[JHL]

Someone once dryly noted that the reason most people dont achieve goals in their life, is simply because they failed to set any.

I am one such person. On paper, I have achieved quite a lot in my life. Good job, good prospects, good relationship, etc etc. However none of it by design.

In moments of introspection, I frequently catch myself saying "How did I get here?" I shake my head in wonderment at how I ended up in this job. How I ended up in the relationship I'm in, or the city I now live in. I dont recall actually choosing any of it, rather it all just happened to me along the way.

So whats the problem? The problem is I'm not terribly happy.

The sensible approach, would therefore be to determine what would make me happy and to set some goals. Only as odd as it sounds - I dont actually know what I want. I have some vague conception of wanting to live comfortably, wanting a happy relationship, kids, travel after retirement, etc. In other words a regurgitated facsimile of a conventional societal paradigm. Er, that is, the kind of life I've been conditioned to want. I just dont know what I want.

Can anyone relate? Any thoughts? I've read Steve's article on determing purpose. Great article, I tried it and even arrived at a place that resonated with me...but I how do I want it? I mean, to what degree are you living your life by design, and to what degree have you just ended up in places and dont really know how you got there? It would be nice to hear other people's stories.