How to Find Your Reason for Living
This year went by in a flash, and before we know it, we are already at the end of 2020. The year was anything but smooth sailing, with many unprecedented events and hectic days. In such tumultuous times, it is really a feat that we managed to get this far (very much due to our determination and perseverance).
Throughout this year, I definitely grew as a person, in terms of maturity and mental strength. With this in mind, I thought that I should set some resolutions for next year such that I will be able to continue finding my true self, and achieve even greater self-growth.
Coincidentally, I came across a book about Ikigai, which is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for living” or “the value one finds in day to day living”, by finding purpose and worth such that you can wake up to each day with vigour and zest.
Honestly, finding the intersect in the Venn Diagram above would be awfully difficult. I mean, if it were that easy, life would be great! Nonetheless, we can start by prioritising what we feel is of utmost importance out of the four aspects and start working towards it first. This may sound materialistic, but I prioritise “What I can be paid for”, and “What the world needs” in line with my pragmatic yet altruistic personality. I have also been exploring the other factors, and trying to find my all-rounded Ikigai. Of course, volunteering at Heartware is what is one of my first steps in finding my “mission” as it is something I look forward to and find meaning in.
Indeed, such a journey towards finding your Ikigai will not be easy, but definitely a worthwhile resolution we can start working towards. For instance, we can start by reflecting on what matters the most to us, what aligns with our morals and our desires in life, which may also help us to decide on which career path we might want to take. Our Ikigai might not be possible to find it within one year but give yourself as much time as you need as this self-discovery journey is a life-long one.
A teacher once said to my class, “The day you find your Ikigai, is the day I’ll be truly happy for you”. In our fast-paced lives, we may constantly be overwhelmed by our circumstances and question ourselves. However, taking steps to find out your true passions and understand your ideals (as we might not know ourselves as well as we think we do), will lead to a more fulfilling life in future.
Finding our Ikigai is merely one of the resolutions you can take up for 2021. Below are some tips on how to better set some of your resolutions.
- (You have probably heard this countless times before but) Set SMART Goals
We may have numerous goals and resolutions for next year, but how many a times do we take active steps to accomplish them? In order to measure your success and progress of fulfilling your resolutions, you can start by following this SMART template, planning concrete steps you want to take and the timeline for your goals. Try planning these on an excel sheet! It helps to better visualise and track your progress, motivating you to continue pursuing your goals.
- Plan for obstacles
What challenges will you face along the way? What do you see hindering your path to success? Anticipating your challenges, as well as the counter-measures you take against them will definitely be helpful in the future as it makes you feel more prepared and determined.
Nevertheless, when faced with an unplanned obstacle, look back at how far you’ve come and tell yourself that you are strong! Do not give up and this perseverance will eventually pay off.
To end off, I will leave you with a small portion of a rather empowering poem by Edgar Albert Guest:
Even if you did not manage to fulfil each and every single one of your 2020 resolutions, a little progress is better than none! We can continue pursuing our aspirations and perhaps, relook and tweak our resolutions to make them more feasible and achievable by the end of 2021. Do be sure to acknowledge the effort and progress you have made. This may sound weird coming from a stranger but, good job for all the hard work you have put in and for all that you have done this year (a little encouragement for all who needs it)! Do not forget to take care of your health and have a self-care day all to yourself!
I hope 2021 would be a fulfilling and meaningful year for everyone of you!