How to Figure Out What You Really Want in Life

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Hey friends, this is the second in a series of videos about how to figure out what to do with your life. In this video, I'll be going through a bunch of different techniques and journalling prompts to help you understand your life up to this point, which will hopefully help you make decisions about the future. Enjoy x
Take the Wheel of Life Quiz here: play.aliabdaal.com/wheeloflif...
Watch Episode 1- Why You Feel Lost in Life: • Why You Feel Lost in Life
📖 Check out my New York Times Bestselling book Feel-Good Productivity: go.feelgoodproductivity.com/l...
✍️ If you've read the book, share your thoughts here: aliabdaal.com/fgp-rating/
🍿 WATCH NEXT:
How to Achieve More While Working Less: • How to Achieve More Wh...
How to Make 2024 the Best Year of Your Life: • How to Make 2024 The B...
4 Life-changing Books to Read in 2024: • 4 Life-Changing Books ...
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:
Watch Deep Dive Episode with Robin Waite: • How To Build A Busines...
Wanting by Luke Burgis: a.co/d/b2jeNqv
Think Big by Dr Grace Lordan: a.co/d/besdU6T
Designing Your Life by Bill & Dave: a.co/d/besdU6T
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WHO AM I?
If we haven’t yet before - Hey 👋 I’m Ali, a doctor-turned-entrepreneur and I’ve somehow become the world’s most followed productivity expert. Through my videos here on this channel, my podcast Deep Dive and writing, I share evidence-based strategies and tools to help you be more productive and build a life you love.
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⌚️Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:35 - Where We Are Right Now
3:57 - Wheel of Life
10:09 - Truths Exercise
12:08 - How To Actually Know What You Want
13:18 - Fulfillment Stories
15:57 - Energy Audit
18:33- Truth Statements

[@aliabdaal]

Which of the prompts was your favourite and what did you learn about yourself in the process?

[@Saad_0-0]

is it good vd ?

[@adamthompson3456]

How do you define "soul" I dont know what that means?

[@thelifewithnate]

Honestly, that energy audit. I pour an obscene amount of time into my other project called Embassy Life in DC which focuses on international embassy and cultural events in the DC area. In addition, I just started this KZbin channel about a week ago. It is definitely going to be an interesting year.

[@growingbrainsjunkine]

The pantomime inspires me to think more creatively! And you’re not old!

[@KarlaJMO]

Memetic Desire and Energy Audit - I am now questioning everything I have ever wanted, and I am asking myself if what I want gives me energy or drains me.

[@JJUmusic]

6:31 The moment you mentioned that there are people who rate themselves really low in the wheel of life, I instantly broke down in tears knowing I'm one of those people. I know objectively that life isn't as bad as it seems but there's just this never ending self doubt that I'm never going to achieve the life I want and do the things that I really love. But at the same time, that's why I keep going back to your videos to seek motivation and self belief. I will do my best to make things better and get back on the right path. Thanks Ali for always invoking inspiration for myself and others! I hope that one day I could look back again and proudly say, these videos have changed my life

[@larauerc]

was going to write this exact comment... you got this!

[@nouraahmad7376]

This series showing up in my life at the exact right time , I just graduated from engineering, and I realized that I don’t want to work as an engineer .I feel like I’ve spent my life doing things that drain me Thank you Ali ♥️ I’m applying all of the exercises you spoke about in this video

[@abuyastyles.am_]

😂😂why are we in the same boat ❤.. engineering part interested me more

[@theencryptedpartition4633]

Better watch Cal Newport. Engineering requires Deep Work, not toxic productivity

[@21kandekargaurav98]

Same here bro

[@OliverFoote]

Same, engineering broke something in me

[@mohamednihad342]

I totally feel you bro -A Civil Engineering Graduate

[@jeroldstokes6065]

THANKS. Just what I needed to watch. My wife and I are administrators of our farming business and our own properties, as well as small pensions. am almost 56, my Wife is 52. We have started saving for retirement from the farm and maybe live off rental income, I would really appreciate it if you would do a video on how to earn passive income online and retire comfortably let's say 3 million bucks.

