Most of us will reach a point in our lives where we start to question our existence and purpose. This, in turn, might make us think about our achievements, goals, dreams, where we are and where we are going in life. This reflection could be triggered by any number of events, including…
- A bad day, week, month or even a year
- A bad separation
- Having to start all over again in life
- Long or short-term health problems
- Loss of a loved one
- Loss of employment
- Loss of wealth or status
- Unemployment
- Unhappiness with the person you believe you have become
- Unhappiness with where you are in life
When this happens, try reflecting. Find space to think; you need time alone to reflect. Ideally, this should be a quiet place, where you are undistracted, completely relaxed and can think freely. At its most basic, reflection can take place while taking a long bath, sitting on a park bench or during a long walk in a quite park. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I where I want to be in life?
- Have I achieved my future goals, dreams, and aspirations?
- What can I do to get where I want to be?
Below are key areas to think about when reflecting on your life. There is great wisdom behind reflection on these key areas, hence why they can be referred to as ‘Words of Wisdom’.
The key areas are as follows:
Purpose: You can have one or several purposes in life. “What is my purpose in life?”
Dreams: Everyone has dreams. Having dreams gives a person hope. What have you always dreamed of having or doing, as a child, teenager or even, as an adult? “What are my dreams and what do I need to do to achieve them?
Goals: At some point in life, most people would have set themselves goals, perhaps as a young child, teenager or even as an adult. Ask yourself, “What are my goals in life?”
Role model: It is important to have a role model, a person or people who you look up to. “Who is my role model and why?” There may come a time in life where you question who you are, your morals and values. Having a role model can sometimes remind you of what you stand for.
Here is an example of a filled in Words of Wisdom list:
Purpose– To worship God, to be a good parent, to be kind and loving to those around me, to make a difference in the world in any way I can.
Dreams– To have children and be the best parent I can be, own a business and to become a philanthropist.
Goals– To attain further education, go travelling around the world, own a business of some kind. To start a charitable organisation which helps others. To leave a legacy behind which will continue to make a difference in people’s lives.
Role models– Mohammad Ali, Angelina Jolie and Alex Crawford.
Why? Because of their beliefs, morals, values and the difference they have made or continue to make in the world.
ACTION
Rewrite the preceding‘Words of Wisdom’, fill them in as they apply to you, and stick these anywhere discreetly (in your purse, wallet, or diary) or openly (around the house but preferably in places where the list is visible, perhaps on your television, bedroom wall, the mirror, side table or wardrobe). Looking at the words every day is likely to encourage positive thinking and, importantly, will allow or push you to think about your aspirations, dreams, and goals and ultimately get you closer to putting these into action. Looking at the list is likely to make achieving your purpose, goals, dreams and aspirations a little easier and will help you find your own direction instead of listening to negative thoughts which might hold you back.
The Words of Wisdom List
Purpose–
Dreams–
Goals–
Role models–
Why?
TOP TIPS
When people either achieve or feel like they are achieving, their goals, they are likely to be happier and more positive about life. Equally, when people are not where they want to be, they are likely to have a more negative outlook on life and may feel a sense of unhappiness in their lives.
Never stop chasing your dreams especially as doing so will not bring you or those around you any harm.
Achieving just one of your dreams will give you the confidence to achieve more, pushing you to do other things in your life.
Never stop dreaming, as dreaming keeps your aspirations alive.
Daydreaming is not a waste of your time, and plays a vital role in keeping your dreams alive and, more importantly, turning them into a reality.
It is important to have a role model or positive figure who you look up to. It is OK not to agree with everything that this person believes in or says as long as they have the key qualities which you respect and hold in high regard.
