As I Am Want To Do: Understanding True Motivation and Purpose
When we say "as I am want to do," we're touching on one of the most fundamental human experiences – the desire to pursue what feels authentic and meaningful to us. This simple phrase carries profound implications about personal agency, motivation, and the alignment between our actions and our inner values. Let's explore what it truly means to follow our genuine desires and how this concept can transform our approach to life's journey.
The Psychology Behind Personal Desire
At its core, "wanting to do" something stems from our psychological needs and aspirations. Practically speaking, when we authentically want to pursue an activity, career, or lifestyle, it's often because our intrinsic motivations align with our actions. This alignment creates a powerful energy that drives us forward, even when obstacles arise Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Psychologist Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that once basic physiological and safety needs are met, humans seek belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. The phrase "as I am want to do" reflects this journey toward self-actualization – the realization of one's full potential and authentic self Not complicated — just consistent. Took long enough..
Distinguishing Genuine Want From External Pressure
Not all desires are created equal. So others stem from external pressures like societal expectations, family obligations, or perceived financial necessities. Some motivations come from within – our true passions and values. Learning to distinguish between these two types of desire is crucial for living a fulfilling life Less friction, more output..
Signs of authentic desire include:
- A persistent feeling that won't easily be dismissed
- Excitement and anticipation rather than dread
- Alignment with your core values and beliefs
- The ability to envision yourself engaging in the activity consistently
- A sense that pursuing this desire would lead to personal growth
The Power of Following Your Inner Voice
When you honor your genuine wants, several positive transformations occur:
Enhanced Resilience
People who pursue their authentic desires develop greater resilience. When challenges arise, they can draw on their inner motivation rather than relying solely on external rewards or pressures Most people skip this — try not to..
Increased Authenticity
Living according to your true desires fosters authenticity – a quality that radiates confidence and attracts like-minded individuals who support your journey.
Greater Satisfaction
There's an inherent difference between doing something because you "should" versus doing it because you genuinely want to. The latter typically results in deeper satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment.
Practical Steps to Identify Your True Desires
Self-Reflection Exercises
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The "Five-Year Vision" Exercise: Imagine yourself five years from now. What activities are you engaged in? What does your daily life look like? This vision often reveals your deeper desires Worth knowing..
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The "Childhood Joy" Reflection: Think back to activities that brought you pure joy as a child. These often connect to our authentic selves before societal conditioning took hold Less friction, more output..
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Values Clarification: List your top five core values. Then evaluate whether your current pursuits align with these values.
Mindful Observation
Pay attention to your energy levels throughout the day. Notice when you feel most alive, engaged, and excited. These moments often point toward your authentic desires But it adds up..
Journaling for Clarity
Regular journaling can reveal patterns in your thoughts and feelings. Write about times when you've felt most fulfilled or when you've experienced a sense of flow – these insights often illuminate your true desires Turns out it matters..
Overcoming Obstacles to Authentic Living
Fear of Judgment
One of the most common barriers to pursuing our authentic desires is fear of what others might think or say. Remember that living authentically often requires courage and may not always align with conventional expectations.
Financial Concerns
Practical considerations like financial stability are valid, but they shouldn't completely override your authentic desires. Many successful people have found ways to integrate their passions with practical realities.
Comparison Trap
Social media and societal comparisons can make us doubt our own desires. Focus on your own journey rather than measuring it against others' paths.
Creating a Life Aligned With Your Desires
Small Steps Toward Big Changes
You don't need to make dramatic life changes overnight. Start with small, manageable steps that move you closer to honoring your authentic desires.
Building Support Systems
Surround yourself with people who encourage your authentic expression. Their support can provide the momentum needed to pursue your desires with confidence Worth keeping that in mind..
Continuous Evaluation
Regularly assess whether your current path aligns with your desires. Life circumstances change, and so might your authentic wants. Remain flexible while staying true to your core values Most people skip this — try not to. Turns out it matters..
The Journey Toward Authentic Fulfillment
Understanding "as I am want to do" is not a one-time realization but an ongoing process of self-discovery and alignment. It requires periodic check-ins with yourself to ensure your actions continue to reflect your authentic desires.
This journey often involves discomfort as you challenge old patterns and societal expectations. That said, the rewards – a life lived authentically, with purpose and meaning – far outweigh temporary discomfort.
