Decide What You Really Want From Your Life: Know Where You're Going

It's easy to get caught up in the flow of life, isn't it? We wake up, go to work, take care of our families, and handle whatever comes our way. Sometimes, it feels like we're just riding a river, letting the current take us where it will. But if you want to reach a specific place, you can't just float along. You need to know your destination and steer your boat.

I've learned that a lot of people feel busy but not truly productive. They're working hard, but they don't always feel like they're making real progress towards something meaningful. This often happens because they haven't stopped to figure out what "meaningful" actually means to them.

Joseph's Thought

Imagine you're going on a long trip. Would you just jump in your car and start driving, hoping to end up somewhere good? Probably not. You'd pick a destination first. You'd look at a map, plan your route, maybe even book a place to stay. Knowing where you're going makes the journey clearer, more exciting, and much more likely to succeed.

Life is much the same. If we don't decide what we truly want, we might end up somewhere we never intended to be. We might achieve things that don't bring us joy or fulfillment because they weren't what our hearts truly longed for. It's like climbing a ladder to reach a certain height, only to realize when you get there that the ladder was against the wrong wall.

Deciding what you really want isn't about being selfish or always getting your way. It's about understanding your purpose, your values, and what kind of life truly aligns with who God made you to be. It's about being a good steward of the time, talents, and energy you've been given.

God's Word

The Bible talks a lot about wisdom and planning. It encourages us to think ahead and consider the end result of our actions.

One of my favorite verses for this idea is from the book of Proverbs. It says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). Another translation puts it this way: "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint" (ESV). "Prophetic vision" here means having a clear picture of God's plan and purpose for our lives, or a moral compass that guides us. It's about having a clear sense of direction, a goal, a future picture that helps us stay on track. Without that clear picture, people can lose their way, act without thinking, and drift aimlessly.

Another helpful verse comes from Luke's Gospel. Jesus said, "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?" (Luke 14:28). While Jesus was talking about the cost of following Him, the principle applies to anything we set out to do. Good builders plan first. Good leaders plan first. Good people who want to build a life that matters plan first.

These verses remind us that thinking ahead and knowing our direction is not just a good idea, it's a wise way to live. It keeps us from wasting our efforts and helps us focus on what truly matters.

The Success Principle

Clarity of purpose is the compass that guides your journey to a life that truly matters.

Why This Matters

Knowing where you're going makes a difference in many ways:

1. It gives you focus. When you have a clear picture of what you want, it's easier to say no to things that don't fit and yes to things that move you closer to your goal. It cuts through all the distractions that life throws at us.
2. It helps you make better choices. Every day, we make many decisions. If you know your ultimate goal, you can ask, "Does this choice move me closer to or further away from what I truly want?" This simple question can be a powerful guide.
3. It provides motivation. When things get tough (and they will!), remembering your purpose and your destination can give you the strength to keep going. It reminds you why you started.
4. It helps you measure progress. Without a destination, how do you know if you're even moving forward? A clear goal allows you to celebrate small wins and adjust your path when needed.
5. It helps you build a life that matters. Ultimately, this isn't just about achieving goals, it's about living a life that reflects your deepest values and serves God's purposes. It's about stewardship – using what you have been given in a way that honors Him and blesses others.

Where People Get Stuck

Many people struggle with this step. Here are some common reasons:

It's okay to feel some of these things. The goal isn't perfection, it's progress.

What To Do

This isn't a one-time activity, but an ongoing process of discovery. Here are some ways to start finding your direction:

1. Reflect and pray: Set aside quiet time each week. Ask yourself, "What truly matters to me? What kind of person do I want to be? What legacy do I want to leave?" Ask God to show you His will for your life. His plans for you are good (Jeremiah 29:11).
2. Identify your values: What are the non-negotiable principles that guide your life? Is it honesty, kindness, faithfulness, generosity, creativity, family? Write them down. Your goals should reflect these values.
3. Dream big (and small): Allow yourself to think about what an ideal life would look like in different areas: your faith, relationships, work, health, learning, and service. Don't worry about how to get there yet, just imagine the destination.
4. Write it down: There's power in putting your thoughts on paper. This isn't a strict contract, but a living document that can be changed. Write down your biggest dreams, your current hopes, and the kind of person you want to become.
5. Talk to trusted people: Share your thoughts with a mentor, a wise friend, or your spouse. Sometimes talking things out helps clarify them in your own mind. They might also see things in you that you don't see yourself.
6. Review and adjust: Your life changes, and so might your direction. Regularly check in with yourself. Are you still heading where you want to go? Is this still the life you want to build?

Your Action Plan

Here’s a practical way to start discovering your path:

• What brings me joy?
• What makes me feel like I'm making a difference?
• What problems do I want to help solve?
• What skills do I want to learn?
• What kind of relationships do I want to have?
• What does a 'successful' day, week, or year look like for me?
• What does God want me to do with my gifts and time?

Don't worry about being perfect or having all the answers. The goal is simply to start the conversation with yourself and with God.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take just 15 minutes each day to think about one area of your life (faith, family, work, health, finances, community). Ask yourself: "What would a truly meaningful outcome look like in this area?" Jot down your thoughts. Don't try to solve anything, just try to get a clearer picture of your desired destination.

Questions to Ask Yourself

If I had unlimited time and resources, what would I spend my life doing or creating? What breaks my heart? What problem do I feel called to address? What are the core values that I absolutely refuse to compromise on? If I looked back on my life from the very end, what would I want to see that I had accomplished or become? Am I currently building a life that matters according to my values and God's calling, or am I just reacting to what comes my way?

My Response

I want to encourage you to take this seriously. It might feel like a big task, but it's one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for those around you. When you know where you're going, you move with more confidence, more purpose, and more peace. It doesn't mean life will be without bumps, but you'll have a map to guide you through them. Trust that God has a wonderful plan for you, and He's waiting for you to seek Him and discover it.