[@myfx2551]

Considering financial plan

[@AnniePickford]

I'm in line with having an advisor oversee my day-to-day investing cos, my job doesn't permit me free time. Thankfully, my portfolio has 5X in barely 5 years, summing up nearly $1m to date.

[@d.i.yinvesting7678]

I totally agree, I'm 60 and just retired with about a million in outside retirement funds, no debts and very small dollars in retirement funds compared to my balance of portfolio over the past 3 years to date. tbh, the role of an invt-advisor can only be overlooked, not denied. Just do your research to find a reputable one.

[@jeroldstokes6065]

This is exactly how I wish to get my finances coordinated ahead of retirement. Can you recommend the financial advisor you used to get ahead?

[@d.i.yinvesting7678]

"Laura Gilbert CFA" maintains an online presence. Just make a simple search for her name online.

[@thelifewithnate]

"What I truly want out of life?" is one of the biggest questions plaguing me as I turn 28 on Saturday! It is funny because my entire adult life, I never once thought about moving past a simple 9-5, and trying out to live a life with complete creative and financial control. The catalyst for me personally was when KZbin started recommending entrepreneurship videos one day to me when I was working a non-profit job. I saw other massive entrepreneurship type figures and I was like, "You can make a living online?" Fast forward, 2 years from that point, I have started and failed at different projects. But in the process, I am building a high-skill compounded skillset that will one day hopefully set me free. Thanks for the video, Ali! Still trying to work on it everyday.

[@arjunpalakkal]

All the best, man. So inspired by you.

[@RobinMWaite]

It starts small Nate and then grows from there, and it’s much more enjoyable when that growth is organic rather than forced. Lean into the path of least resistance, and be comfortable with little wins as they will compound over time.

[@fernandomoreno2716]

Ali just wanted to say that this video has entered my life in a great time. I had a minor mental breakdown this week on direction of where my life is going, I felt that I was doing a disservice to myself by pushing away my dreams from becoming a reality. I needed to get out of this mental rut and live the life that Im supposed to live. The material in this video consisted of great questions that I was able to use and dive deep within myself and I was able to strike gold on how I can take ownership of life. Your content never ceases to amaze me. Keep up the good work!

[@yeseniamoraacosta6350]

Loving this series!!! Thanks for sharing each concept in a straightforward way and for creating a guide where you explain step by step how to apply those frameworks. I'm really enjoying these videos.

[@mags8778]

Ali, your videos are helping to change my life!! I have been trying to navigate what I want to do for years and the relatability of you 'not wanting to go in' to work helps thousands of people realise they are not 'failing' but perhaps need to make some adjustments. You are kind, encouraging and supportive in your approach to helping all of us better ourselves and it is extremely appreciated 💛

[@johncarter9688]

Ali Abdaal is my motivation. I woke up with my scheduled calendar and task lists (thank you Ali) feeling like "Man I don't want to do this." Then I watched just 2 minutes of his video, and I just felt pumped! I feel ready to tackle building my business! So, from my heart, thank you.

[@jared6893]

Just another person saying Thank you Ali Your videos make me really think, you say things that are hidden in my mind and help me understand myself better. Thank you so much

[@emilyfagg349]

I normally would just listen to this and not actually do the exercises. This time I wrote everything down and it actually really helped and I'm feeling inspired. Thank you!

[@elifc5433]

This video is so helpful and kind of crucial for me, I think I needed this answers. Thank you Ali for this amazing detailed and meaningful video and also for this series. I am learning about myself and my own journey, and I see the process which I have never seen until this month. Self awareness and self worth are such an important things when it comes to the pathway we struggle. Thank you and I look forward the upcoming videos. 💐

[@spencerswaggington]

through the years your videos have made a positive impact on my life so i just wanted to say thank you.

