Living better every day involves more than just adapting to the current norms of staying at home and spending time with family and friends. It's about satisfying our inherent need for diverse perspectives, intellectual stimulation, and a sense of belonging to a community. We often find ourselves contemplating our lives, jobs, relationships, and aspirations for the future.

Thinking about the future is natural, prompting a deep reflection on our personal aspirations. We might find ourselves immersed in thoughts about the goals set in previous years, evaluating their relevance and significance in the present moment.

Is this introspection and assessment a positive or negative endeavour?

In more stable times, such self-reflection might serve as a validation of our existence. However, in times of change, this reflection may lean towards judgement, casting doubt on the meaning we attach to our lives. And this is a natural reaction to this reflection.

We might find that this evaluation extends beyond personal existence to assessing who we are as individuals and the impact our job has on ourselves, our families, and the world. It has become much more accepted and certainly part of everyday life to question our purpose in this way and we should not hide from it, but instead learn from it and take note of what matters most.

While this process of self-reflection and evaluation contributes to heightened valuable self-awareness, its true value lies in the journey we take, not necessarily the outcome.

As we revisit our goals for this year, it’s important to keep these five fundamental principles in mind:

1.     TIME

The process of reflection involves revisiting the choices that led us to our current circumstances. Understanding why we made those decisions and why we are reevaluating them now requires time and patience.

2.     ACCEPTANCE

Embracing the answers that arise during our reflection. We need to learn to accept our current job, our relationships, and the choices we've made. Avoiding judgement and instead focussing on acknowledging and understanding our past decisions.

3.     ENTHUSIASM

Approaching the balance between chaos and order with renewed energy and optimism for the future. If we embrace each task as if we're doing it for the first time, we infuse enthusiasm into our daily pursuits.

4.     KINDNESS

Extending kindness not only to others but also to ourselves is important. It's ok to care for ourselves with the same dedication as we do for others.Finding moments to reflect and balance everything in our life, even if it means momentarily prioritising our own needs.

5.     LOVE

Cultivating love in our interactions as if each moment is a precious opportunity. Responding, listening, and acknowledging with love rather than criticism. Approaching relationships with love facilitates personal balance and clear thinking.

“Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it.”
- Gautama Buddha

Through self-reflection we not only enhance our personal growth and self-awareness but also contribute to a collective journey to live better every day.

Written by Evelyn G Jackson, CEO of Find My Meaning.