A comprehensive guide to self-discovery; this is what one must ask themselves. There is nothing purer than the path to discovering the true meaning of one’s life, the purpose of existence and the acknowledgment and connection that can be forged from within with oneself.
Through self-discovery, a person is closer to realizing their true dreams and passions than they realize and comprehending the value that each of these goals holds to them.
The following are a set of 10 questions that everyone must ask themselves in order to discover their true self.
1. What about myself do I like most?
Perhaps the most important goal in one’s life must be to achieve inner peace and this is not possible without accepting yourself for who you are. Hence why the first question must be, ‘What about yourself do you like and appreciate the most?’ By preparing a list of things you like about yourself, self-acceptance is built.
2. What aspects of my life do I wish to see a change in?
Just as important as knowing the positive things, equally necessary is to ask oneself, ‘What aspects of my life do I wish to see a change in, with regards to myself?’ This helps to improve the quality of you as a person by working on your negative aspects.
3. What are my fears?
Confronting one’s fears is a big milestone, conquering of the fears and insecurities is only possible when you recognize what these fears are- hence the next thing you should be asking yourself is, ‘What are your fears? What holds you back?’
“Fear is only as deep as the mind allows” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
4. What am I grateful for?
Gratitude is one of the most important virtues of a person. In order to understand and appreciate all the things that hold value and render you thankful for, you must ask yourself, ‘So far in my life, what are all the good things and who are all the people in my life I should be thankful for?’ This lets you access all the people who mean the most to you but most importantly who has been there for you in times of despair.
5. Am I happy doing what I’m currently doing?
Another life-changing question everyone must ask themselves periodically is whether they are actually happy doing what they are currently doing. Is it really what you wanted to be doing or are you just following instructions of those who have dictated to you that this is how life should be? If the answer is no, then you must ask yourselves what can be done to change this.
6. What are the most important things I’ve learned in life?
Another question that proves very helpful when addressed regularly is the one that asks, ‘So far in life what are the most important things that you have learned? Which of the lessons have been life-changing and what changes have you brought about- positive and negative to your life based on these lessons?
7. Who inspires me the most and what is it that inspires me about them?
Very insightful questions to ask yourself is, “Who is the person who inspires you the most and what is it about this person that inspires you? “- This will give you an important outlook on what exactly is it that you are working towards and what necessary personal changes must you make in accordance with achieving these goals.
“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell
8. How important is money to me?
‘How important is money to me?’ This is a very important question as it determines not only your goals in life but also helps you discover what exactly your priorities are and whether or not you are assigning your time and resources towards what is most important to you. In case the answer is that money is not a priority, then it leads you to the question of what exactly is your current priority and what should you be doing for this.
9. Where do I see myself in 5, 10 and 20 years?
“Where do I see myself in 5, 10 and 20 years from today?’ Only when you recognize and accept your goals in a realistic and achievable manner keeping in mind your duties and responsibilities towards your family, can you work towards your goals as per your maximum potential and dedicate yourself towards realizing all of them in the order that you want to.
10. What do I believe in?
‘Do I believe in the idea of God? What does God represent in my life? Identifying with a religion irrespective of what you are born into highlights your moral principles in life and reflects what exactly you believe to be good and to be wrong. A person who believes in God is seeking security and a modem of self-reassurance as well as a conscience upon which they can build a set of values and virtues abide by for a life with the least regrets. The belief in God shows that such persons need the responsibility of being answerable to someone who checks out their actions.
Asking yourself the above-mentioned questions shall act as a guide in your path of self-discovery and realizing your goals and passions before time runs out. It also helps you to prioritize who and what means the most to you and whether you are dividing your attention correctly respective of the priority you have assigned.
Image courtesy of Twenty20.com
It’s really inspiring article. The only way to achieve some remarkable goals in life is to motivate yourself. Thanks for showing some good tips on how not to give up and keep going to the destination of your dreams.
Thank you for the article. It is highly informative!