[@fromzton]

Breaking down imitating desires has been the biggest part of my journey. This is a very hard part, because the truths/identities that come up with the answer to what I want ,are intertwined with childhood conditioning and later socialising. Disconnecting from the sense of self (Buddhist practice), has helped to identify the rise of the imitating desires and the energy audit has been the most sincere excercise after that. Good content. Thanks!

[@cassieellsworth1203]

You gained a new subscriber both on this channel and your podcast channel. Great content, so much value. You seem like a genuinely helpful guy, too. Not the scammy youtuber type who's out to make quick bucks out of their viewers. Congrats on your successes, Ali.

[@Vishruta-ik8jd]

I loved the way you put joy and fully another category, because it depends on the whole wheel left side. This also shows how deeply Ali understands about life. (Just took a moment to appreciate his thoughts)

[@JashvanthKrishn]

Every prompt was awesome and insightful, the best among them would be the success story activity you suggested. I learnt a lot about myself with these activities and am working towards reaching my goals even more efficiently now. I have been watching your videos for months and every single one of them were insightful and vibing with me. Thank You ❤

[@it_is_d-mighty_hero]

I learned a lot about prioritizing those parts of my life I normally don't focus on. Thanks, Ali

[@thelovearinze]

Subscribing late next year to your KZbin and Podcast is such a life changer! You are really amazing Ali. Happy to be here ✨✨

[@nadaslittlepearl5232]

I loved everything about this video. I saw it 2 times, first time: in a random way where i hear and concentrate and try to take note about the questions you ask so as to write them down and then answer them later, second part is actually pausing the video sitting on my desk, restarting the video and answering all your questions for good . Thank you ALI

[@areejsheikh6478]

came here to say thank you because this video series is coming at the perfect time as I've just graduated from my undergrad and need help figuring things out. also, luckily found your book in my local bookstore in Pakistan and immediately ordered it so super excited to read it!

[@mariazteca13]

I look forward to sharing this series with my high school students. I'm hoping it gives them the perspective they need to start to set goals and really think about what makes them happy, not everyone around them. Thank you, Ali, for being such an awesome human being!

[@patriciaduarte3508]

Hi Ali! Just wanted to thank you for this video! I’m feeling lost for a year now and trying to find my way and what I want from life. Like you, I’m in the medical field. I’m a last year medical student and I totally feel you when you said those things about yours, because that’s exactly how I’m feeling right now and why I probably clicked on this video! So just wanted to thank you! Keep with the good work 🫶🏻

[@folasewaidowu907]

Your videos are so insightful , thank you so much!

[@Soulseeker0902]

THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO ON THE INTERNET ON WHAT YOU REALLY WANT TO DO. I am a confused young adult and was trying to figuring it out and now I know. Thank you so much Ali!

[@JTDIYM]

You‘re really increasing the quality of your content lately Great work

[@yelenafigueroa2497]

Excellent series, you've been giving me great food for thought, thank you! Very excited for your book! ❤

[@jonardnabartey1552]

Your videos are always worth watching until the end.. I will watch this again, get my pen and paper and write all the things that I have to figure out to arrive into a good conclusion of figuring out what I really want in life. Thank you Ali...

[@AH-aaahhh]

this is one of the best video I have watched. it felt so genuine. thank you Ali for bring us this amazing video!!♥

[@melaniem.4033]

Thank you. Needed this Series just at this time. ❤

[@ITkFunde]

Hi @aliabdaal this is my 1st ever comment on ypur video after silently learning and following you for years. I suggest once this series is over in order to connect all the dots you create a small guide or pdf of sorts that would always act as a guiding light for many. This series could well be a mini book as well 😊 All the Best 🥳👍❤️🙏

[@boardgamesforlife]

Ali, it has been truly amazing to see your content grow over the past few years. Your transparency is much appreciated and it's great to see you strive as new videos get posted. I have been loving your series especially when helping/guiding others on the right path when they don't really know. I'm relatively new in the corporate world and don't know if it's for me. Your exercises really have me at a loss because even I don't know what I want BUT that's ok. It just takes time. Thank you for everything that you do and sharing your knowledge with us ❤

[@thelifewithnate]

As someone that worked in environmental corporate for a time, I can tell the money is good but the work-life balance can sometimes be non-existent. If you enjoy putting in the hours and the money with it, then grand. However, please be cautious about burnout so that you do not feel constantly overworked all the time. Cheers! :)

[@boardgamesforlife]

@thelifewithnate Of course! Thank you for taking the time to comment, it's much appreciated. Not sure what my career will look like long term, but work-life balance is a must!

