Let’s be honest with ourselves; indeed, most people don’t create space to improve awareness, clarity, and alignment with their core vision. It’s easy to get caught up in a relentless cycle of work, responsibilities, and social obligations. However, every so often, a moment, a conversation, or a significant event prompts us to re-evaluate aspects of our lives that we’ve taken for granted.
The catalyst for change
Often, the catalyst for a period of reflection is unexpected. Amidst the global upheaval caused by the pandemic, the loss of a loved one, or even the quiet moments of solitude induced by growing, we find ourselves confronting the essence of our existence. I went through all of these phases like most of you and a growing realization that my personal life was being sidelined. The imbalance sparked a deep-seated need to reassess what truly mattered.
I perfectly recall the overwhelming sense of paralysis that gripped me when my father passed away. Yet, from that profound sadness, I found a catalyst for positive change. I told myself that it was imperative to take action; I refused to let my time go to waste. Motivated by a desire to make a significant impact on the world and positively influence the lives of those around me, I committed to moving forward with purpose.
The power of pause
Initially, the first step was learning to pause. During this pause, I listened to my thoughts and feelings, which I had ignored while chasing success. Consequently, this pause allowed me to breathe, reflect on my path, and think about where I was going. Subsequently, I spent time writing about my emotions in a journal. This process, over time, helped me create a framework. Ultimately, this framework made it easier for me to understand my emotions and see situations more broadly.
Realigning my values
As I explored more deeply, I discovered that societal expectations from my upbringing had overshadowed my true values. Focusing on my personal development became crucial for redefining success on my terms. A significant hurdle in this journey was learning to release. This meant shedding both my expectations and those imposed by others, as well as overcoming the fear of change. Accepting uncertainty was vital for realigning my path, paving the way for new possibilities and opportunities more in tune with my renewed values. By gaining a better understanding of what really matters to me, I was able to reassess and set new priorities.
Sorting my life
Every year, I make a mind-map to sort my life into five parts: Health, Spirituality, Key Relationships, Career, and Financials. For each area, I define three main goals and then rank these categories in order of importance for the coming year. I often involve a select group of people in this process, which allows me to articulate my reasoning and increase accountability between us. The more challenging questions I receive from them, the more clarity I gain in my path forward.
Re-evaluating our lives should not be an occasional task. Instead, it ought to be a consistent and essential part of our journey toward personal growth and self-discovery. Given that our lives are always changing, influenced by our experiences, what we learn, and how our views evolve, it’s natural for our dreams, goals, and values to shift over time. Therefore, to remain true to who we are becoming, it’s vital to continuously update and refine our life’s vision. This includes making necessary adjustments and improvements. Furthermore, by regularly reflecting on and questioning our path, we enable ourselves to live with greater awareness and fulfillment. Consequently, this ensures that our life’s vision stays relevant and enriching as we grow.
