Perhaps you’re all about personal development and improvement. It may be something that you’ve become more interested in lately during your current stage of life.
However, as you contemplate what you’ve done with your life, do you catch yourself asking if there’s more to it than what you’ve explored thus far?
Yes, you’ve been doing a lot of introspection, but is there something you’ve missed? What if you missed something that could change your whole paradigm?
Whatever bit of knowledge that is could be the breakthrough towards making an immensely positive life change for yourself.
If this is something you’ve been thinking about, consider the following ideas.
Removing the Blinders
All too often, we pass through life with blinders on.
You have done all the steps and checked off the boxes that were expected of you—go to school, get a job, move up in your career.
However, that process causes you to wear blinders, even when you don’t notice them. You may be so focused on your track forward that you don’t realize the other opportunities out there. Or you may have come to define yourself so rigidly in your current lifestyle (both professional and personal) that you don’t consider the alternatives.
Don’t feel bad about this! Our society reinforces this concept all the time. Instead, consider what your blinders are and work towards gaining a wider perspective.
Not Knowing What You Don’t Know
Sometimes, we just don’t know what we don’t know. That sounds rhetorical, but it’s true in so many instances in life.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had absolutely no clue as to what to do? For example, that first time you had to change a car tire, and you had to learn as you went.
Those moments can be so unnerving! Yet, they can also be liberating if you know what to look for.
When you realize you are in a situation or place in life where you have no idea as to what to do, you have an opportunity. It’s a chance to start fresh and begin a whole new journey.
Keeping an Open Mind to New Experiences
As you think about whether there is more to life than you realize, it’s critical to keep an open mind to new experiences. These moments can be crucial towards discovering something you never realized about yourself.
Maybe it’s uncovering a new talent or igniting a passion that you didn’t realize was there.
An important part of this process is purposely putting yourself in situations that are fresh, new, exciting, and maybe even intimidating. That’s because, in order to find a new direction in life, you have to be willing to take risks.
Taking Time to Reflect
As you explore this new aspect of your life, it’s important to slow down and reflect. Reflection is not self-indulgent. In reality, it’s an important component of personal development.
Keeping a journal of your thoughts as you reflect will be very helpful. For one, you will have something to refer back to later. Moreover, it provides you with a place to store your thoughts and clear your mind. Typing things out on a computer might work, but there’s nothing like using good old fashioned pen and paper.
Asking Others for Their Perspective
When asking if there’s more to life than what you’ve explored thus far, it also helps to have more than one perspective.
However, you don’t have to go on a year-long quest to visit the monks at the top of a mountain. Rather, there are already plenty of people in your life who can provide helpful feedback and would be quite willing to do so.
Consider the people you know. Whose opinions do you value and trust? Who may automatically judge you for asking questions? And who will provide the perspective and guidance you need?
Talking to a Professional
It’s at this point that talking to a therapist who specializes in personal growth counseling can be immensely helpful.
A personal growth counselor knows how to ask the right questions and how to listen as well. They can be another resource in your life to help you find the perspective and understanding you seek.
—
Personal growth is a lifelong process. However, because we often live in such compartmentalized and rigid frameworks, it’s hard to see what other options are available.
Reflection, being open to new experiences, and widening your vision are worthwhile goals. But if you’re still having trouble finding your groove, guidance from a professional counselor is a vital step to consider. I’d be delighted to use my knowledge and expertise to help you.