Your birthday is a great time to reflect on what you want from life. Answer the following 8 questions thoughtfully to assess your growth, take charge of your destiny, and map out a plan to bring your deepest dreams closer.
What is one of my most striking features that people remember?
We tend to label those around us: this colleague is a warm, cheerful person, and that neighbor downstairs is a natural speaker. But what about you? What traits do others notice about you? Do you like your own public image? All of these questions will point you in the right direction for self-development and help you show your best side. Think about what good qualities you can develop in the coming months.
What or who inspired me this year?
Perhaps you admired the tenacity of your favorite athlete or the skill of your manicurist. It could have been a random song or encounter, a conversation, a book — anything! Reflect on what impressed you most and find a way to bring it into your life. For example, if your most vivid impression was visiting a botanical garden, perhaps you should get a couple of houseplants .
If you had a year’s paid vacation, what would you like to do?
Most of us have to work most of the time, which means that weekends are spent on business, and it is rare that we manage to plan them properly. As a result, you lose sight of your true dreams and aspirations. Adulthood is not a reason to turn off your imagination. Stop, listen to yourself and think about what you would like to do if there were no restrictions. Perhaps this is what will make you truly happy in the future. The main thing is to formulate a desire – and a way to implement it will be found.
Which of my plans seem impossible?
Once you have formulated your dream, it is time to turn it into a detailed plan. And if your goals seem unachievable, it means you do not understand what needs to be done to make them a reality. If you would like to become a writer, it is not enough to make a wish while blowing out the candles on your cake. It will be more productive to study the basics of dramaturgy and write the first page. Do not put off grandiose ideas for later – everything takes time.
What makes me feel alive?
Routine seems to make life monotonous and gray, devoid of emotions. Perhaps you have even asked yourself: “What am I feeling?” or “Why don’t I feel anything?” As a rule, in such cases, psychologists advise to engage in reality – consciously use all your senses, listen to your body. Understanding what exactly pulls you out of the dull everyday life and gives you a sense of life here and now will allow you to construct happy moments with your own hands, rather than go with the flow.
What am I willing to fight for?
Not everything comes easy to us. But if you are really ready to work hard on some things, it means that they are really important to you. Think about how to organize your life in such a way that these “projects” are more likely to be successfully implemented. For example, if you are seriously ready to move to another city or start your own business, it is worth planning a budget in advance.
What am I proud of?
The sadness that haunts many on their birthday is usually associated with an inability to recognize their achievements. Stop crying! Chances are, you’ve achieved great results in at least one area of your life this year. Perhaps you got a promotion or started spending more time with your kids. Take a few minutes to praise yourself – you deserve it!
What gifts have I given to others?
To make sure you don’t end up among those people who “owe” something, answer the last question – what gifts have you given to others this year? Perhaps these are not material values: for example, participation in a volunteer organization or support for a friend in trouble. Remember that those who know how to give receive. Some will call it the law of the Universe, and some – the law of conservation of energy. In any case, it works.