Conclusion
The phrase "as I am want to do" represents a fundamental human truth: we thrive when our actions align with our authentic desires. While external pressures and practical considerations will always exist, prioritizing your genuine wants leads to a more fulfilling, resilient, and meaningful life Simple, but easy to overlook. That's the whole idea..
By developing the skills to distinguish authentic desire from external pressure, and then taking courageous steps to pursue what truly lights you up, you create space for growth, satisfaction, and authentic expression. Remember that this is a journey, not a destination – one that requires ongoing attention and care as you deal with life's complexities And it works..
Your authentic desires deserve respect and attention. When you honor them, you not only honor yourself but also contribute your unique gifts to the world. The question isn't whether you can pursue what you want – it's whether you will have the courage to follow your genuine desires with integrity and purpose It's one of those things that adds up. Surprisingly effective..
Practical Toolkit for Daily Alignment
Moving from philosophy to practice requires tangible tools. Consider integrating these exercises into your routine to keep the connection to your authentic desires sharp and actionable.
The "Two-Column" Decision Audit
When facing a choice—large or small—draw a line down a page. On the left, list the reasons driven by external factors: "It looks good on a resume," "My parents expect it," "It pays the most," "It avoids conflict." On the right, list internal drivers: "It energizes me," "It uses my natural strengths," "I lose track of time doing it," "It aligns with my values." If the left column consistently outweighs the right, the decision warrants deeper scrutiny Took long enough..
The "Energy Inventory" Practice
For one week, set a timer for three random intervals each day. When it goes off, note: 1) What am I doing? 2) Who am I with? 3) On a scale of 1–10, how is my energy? Patterns emerge quickly. Activities and relationships that consistently score 7+ are signposts toward your authentic path; consistent scores below 4 signal areas needing boundary-setting or exit strategies Took long enough..
The "Future Self" Visualization
Once a quarter, spend 20 minutes writing a detailed journal entry dated five years from now. Describe a typical Tuesday: Where do you wake up? What work are you doing? Who is at the table for dinner? How does your body feel? Don't censor for "realism." This exercise bypasses the logical brain's objections and surfaces desires currently buried under practicality. Compare this vision to your current trajectory—the gap is your roadmap Still holds up..
Micro-Experiments Over Grand Leaps
Authenticity is tested in the laboratory of real life, not the theater of imagination. If you suspect a desire for creative writing, don't quit your job to write a novel. Commit to 200 bad words a day for 30 days. If you crave community leadership, don't run for office; organize a monthly potluck for neighbors. Small bets generate real data about what actually resonates versus what you fantasize resonates.
Navigating the Inevitable Friction
Even with clarity and tools, the path of "as I am want to do" meets resistance. Understanding the texture of that friction prevents it from becoming a stop sign.
Identity Grief: Stepping into a new authentic desire often requires mourning the old self—the "good employee," the "dutiful child," the "practical one." Allow space for this grief; it honors the role those identities played in keeping you safe.
The "Imposter" Signal: Feeling like a fraud when pursuing a new desire isn't evidence you're on the wrong path. It's evidence you're expanding your self-concept. Treat the feeling as a physiological response to growth, not a verdict on your legitimacy.
Relational Renegotiation: As you change, relationships must recalibrate. Some will deepen; others will strain or end. Communicate your shifts with compassion but without apology: "I'm making changes to live more authentically. I value you and hope you'll support me, but I understand if this is difficult."
A Final Reflection
The pursuit of authentic desire is not a selfish act of indulgence—it is an act of stewardship. You are the only custodian of your specific constellation of talents, perspectives, and passions. When you suppress them to fit a mold, the world loses the unique contribution only you can make. When you honor them, you become a permission structure for others to do the same Took long enough..
There is no arrival point where the work finishes. Some days you will follow your desire with bold clarity; other days you will compromise for survival, love, or duty. Worth adding: the practice is simply to return, again and again, to the question: *What do I want, as I am? Now, the dialogue between your inner compass and outer reality is the very substance of a lived life. Both are part of the human experience. *—and to meet the answer with as much courage as the moment allows Took long enough..
Your life is not a rehearsal for some future performance. This—right now, with all its uncertainty and possibility—is the performance. Play the notes only you can play. The world needs your music.
