We seldom ask ourselves the question – Am I really living a happy and purposeful life? Perhaps we are too afraid to ask such questions fearing they will expose us. Well, there is nothing to fear about. “The more questions you ask yourself, the better person you become and the better quality of life you create.” The following are some of the questions you must ask yourself and spend some time seeking answers. They will keep your spirit high and and your mind alert.
1. What I aspire to be and what is the purpose of my life?
This is one of the most significant questions which is either left undefined, or ambiguously explained by most of us. Some of us aren’t even bothered to pose this question to ourselves. We’ve forgotten that our existence is not meaningless; there is someone we aspire to be and the picture of him/her should be obvious and well-defined in our mind so that we plan ourselves accordingly.
The purpose of life is another question on which most of us are either perplexed or lack clear vision. We all live for a purpose and the inner and outer values. To find the purpose, you should first connect yourself with your real-self and speak to your thoughtful mind. We are all blessed with just one life, recognize your path and walk upon it holding your head high.
“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.” —Patanjali
2. Am I aware of my skills and strengths?
Have you ever explored your skills and strengths? Don’t hide or waste it in anyway because the world craves for new talents, new skills, new thinking and new creation. Recognize them, practice them, develop them and use them to push yourself to the pinnacle of success with your true potential. Don’t give any lame excuse such as ‘I don’t have any time’ otherwise someday your wish will whisper to you saying ‘You had plenty of time but no desire’. Without exploring your strengths, the success you attain might seem impressive to the world but you yourself won’t feel connected to it.
“As tools become rusty, so does the mind; a garden uncared for soon becomes smothered in weeds; a talent neglected withers and dies.” – Ethel R. Page
3. Am I working hard to make my dreams come true?
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Most of us aren’t happy with ourselves and have stopped working on our dreams. Instead, we invest our hard work, determination, and dedication to fulfill the dreams of our parents, spouse or someone else. Our passion is the truest reflection of what we are attracted to and to pursue it we have to learn to be a bit selfish and say no to the people around. Break all the barriers and go for your own dreams and you will be thankful to yourself for your brave decision.
“You simply cannot give to the world all that you have to give to the world if you do not remain true to your own “selfish” desires. You have a unique set of precious values that can only be fulfilled by pursuing what drives you the most: your passions and dreams. Could Thomas Edison have tended to the downtrodden as Mother Teresa did? Could Albert Einstein have preached salvation as Martin Luther King Jr. did? Could Abraham Lincoln have built cars like Henry Ford? Always, the masses benefit from the individuals who insist on marching to the beat of their own drummer.” -Mike Dooley
4. Am I pursuing my dreams right now?
Everybody has some dreams to live on but the vital question is whether you have kept your dreams in a locked box or procrastinating to pursue them in future? There is a wonderful old saying, “Tomorrow never comes.” It is now or never. Don’t Spend half of your life living for others’ dreams and then calling your own to be foolish.
Start working on your dreams today; spend time on learning more, doing more and contributing more.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
5. Am I working on my dreams with ease?
Whatever your dreams or aspirations are, accomplishing them with ease is equally important. A person, whatever he or she achieves, if achieves things with ease can actually never fail.
“Pressure is a word that is misused in our vocabulary. When you start thinking of pressure, it’s because you’ve started to think of failure.” ~Tommy Lasorda
6. Am I sharing my skills and experience with others?
Once you have found your dream and spent enough time nurturing your skills, it’s time you come out and help others find and reach their dreams. Don’t wait for tomorrow as today is the best day and far better than tomorrow; don’t wait for somebody to help them out. It is your responsibility to share your experience with the world. If you hide it, it will fade in course of time or somebody else will take the credit. And don’t forget that there are people who helped you and paved your way to success.
7. How do I want to be remembered by my children, family and the world?
How do you feel when you picture some of the greatest personalities? I’m sure you feel proud and warm inside. Now imagine how you would feel if people remembered you as a great person who they feel proud of? It certainly is the greatest feeling of all. Being good, honest, hard working, humorous, and compassionate is also a wise investment for your children, family and the world as you are showing yourself as an example of being someone to feel proud of.
8. What is that people love about me?
There must be something people love about us. All we need to do is cherish it to cheer them up. When you make people around you happy about you, you yourself become happy.
“The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.” ~Mark Twain
9. What are my excuses?
Excuses stand between you and your goal and are the reasons for your failure. It continues flourishing until we stand in their way and knock them down one by one. Rationalizing your excuses prevents you from perceiving the reality. They might console you for some time but ensures you regret later. Ask yourself if you are ready for the regrets in future.
10. Do I have a clear definition of success in my mind?
Success isn’t just about achieving big things, it also means accomplishing small little tasks what you have in your hand. It also means to have a strong determination, and courage to go for your dreams. The definition of success is very transitory, and differs from person to person; so, it should be defined in your personal standard and work to shape up your own destiny.
