It can be difficult to figure out your life.It forces you to define what it means to be happy.The process will allow you to grow and develop into a better version of yourself.There is more than one path to happiness, and multiple trails to satisfaction.
Step 1: A journal is a must have.
Your journey can be documented in a journal.Journals allow you to process your thoughts, evaluate your fears, and dream your dreams.You can track your progress to happiness by writing regularly in a paper journal.You become more self aware when you write about your day.Take the time to note what brought you joy and what made you anxious.It's a good idea to document an interaction with someone who is doing what you want them to do.To see how far you have come, periodically flip back through your journal.
Step 2: Start a diary in a video diary.
Don't write about your journey to happiness, keep a video diary.You can use your phone, computer, or camcorder to record your thoughts.If you keep a video diary, you can get out of your own head.You don't have to worry about starring at a blank page.You can assess your growth by keeping a video record.Do you know what makes you unhappy or do you have an idea of what will make you happy?Allow your realizations to affect your understanding.
Step 3: Take pictures
Taking pictures is a great way to document your life.Take pictures of your grandma, a tree changing colors, and things that make you feel happy.Take pictures of scenes that move you to action, such as a riot, a policeman standing guard, or a lost dog.Analyze the significance of the images you collect.Why do they make you feel that way?Do they tell anything about your life?Do you have any missing images from your collection?You can identify what makes you happy by applying what you discover about yourself.
Step 4: Do you really want that?
There is no wrong reply.You can reply with a vague, hazy answer or a toned-down version of what you really want.For a while, sit and ponder the answer.Consider why you don't know.The glimpse of your honest response can be seen in your reply.Take the essence of your toned-down answer.If your answer is silence, a shrug, or "I don't know", you can overcome the fear that you may never find happiness.You can respond with a fresh perspective.Accept that your hopes and dreams have changed and let go of any guilt.It's normal that what used to make you happy doesn't anymore.It doesn't need to be defined by what your friends, family, or coworkers think brings you joy.
Step 5: Push your reply to the next level.
Extrapolating the essence of your toned-down reply is one way to elevate your response.If your original reply was "I want to be happier with my career", you would elevate it by identifying people, places, or things that make you happy.Continue until you have a specific answer.If animals make you happy, consider a career as a vet or volunteering at a shelter in your spare time.If you enjoy working with kids, you could become an elementary school teacher.Search for a job in the service industry if you help others.The process may take a while.Allow yourself to be frustrated, but never dwell on the impossibility of your answer.
Step 6: Ignore your answer.
Allow your answer to guide you.Don't worry about when, where, or why.You don't have control over those factors.How you pursue your happiness is up to you.Make an effort to be happy every day.You will have to step outside of your comfort zone.The risks will force you to be a happy person.
Step 7: Take a moment to identify your gifts.
Your gifts are what you are good at.List your strongest skills.Practical skills, such as filing taxes, listening, and evaluating a situation, will be included on your list.You can also take a gift or skill inventory test.The results can show new gifts or affirm your strengths.
Step 8: Understand your passions.
What you care about is revealed by your passions.You might be interested in the environment, animals, social justice, education, or children.Your passion moves you to action.What makes you pick up a sign?Do you make regular donations to an organization?Take time to explore different issues if you can't easily identify your passions.Prepare yourself for immigration reform, educate yourself on global warming, and dedicate yourself to social justice.You will discover your interests over time.
Step 9: Take a moment to examine your values.
You live your life according to values.Our values often come from our religion, family, and society.Your values help you make decisions.When others are open with you, you try to tell the truth and appreciate it.You can value equality, freedom, or family.Tension arises when you live or work in an environment that does not respect your values.A series of easy exercises will help you identify your core values.How do your parents, mentors, and teachers live their lives when you respect them?Evaluate which issues inspire you to take action.Determine which thing you would change by assessing your community.Search for common themes when you review your answers.Your values and beliefs will be similar to the themes and principles that emerge.
Step 10: Look for your calling.
You need to combine your gifts, passions, and values in order to find your calling.While maintaining your values, find a way to lend your strengths to a cause you are passionate about.You will have figured out your life when you reach the perfect balance of all three.It may take awhile to find the perfect balance between gifts, passions, and values.Don't expect to perfect the formula on your first try.