[@RobinMWaite]

Don’t forget your Truths can be aspirational values rather than tangible things if you’re struggling to imagine them. For example “I am a good friend, diligent with my work and focussed on leading a happy and healthy life!” - it’s hard sometimes to know what a future life holds, so allow those thoughts to come to you rather than trying to force them to come out 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@piusgyagenda]

This proves that the language that we use most times makes us become exactly that. Thank you Ali

[@nimyu191]

Thank you so much for this Ali. I just did the exercises and I wrote it down on my journal. Helped me get an idea to where I am now and where I want to go. :)

[@DaisysPodcast]

You such an inspiration and always give me energy to get up and do the work. Thanks Ali

[@daisyerwin8860]

I just wanted to say, I enjoyed this video and have been writing down as many of the answers to both videos as I can. You've inspired me to try for those dreams I would have put off until it was too late otherwise.

[@ErikCohenExplains]

This series is the best you've done Ali, following you for 5 years now, always inspiring, thanks. Actually, the first prompt was the best for me, What's working, and what's not working - simple, and made me deal with the 'why' instead of knowing I'n not happy with this part, thanks again!

[@thelifewithnate]

Just discovered Ali's channel last year and his growth is staggering! Love the fact that was the prompt that you chose, the "why" is the crucial part for anything life. This is great self-development for myself as well.

[@SwedeDoll]

Wow, this is the most fresh video I am watching of you, I recently started following you and just been watching your years older videos and now so glad to see a very fresh one, thanks for being here and right now as we speak walking to collect your book, which I ordered from Amazon.

[@aliabdaal]

Wow, thank you!

[@avalanchaa2]

You amazed me everytime! Loveeee this video and its exactly what I need at this point of my life. Thank you Ali

[@seuny]

This is really good I just did the wheel in less than 20 mins and I feel like I have direction again. At least have identified areas I want to do better in that defines what I class as success.

[@smd716]

Every morning wen i wake up i use ur channel as a morning boast and even wenever am scrolling on youtube within the day, am either repeating a video of urs thst i have watched before or revisiting ur youtube shorts. Ur such an ispiration to my life. Day by day am becoming more open to people around me. Thank you Ali. One love from Nigeria

[@aestheticgurl-pk1rz]

Same

[@mariazteca13]

I do my morning walking at 4:30 a.m. PST while watching your videos, Ali! You get my morning started off in the right direction. Thank you!

[@hadiqamaqsood]

This wheel of life is such a cool tool. Just did mine and it brings such clarity... Thank you Ali and the team!

[@BHajar9]

Thank you so much❤❤ Started with feeling completely lost and giving myself ZERO, but finishing with some satisfaction toward myself bc I got 7!! in some areas in that wheel. Not bad as I thought.

[@unknown81360]

Im about to quit my job and currently struggling with this exact question. I’ll do some very thorough research and start taking the lead in my own life

[@folasewaidowu907]

I watched this series when you posted it (cuz i literally watch ALL your videos! ) I’m turning 25 next week and I’ve decided to do all the steps in this series to fully prepare for the next 5 years of my twenties and rah… I just wanted to wholeheartedly thank you for these videos, I honestly can’t believe the prompts, information and advice you’ve given is free, it’s honestly mind blowing Thank you so much, you have no idea how much you’ve changed my life. Thank you, God bless you 🙏

[@AdityaaChouksey]

after that 44 min long life update video ( which is my favourite ), your videos are feeling more intentional and coming out from a purpose.

