It’s not that infrequently that on a call with one of my clients, I hear, "I don't even know what I want anymore."

I have a lot of compassion when I hear that. A couple weeks ago, we discussed knowing but not doing, and this is, in a way, the flip side. Sometimes we don't even know what we want. I've been there too. I wonder if you have?

We can get overwhelmed with the uncertainty of the world, caring for others, what we should want, what's realistic, the tasks of everyday life, that we lose touch with what actually matters to us. A life that would feel more meaningful or purposeful - one that actually fits us - becomes this fuzzy, distant thing that we can barely describe.

Here's what I've learned: You can't move toward something you can't see.

But here's the good news: Clarifying where you want to go doesn't require a weekend retreat or a vision board party (though those can be very nice things to do!).

It can happen in five minutes.

The Exercise:

Set a timer for five minutes. Grab a notebook or open a notes app.

Write this prompt at the top: "If I were living more of a life that truly fits me right now, what would be different about an ordinary Wednesday?"

So we’re not talking about a fantasy vacation or winning the lottery. We’re talking about a regular Wednesday.

Then begin to write. Don't edit or judge - just let it flow.

What would you do in the morning? Who would you talk to? What would you wear? How would you feel in your body? What would you create or contribute? What wouldn't be there anymore?

Why This Works:

Your brain loves specifics. "I want to be happier" is too vague to act on. But "I'd start my Wednesday with 20 minutes of writing before checking email" gives your brain something concrete to work with.

When I got specific years ago about what my ideal day would look like, I realized it involved walking and meditating, working from different places (coaching and writing), and being able to have a big break during the day (on some days) for a longer lunch or something creative. That clarity helped me make actual changes. I took small steps at first, but they added up.

Your Turn:

This week, I invite you to do this exercise. Set that timer. Write about your dream or ideal Wednesday.

Then look at what you wrote and ask: What's one small element of this Wednesday that I could bring into tomorrow?

Maybe it's not the whole morning routine, but could you have 10 minutes of it? Maybe you can't work from a café every day, but could you once a week?

The life that truly fits you is made up of these small, specific details. And the beautiful thing? You get to start living some of them right now.

Enjoy the exploration.