How the Balance and Achieve Harmony in Life
One of the great things about life is that we are faced with many choices. While internal limits, social status, and cultural rules can shape our options, finding our way through tricky situations is often easier than it seems.
However, having too many options can also cause confusion. It becomes hard to know what we truly want, especially when ideas are abstract. If you’re stuck and unsure what to do, the first step is to figure out which direction to take in life.
How to find your life direction
Set goals and guidelines
Humans are wired to act with a purpose. Experts say this is one of our basic needs.
Researchers from Erasmus University Rotterdam have found seven important parts in searching for a purpose or calling that shapes our lives. They believe it’s key to:
Discover your core values, hobbies, and passions
Think about skills and habits you have or want to develop
Reflect on your current and future social life
Explore possible career options ahead
As you seek your path, remember that purpose doesn’t have to be linked only to earning money. Some say work equals life, but that’s not true. Instead of defining your life by the “right” job, focus on who you are and what you’re meant to do.
American psychologist Jacqueline Eccles sees our identity as made up of two main parts. One covers our skills and abilities, the other covers our values and goals. Together, these shape how we see success and what we find meaningful in solving different problems.
Basically, understanding yourself better helps you see what activities will make you truly happy.
James Carse, a historian and teacher at New York University, talked about two types of games. Finite games are about winning. They follow rules, have clear limits, and end with winners and losers. Examples include sports or politics.
Infinite games are about continuing to play. They involve real interaction that bends rules and pushes limits.
Life is an infinite game. It will end someday, but the goal is to live it fully. Thinking of life as an endless game helps you try new things. It encourages you to be less serious, explore who you are, listen to your inner voice, trust it, and follow where it leads.
Knowing what you want is a good start. But just having a goal isn't enough to make it real. You have to act. Here are eight steps to help you move forward.
Make a clear picture of your ideal life. Use details like smells, tastes, and sounds. This makes your brain see your goal as real.
Ask yourself why you want this life. Why does it matter to you? How will it affect you and those around you? Answers to these questions will help you stay focused, especially when challenges come up.