Knowing what you want in life is the key to achieving success and happiness.
Without a clear goal, you might feel like you're drifting aimlessly. However, once you have a clear picture of what you want to achieve, everything starts to feel more purposeful.
Why Knowing What You Want Is Important
Having clear goals will guide your decision-making and prioritize. By knowing what you want, you can focus on what's truly important and avoid unnecessary distractions.
Singgih Kartono, a designer from Temanggung, Central Java, had a very clear vision when he started the Magno Radio project.
After graduating from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Singgih returned to his hometown with the goal of creating products that support environmental sustainability while also elevating local culture. He wanted to create something different, one that would not only function as an electronic device but also symbolize the harmony between modern technology and nature.
With this goal in mind, Singgih began designing the Magno Radio—a radio crafted from sustainable wood, handcrafted by local artisans. His design philosophy is rooted in traditional values and simplicity, with a strong emphasis on environmental considerations. Initially, his idea was considered too idealistic, and many doubted whether the product would succeed in the competitive global market.
However, Singgih remained steadfast in his vision. He believed that a good product should have value beyond mere functionality, reflecting ethics and aesthetics that could positively impact the community and the environment. As a result, Magno Radio successfully penetrated the international market and gained widespread recognition.
This product has not only won awards at various international design exhibitions, but also serves as an example of how products based on local values and sustainability can compete in the global market.
Singgih Kartono's story with Magno Radio shows that with a clear goal and strong determination, you can create a product or achieve something that is not only commercially successful, but also has a broader positive impact.
How to Find What You Want
Figuring out what you truly want in life takes time. There are several steps you can take to identify your goals and aspirations.
Self-Reflection
Take some time to reflect and ask yourself important questions. Questions like "What makes me happy?" or "What activities make me feel energized and fulfilled?" can be a good starting point.
Take the time to truly explore the answers to these questions, without rushing. Try to think not only about things you might enjoy, but also about what gives your life meaning and purpose.
This process may take a few days or even weeks, but this deep self-reflection will help you gain insight into what is truly important to you.
Visualization Techniques
Visualization is a technique where you imagine yourself in the future and see yourself achieving a specific goal. Imagine a scenario where you've achieved what you want. How do you feel? What are you doing? Who are you with?
This visualization helps you experience the positive emotions associated with achieving it, which can then clarify what you truly want in life. You can do this by sitting in a quiet place, closing your eyes, and letting your mind picture your ideal future. Repeated visualization can strengthen the vision and make it more vivid and real.
Journal Writing and Mind Mapping
Journaling is an effective way to explore your thoughts and feelings more deeply. In your journal, write down what you feel is important, what you desire, and why.
Don't be afraid to write down whatever comes to mind, even if the thoughts and writing are disorganized.
From here, create a mind map connecting the main ideas that emerged from your writing. Mind mapping helps you see connections between various ideas and aspirations that you may not have previously noticed. This way, you can get a clearer picture of what you want and how they relate to each other.
By trying these three methods—self-reflection, visualization, and journaling/ mind mapping —you can more easily discover what you really want to do in life.
Remember that this process doesn't have to be completed all at once; give yourself enough space and time to explore the various possibilities until you find the answer that truly aligns with your heart.
Achieve your goals
Once you know what you want, the next step is to set goals that are SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
SMART goals will guide you in developing a concrete action plan. Discipline in following this plan is crucial to ensure you stay on track toward achieving your goals.
Look at a more concrete example to understand this SMART concept:
Suppose you are a student who wants to graduate with good grades and get a job in the creative industry.
You can set SMART goals like this:
By setting SMART goals like the example above, you can design a clear and disciplined action plan. Every step you take will bring you closer to your ultimate goal.
Don't forget to continue monitoring your progress and be flexible if changes need to be made, but stay steadfast in your end vision.
Knowing what you want is the foundation for success. With clarity of purpose, you can direct your energy and resources in the right direction. Now is the time to start identifying and pursuing your goals.
Don't be afraid to dream big, because every great achievement starts with a clear desire.
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