Introduction
At some point, we all ask the big questions: What am I here for? What should I be doing with my life? Whether you’re at a crossroads, feeling stuck, or simply seeking more meaning in your journey, you’re not alone. The truth is, finding your path in life isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and taking purposeful steps forward.
At Pathix, we believe that self-discovery is a lifelong process, and with the right tools, anyone can uncover direction, clarity, and purpose. In this guide, we’ll share five powerful exercises to help you reconnect with what truly matters and navigate your way forward—on your terms.
1. The “Three Lives” Exercise
Imagine you could live three completely different lives. What would they look like?
How it works:
- Write out three alternate versions of your life:
- One based on what you’re currently doing or pursuing
- One based on a dream or hidden passion
- One totally unexpected, spontaneous, or playful
- Don’t worry about logic—follow your instincts
- Reflect on which parts of each life excite or energise you
Why it helps: This exercise reveals values, interests, and desires you may be suppressing due to fear, routine, or societal pressure.
2. “Peak Moments” Reflection
Your most powerful moments often hold clues to your true path.
Try this:
- Think back on 3–5 moments when you felt deeply fulfilled, alive, or proud
- Write down what you were doing, who you were with, and why it felt so meaningful
- Identify common themes—such as creativity, service, challenge, freedom, or collaboration
Insight: What lights you up points to what you’re meant to lean into.
3. The Ikigai Diagram
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means “reason for being.” It’s found at the intersection of:
- What you love
- What you’re good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be paid for
Steps:
- Draw four overlapping circles and label each with the categories above
- Brainstorm 3–5 things in each area
- Look for overlap where two or more areas intersect
Outcome: You’ll start to see potential paths that align passion, purpose, and practicality.
4. Future Self Letter
Sometimes the clearest direction comes from the version of you who’s already walked the road.
How to do it:
- Set a timer for 20 minutes
- Write a letter from your future self (5–10 years ahead) to your current self
- Describe where you live, what you do, who you’ve become, and what mattered most
- Include advice, encouragement, and insight
Why it works: It taps into your inner wisdom and helps you visualise a future worth moving toward.
5. The “Stop, Start, Continue” Inventory
Clarity often comes from simplifying your current life, not just adding more.
Create three columns:
- Stop: What drains you or no longer serves your growth?
- Start: What do you feel called to explore or commit to?
- Continue: What’s working well and needs nurturing?
Use it to: Make aligned, intentional decisions in your daily life—because small choices shape your path.
Bonus: Questions to Ask Yourself Along the Way
Finding your path isn’t about a single “aha” moment—it’s about consistently asking better questions:
- What energises me, even on hard days?
- Who do I admire—and why?
- If I couldn’t fail, what would I try today?
- What would I do if money didn’t matter?
- What impact do I want to leave behind?
Write your answers in a journal and revisit them monthly. Patterns will emerge.
Conclusion
You don’t need to have your entire life mapped out. What you need is clarity on the next step. By using these exercises and regularly checking in with your values, strengths, and desires, you’ll move from uncertainty to intention—and build a path that’s truly your own.
Next step:
Pick one of the exercises above and try it today. Your path isn’t found—it’s created, step by step.