[@Graceaway13]

the audio track function is so helpful! just awesome. Now I can just listen without having to read the annoying subtitles.

[@Lyricplanslife]

Your videos lately have been sooo good and timely to where I am in life right now. The book was amazing as well. I read the ARC as soon as they offered it and I loved it.

[@aliabdaal]

Wow, thank you!

[@user-tg7ei6tb9x]

@@aliabdaalhow are you dealing with the difficult work relationships? Maybe a video on this would be good

[@mutigsichtbar]

Proud to be part of the 10%. Thank you for the precious content ❤

[@colorsofmaumau]

enjoy this series a lot, Ali

[@ronakchauhan8137]

Thank you Ali. This video came at just the right time...

[@GinaMaher_]

Interesting thing about "the truths" I noticed. I did my list and it was "I am" and mostly how I would describe myself and I noticed a lot of your list is "I have", "I do", or "I want" - I think that can almost be a circle of it's own and seeing where you are in life where I guess ideally you would have, do, want, or be the things you want to be - what's true for you at the time - I'm at a place where I want to do and have more so it's interesting that that's not a part of my identity yet and a place I can work on.

[@user-ht5pq5cd2n]

I hope Ali you can read this comment. Your productivity hacks have helped me achieve one of the best pupils in our country. Thanks for your videos from Africa

[@deborahmonde7304]

I'm just rewatching the whole series after two months to reajust :) great content, really valuable on the long-run

[@SSCFIGUREOUT]

Respect for you .jo aapne Hindi dubbed content banaya.

[@gornwo]

It's sooo helpful! Thanks ❤

[@paulinebakst]

OMG thanks for this video! Extremely helpful🙏

[@aliabdaal]

Glad it was helpful!

[@menzeraleskerova5808]

One of your best videos!

[@its_past_here]

Needed this damn badly. ali you are a big bro to me

[@ricofromgermany]

The wheel of life really made some things make more sense. I keep working on myself, but keep going back to wanting to change career paths. I rated high in most, except family (5, but I'm working on that) and mission, which is a 1. I always convince myself I am on the right path, because of the money and learning opportunities, but mission is also important. I just don't really know where to start working on that one tbh.

[@Ryansanvy]

Thanks a lot ALI 💞

[@salmakabha2183]

مش عارفة كيف بس سمعت الفيديو مترجم، وحبيت كثير

[@pinoyecommerce3507]

Watching this on Elizabeth Line on the way to Holborn for Ali's event. Amazing video as always. Thank you Ali!!

[@RobinMWaite]

I was doing this too yesterday evening, on my way into Paddington. Even more odd watching myself in Ali’s video 😂😂 wasn’t it an amazing event though? Sahil and Ali shared so many inspirational thoughts with us all.

[@user-rd1wn8uj8b]

Great to see that you are giving this content in Hindi ❤

[@Titanify]

Great video and those Truth Statemens are so powerful!

[@hris9214]

I think this might be your best series yet. So much value delivered. If I can give 10000 likes for this video, I would 🤍

[@varunsabarwal2263]

I just love this video and the prompt given by you ❤👍😊

[@lavishresale7280]

“working together on something that is bigger than we are individually” I think this is really interesting and I may be wrong here but this is my take- As a western society we are so focused on our own individual success that we forget the ultimate purpose of working together. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt “comparison is the thief of joy” and in western life our own comparison to our peers and often friends & family is often the biggest cause of our unhappiness/ depression. Throughout other countries we see the togetherness spirit a lot stronger and a lot more often. For example on the Japanese Toyota production system the entire organisation is focused on a success much greater than their own individual self achievement. We really do have a great deal to learn from this philosophy as it would greatly increase the western way of life 🎉

[@davidr4523]

Excellent video supporting Ali's truly outstanding book. An extremely successful person, close to be a billionaire, once told me that the winners in life engage in the actions, at a highly proficient level, that give them the greatest benefit. So basically you need to create a time scheduled plan each day that forces you to focus on the most important activities. The challenges are: 1. Figuring out what the most important dailies activities are in alignment with achieving your life goals. 2. Staying committed to your daily schedule 3. Preforming these activities with great proficiency,

[@emmanuel_nwogu_medic]

Ali, I'm adopting you as my mentor! I love your contents. Well done brother.

