Dear me.

"What would you like to achieve in your life?"

Today, finally someone had to ask me this question.

Throughout my life, I was searching for the answer and I tried to extend the deadline.

I also pretend sometimes that I have something in my mind.

You know, you can say you want to make a better world etc etc.

I mean, of course I meant it when I said it.

But is that really something that I want to "achieve" in my life?

Nah.

Today, the 2nd of May, 2018. My friend was dared to ask me this question.

"...I am confused. I cannot have a whole picture...what would you like to achieve in your life then?"

I could not answer it.

It is frustrating.

It almost makes me go crazy because I have been asking myself this question too.

I also never fully knew what I wanted to be when I was a child.

I never had a solid dream.

Now, it seems so bad not to have a life goal. In fact, I am suffering because of this.

Don't get me wrong, I have many interests.

And once again, I do want to make this world a better place.

I care about the environment.

I want to do something with this refugee crisis.

I want to challenge capitalism.

I reduce the amount of waste I produce.

I waste no food.

I think about Japanese craftmanship.

I want to build a commune to host people in need of shelter.

I want to help the vulnerable.

I am interested in diverse cultures.

I want to meet more people with a different background.

I want to organise a sensory museum to combat .

I stay critical.

etc etc etc..

but then...I also need to be independent and make a living.

The next question will be: what am I good at?

This is how things start going wrong because I don't know what the heck I can do to make a living.

Why does it seem so easy for some and it is just so not possible for me to come to a conclusion?

So I started to ask people instead and here is what I got today.

Kate (about 26 years old, the final year student)

I actually don't have a life goal. I am more of a person who works on a small project and then step by step goes forward. I think it is normal. I think older generations want to ask us this question but do we really need to have a solid answer? ...If anything, actually, I want to help the vulnerable. Hence, I am studying law. I struggled a lot because I am very spiritual and I don't know if I believe in this law system. But I was talking to many people and I realised we all want the same thing, the better world. I don't think this (studying law) is a bad option. I think, we are all part of the larger process. I go with the flow. Who knows. My life goal may be different in few years. It might change tomorrow. Who knows. It's okay. It's okay to not have a life goal. It's not a bad thing. What matters is that we work on this.

Luke (about 25 years old, in a relationship with a girl who just graduated today, surfer)

My life goal is to live in Africa. Mozambique actually. I just love the people and culture there...I like to surf. I am actually going there in few months' time. Yes, with my girlfriend. I know a friend who works at this surf shop so maybe I could join. Who knows. Yes, but I am going there in few months, that is for sure. Yeah...I might not come back who knows. I think the most important thing in life is to be happy. I think it's the same for everyone. I want to be happy, yes. Of course, I want to make a living but money is not everything. I work for someone and I get something in return, it doesn't have to be money. This way, I am satisfied. I am happy. I get respect from others.

Marian* I think that is her name (about 24 years old, Spanish, black female)

I want to shed light on black people. That's it. especially in Europe. I think so. This is what I want to do. I don't know how yet but this is my life goal. But in 10 years I think this will be a bit different. I would still want to shed light on black people but not necessarily in Europe. It is because I think many things will influence me and so naturally my life goal will also change. But I would like to shed light on black people.

Liselotte (about 35-40 years old, Dutch, a mother of ? years old daughter)

I don't have a life goal. I have nothing there that I want to achieve in my life. I don't have a door to chase. I just don't have it. I don't think of it as good or bad.

These are not what exactly they said, but more or less, yes.

I think what I got from these people is that I just need to be confident and know what I am doing right now regardless of having a life goal or not. It doesn't really matter what.

Also, obviously the answer will vary depending on their age, gender and ethnicity.

I think this is actually quite interesting to ask people this question.

I could see their face changing because this question got them thinking.

Sure, I want to know what others think of this but I dare them to ask themselves.

It is a great opportunity to pose for a moment and just think what they really want.

Anyways.

Dear other 24 years old like me (student, with no future plans, with no money, non European...), what would you like to achieve in your life? and what are you doing in order to achieve it?

So, I shall continue asking this question...

If you are also stuck in this situation like me, you may also like...

How to Pick a Career (That Actually Fits You)