Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

Tim Han Success Insider: When you realize there’s no one ‘correct’ way to live, you can get on with finding the right way to live for YOU. đź’›

We're always on this quest. A pursuit for a picture-perfect blueprint—the definitive guide to life. But then life throws us curves balls, and those cookie-cutter molds don't do justice to our diverse and intricate human experiences. That's when we realize there is no one ‘correct' way to live because our journey is a personal unfolding, unique as a thumbprint. The key is understanding that the right way to live isn't found in a listicle or a self-help book—it's brewed within ourselves, within our choices, dreams, values, triumphs, and even our missteps.

I once received a letter from a student, not unlike many I receive as the founder of Success Insider. They were struggling with life's weighty questions. “What's my purpose? How should I live? Am I making the right choices?” To them, and maybe to you too, I say this: The purpose of life isn't put in our hands as a readymade package but something that we cultivate and nurture every day.

Let's look at someone we all admire: Oprah Winfrey. Born into poverty and faced with numerous challenges, Oprah chose a path that others wouldn't. She didn't follow a universally “correct” way of living—she forged her own, remaining true to her values and principles. And look at the impact she's made! Reflecting on her journey, Oprah once said, “I trust that everything happens for a reason, even when we are not wise enough to see it.”

There's profound wisdom there. When we stop searching for the ‘correct' way to live and start focusing on how we can uniquely contribute in our journey, life unfolds differently.

Does this mean we won't make mistakes? Hardly! Mistakes are part and parcel of our journey. They are the milestones on our journey, nudging us towards growth and wisdom. Just as a sculpture takes shape with each chisel strike, we too are work-in-progress, every error inching us closer to the person we're meant to be.

But how do we cultivate this personal way of living? How do we build a life on our terms?

First, embrace authenticity. It is incredible how liberating it feels to disengage from societal expectations, to live as we are. Live unabashedly as yourself. Do what feels right. Kick away the shackles of ‘should' and ‘must' and tread the path of ‘want.'

Secondly, get comfortable with uncertainty. Deciding to find your unique way entails stepping away from conventional norms and the assured. Sometimes, walking our path can feel like venturing into the wilderness—wonderful, exhilarating but scary. So, it's important to foster resilience and courage.

Lastly, remember, this is a process of self-discovery. Keep exploring, questioning, learning, and growing. Refine your life's vision, based on your experiences and wisdom.

Allow me to remind you what matters most; yours is the only life you can live. Your dreams, your values, your aspirations—they all matter. You are here to make a difference, the nature of which only you can ascertain. Remember the words of Steve Jobs: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

So, dear reader, remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution in life. We are all different—our journey, experiences, and dreams. Instead of chasing a universally ‘correct' way, embrace your unique path. And each step along this path, whether steeped in joy or imbued with struggle, brings you one step closer to the life you aspire to lead. When you have this mindset, every day is a little adventure, an exciting exploration of ‘What would the authentic me do here?'

Now I leave you with a question: what does your unique way of living look like? How do your dreams and values shape your day-to-day life? Only you have the answers. Go out there and live. Don't merely exist; thrive! After all, you're not here to fit into someone else's mold. You're here to break it and pioneer your own way.

And, if ever you falter or doubt, know that you are not alone. We are all striving, learning and growing together in this beautiful journey of life.