[@Vincentmiaw99]

I love this series and I can't wait to keep watching and finding my North star

[@naitik957]

Hey Ali, I hope you are doing well I just wanted to ask you something so i am India and will love to watch your content in hindi you did it in your last video and i really enjoyed if you want I can dub videos for free for you but also I think that you have a large audience from India and it will help in growing your channel.

[@payalsood1365]

Thank u for making such an informative and helpful videos...

[@juliomestre7475]

Vi el video cuando se estrenó en inglés pero fue difícil comprender y entender en inglés el video al mismo tiempo y anuque se veía interesante no lo terminé y ahora lo vuelvo a ver y taraaan!!😄, doblado al español. Gracias chicos🙏🏽

[@user-qr5rf5fc7r]

i notice that you addede audio-track to your videos !! that's awoseome keep going alii

[@robinortega3279]

This was helpful, thank you!

[@TheScholarshipFunda]

Really appreciate the valuable insights!

[@declanstorme410]

ali this is my favourite video series pls make more similiar videos

[@chuckiemiguelbacolod8558]

In my country, when you do residency in any field, you wouldn't have time to do other things because of the amount of patients we cater to. We're basically in prison. It's amazing to see how much you can do with your time.

[@wish-56]

What do u mean

[@Yasin-jk3ws]

Thanks for your great knowledge

[@user-ry8fw6uu6i]

الحمدلله بلش يدبلج الفيديوهات شكرا كثيرا اخي علي انا اتابعك من خمس سنوات لكن اتعذب بالترجمه بسبب سرعه كلامك ❤️❤️❤️

[@mohmmadsakrak9885]

فعلا والله الرجل دا تحفة

[@user-ry8fw6uu6i]

@@mohmmadsakrak9885 بس عندو شوي تناقض بسبب انو هو مش مسلم عندو واحد زائد واحد يساوي تنين نحنا لا في قضاء وقدر وفي توفيق وفي وفي هنن لا فا لتتعلق بكل مابقول باشياء معينه بس. خليك واعي

[@TechnooRam]

Your old study with me vlogs were awesome bring those back!

[@aliabdaal]

Ahh haha I don’t really study anymore. But I’m curious - what did you like about those?

[@TechnooRam]

​@@aliabdaalthey just get me into that mood. You know like to get hyped up..

[@fahdrahim1345]

Thanks Ali

[@UuffiiPari]

I’m definitely going to try this exercise 👍🏻

[@MrOuriri]

BLESSED WITH YOU

[@Kazifarzia]

You're really awesome you're my favorite KZbinr i really liked your videos and i first heard about you from my teacher and i also can motivate myself fom your videos

[@aliabdaal]

Wow, thanks!

[@abdo040900]

Ali, you are awesome!

[@deborahmonde7304]

Wow, like WOW. It was such a great video ! Thank you so much for your help :)

[@OmerAsh]

I admire your dedication to not popping that pimple lol.

[@user-lo3nj5sv1m]

I like it thank you Ali for this video

[@iloilooliable]

What I can only say is thank you ❤

[@aliabdaal]

You're welcome 😊

[@Mmapremiumchow]

Thank you 👍

[@iMagdiAdam]

Ali , you are the best

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I know what I want: To see Ali productive and happy.

[@mypurposetoday]

Just want to say Thank You Ali for inspiring me to start my own channel. I watch your videos closely and implement your teachings, one video at a time.

[@srsoria]

thanks

[@annieojuro-anuonye7203]

GENIUS

[@farahabdulkareem161]

This video is so real

[@jeeteshjatav]

Thanks

[@yuema7519]

Hey Ali, it's an incredibly helpful video1 I really like your videos! Also, your ppt is delicate~ how did you make that?

[@aliabdaal]

My editors are amazing ❤