Navigating life can feel overwhelming when you’re unclear about your purpose. You might find yourself drifting through routines without a clear sense of what truly matters to you. This is where intentional living can help—it’s about aligning your actions with your core values and creating a fulfilling life. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical ways to figure out what you want in life and how intentional living can guide you along the way.
What Is Intentional Living?
Intentional living is a lifestyle philosophy that encourages you to make deliberate choices aligned with your values, priorities, and long-term goals. Rather than letting external factors dictate your path, intentional living empowers you to take control of your journey. This mindset serves as a foundation for understanding how to figure out what you want in life.
When you live intentionally, you focus on:
▫️ Recognizing what matters most to you.
▫️ Eliminating distractions that don’t serve your goals.
▫️ Creating a meaningful and authentic life that feels right for you.
Intentional living doesn’t mean having all the answers upfront—it’s about learning, adjusting, and staying true to your inner compass. This approach makes it easier to uncover what you want in life, even when the journey seems unclear.
Why It Matters to Know What You Want
Knowing what you want in life is like having a compass that always points you in the right direction. Without it, you might find yourself climbing the wrong ladder or chasing goals that leave you unfulfilled.
Here’s why clarity is so crucial:
Eliminates Overwhelm
When you’re unsure of your direction, every decision can feel paralyzing. Clarity allows you to prioritize what truly matters, eliminating unnecessary stress and decision fatigue.
Increases Focus and Motivation
It’s easier to get up every morning feeling energized and excited when you’re working towards something that genuinely matters to you. Purpose fuels perseverance.
Creates a Fulfilling Life
A life lived with intention—aligned with your values and dreams—feels meaningful. Instead of drifting through days, you create experiences that bring joy and satisfaction.
The Common Roadblocks to Clarity
If finding out what you want were easy, everyone would know their purpose by the time they finished high school. But let’s face it—there are challenges that often cloud our judgment and disconnect us from our goals. Recognizing these barriers is the first step toward overcoming them.
Societal Expectations
From a young age, we’re told what we “should” do—get good grades, find a stable career, buy a home, and so on. It’s easy to mistake societal norms for your own desires.
Breakthrough tip:
Start questioning where your goals come from. Are they truly yours, or are they influenced by others’ expectations?
Fear of Failure
Sometimes, it’s easier not to think about what you want because it feels risky. What if you fail to achieve your dreams?
Breakthrough tip:
Reframe failure as a learning experience – an experiment. Even missteps help you grow and refine your goals.
Too Many Choices
Modern life offers a dazzling array of options, which can leave you feeling more stuck than ever. Analysis paralysis is real!
Breakthrough tip:
Focus on just one or two areas to explore at a time. Simplify your search.
How to Figure Out What You Want in Life
Now, let’s review actionable possible strategies. The key to clarity is introspection, creativity, and taking small but consistent steps forward.
Reflect on Your Core Values
Values are your internal compass, guiding what feels meaningful to you. When you know what you stand for, it’s easier to figure out what direction aligns with your beliefs.
Ask yourself:
▫️ What principles do I want to live by?
▫️ What makes me feel proud of myself?
Imagine Your Ideal Life
Visualization is a powerful tool. Close your eyes and imagine a day in your ideal life. Where are you? What are you doing? Who are you with?
Pro tip:
Journaling can help bring these visions to life. Write about your ideal day in as much detail as possible.
Identify What Energizes You
Think about the activities that make time fly by. Whether it’s painting, organizing, helping others, or strategizing, these are clues to what you’re naturally drawn to.
Ask yourself:
▫️ When do I feel most alive?
▫️ What’s something I would do even if I weren’t paid for it?
Experiment and Explore
Action breeds clarity. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” answer, try different activities, hobbies, or jobs that spark your curiosity.
Pro tip:
Treat this like a series of low-stakes experiments. You’re not committing forever—you’re simply exploring.
Consider Your Strengths
What are you naturally good at? Your talents often point to fulfilling career or life paths.
Ask yourself:
▫️ What do people often praise me for?
▫️ What’s something I learn or do easily compared to others?
Surround Yourself with the Right Influences
Your environment and the people around you play a huge role in shaping your mindset. Seek out individuals who inspire and motivate you.
Actionable step:
Join communities, clubs, or groups aligned with your interests or goals.
Listen to Your Inner Voice
When was the last time you checked in with yourself—without judgment or external input? Meditation or quiet reflection can help you reconnect with your intuition.
Pro tip:
Schedule regular alone time to tune into your thoughts and feelings.
The Power of Letting Go
Sometimes, figuring out what you want isn’t about adding more to your life – it’s about subtracting. Let go of what no longer serves you—toxic relationships, unfulfilling jobs, or outdated dreams—to create space for what truly matters.
Ask yourself:
▫️ What’s holding me back right now?
▫️ What am I ready to release?
Finding Support Along the Way
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Whether it’s through books, mentors, or supportive communities, there are countless resources to help you uncover your path.
If you are looking for an accountability buddy, we have created an amazing community here in Munich – Cream & Do Crew! Check it out, and do not hesitate to connect! We will be glad to have you on board or if you prefer one-on-one sessions, please contact me. It will be an absolute pleasure to connect! 🤍
A Helpful Resource
If you’re ready to dive deeper into this process, my ebook/workbook, Intentional Living: How to Figure Out What You Want in Life, provides a step-by-step guide to gain clarity and take action. Filled with practical exercises and thoughtful prompts, it’s designed to help you align your life with what truly matters.
Learning how to figure out what you want in life is a deeply personal journey. Through the principles of intentional living, you can clarify your path and create a life that feels truly meaningful. Start small, embrace self-discovery, and trust the process—it’s all part of living intentionally. Remember, clarity isn’t something you find overnight, but every small step forward brings you closer to living a life you genuinely love.
Are you ready to begin? Let’s take this journey together.
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