Society outlines some cookie cutter metrics of success – money, fame, comfort etc.
Most of us get swept by the tide of life and implicit social pressures to confirm. But do you ever pause to think what you want out of life?
We may go after the stereotypical definitions of success, even if it may be unfulfilling to us.
Write a Mission Statement
The way out is to take some time every few months to think about what you truly want in life. By doing this regularly, you can create your personal mission statement.
A simple way would be to carve out an hour or two and just let your mind run free. What would you do if you had all the time, money and resources in the world? If your answer is “exactly what I’m doing today”, that’s great. But if your answer is “I would be painting all day”, you may be letting your dreams wither and die.
What about…
Of course, there are practical realities in life. It may not be possible to just quit and paint all day. But it should certainly be possible to spend a few hours a week painting. The greater the alignment we can have in our thoughts, desires and actions, the greater will be our fulfillment.
Sometimes nothing specific may come in focus for you as your personal mission. That is perfectly fine. Treat your mission statement as an evolving document. As you keep reflecting, you will develop more clarity over time.
Conclusion
I spend a few hours every year reflecting on what I want out of life. It has been the source of many major decisions in life. Try it out and see if it is helpful to you.