charity.
The point is to think about what type of impact would make you feel whole and purposeful. I believe we’re all put on this earth to make a difference, and that difference can take the form of helping one living thing or thousands.
When you know the impact you’d like to have, you can start doing things that will help you leave that impact. You can act with the intention of having that impact on others. This will leave you feeling fulfilled at the end of your days.
#4 What are my core values and beliefs?
This is such an important question to ask, yet very few of us actually take the time to understand what our values and beliefs are. When you know your core values and beliefs, you can act in integrity with those values and beliefs. You can also rid people of your life whose values don’t match up with yours—or, at least, proceed with caution around them!
When I say “core values and beliefs”, I’m referring to the key principles you stand by. Do you value honesty? Do you believe in treating others how you want to be treated? This is another question that will have different answers for everyone. The point is to identify your core values and beliefs and start living a life centered on them.
#5 If money was no object, what would I be doing?
What a fun question to answer! Not only is it fun to think about what your life would look like if money was no object, but it helps you pinpoint the things that bring you joy! If money was no object, what would you be doing? Would you be helping others? Would you still be working? Perhaps you’d be traveling regularly.
I challenge you to get deep here, and have fun. The goal is to understand what brings you joy, whether it requires money or not. When you know what brings you joy, you can start putting yourself in a position to consistently seek out those things.
#6 What am I most passionate about?
I understand that this may be a tough question, especially if you haven’t really thought about what you’re passionate about. However, now’s the time to finally give it some thought. People can be passionate about a variety of things. For example, I’m passionate about inspiring positive change in others.
Other people may be passionate about animals, or children, or money. There’s no right or wrong answer here, only the answer that serves you. As with the other questions, once you know what you’re passionate about, you can start working towards having those things in your life regularly.
#7 Do I like to live in the moment or plan ahead?
I ask this final question because it’ll help give you insight into how you operate. If you’re a person who likes to live in the moment, you’ll have to work a little harder to have a plan in place for your life. If you’re a person who likes to plan ahead, you’ll have to remember to be mindful of your day-to-day activities.
Regardless of which option you prefer, you can still get what you want out of life. You can still put yourself in a position to have everything you desire—especially when you know what those desires are! I’m rooting for you and the life of your dreams!
Related: 7 Ways to Spark Motivation in Your Life
You can’t have what you want out of life if you don’t even know what you want! Get deep and reflect on your values, desires and beliefs. When you know those things, you can start working towards them. I hope the questions above got your wheels turning! If you’re brave enough, would you be open to sharing one or all of your answers? You can do so by posting a comment below! This is a safe space, so you’re fully supported here!
1 thought on “7 Questions to Ask to Determine What You Want Out of Life”
Hello Raya, am definitely a ‘plan ahead’ kind of person. I like to put certain measures in place such as organizing my finances , time and other resources with events I want to enjoy in life.
This minimizes impacts of uncertainty in the future but I also have to say I find that am very tight/ strict with myself .
Thank you for these tips , they are very eye opening.