Life is a path filled with choices, opportunities, and challenges. At some point, everyone asks the question: How do I know if something is truly meant for me? This uncertainty can feel overwhelming, whether it’s a career move, a relationship, or a significant decision. But by tuning into your emotions, values, and circumstances, you can uncover the signs that point toward what aligns with your life’s purpose.
Signs from Allah (God)
This must be at the top of the list as it has greatly helped me throughout my life. Signs from Allah are key to understanding if something is meant for you. Allah has assigned each of us different paths, and it is up to every individual to discover theirs. Allah states in Surah Al-Insan:
“We already showed them the Way, whether they choose to be grateful or ungrateful.”
This verse refers to discernment—the ability to make good decisions and judgments based on life experiences. Allah chooses whom He guides and whom He does not. He knows your heart better than you can ever imagine. Those whom Allah does not guide are the true losers. When you use your free will to choose the right path, Allah will continue to guide you further.
Free will is given to humans and the Jinn. Angels, however, do not have free will; they carry out whatever Allah commands them to do. Humans, on the other hand, have the option to choose which paths they wish to align with.
Recommended read: How To Cultivate Discernment and Achieve Anything
Be Open to Receive
Be open to Allah’s plans for you. This openness will help you recognize His signs with clarity and without doubt that they are from Him (SWT). Your belief in Allah is essential for discerning which path to take in order to choose the right one. This requires you to be a genuine, good person. You cannot choose to act immorally and expect Allah to guide you. In such cases, you will be led astray.
Discernment enables you to change your path for the better. As you grow older, your Imaan (faith) increases, and with it, the quality of your life choices will improve.
This life is a remarkable test. Reflect deeply on all that we have been given, and you will realize how everything has been designed for us to achieve both a fulfilling life in the Dunya (this world) and success in the Hereafter.
Recommended read: How to Protect Your Energy and Build Confidence
Listen to Your Inner Voice
One of the most reliable guides to understanding if something is meant for you is your intuition. That subtle gut feeling, the one that whispers clarity amidst the noise, often knows what your conscious mind cannot articulate. It might be worth pursuing if an opportunity excites you and feels right on a visceral level. Conversely, persistent unease or discomfort can be a sign to pause and reconsider.
Pro Tip
Try journaling your thoughts about the situation. Writing can help you untangle your feelings and reveal patterns you might not otherwise notice.
If you’re looking for a transformative self-care tool, I highly recommend A Dose of You Self-Care Journal. This isn’t an affiliate link—it’s my very own creation, designed with care to help you cultivate mindfulness, gratitude, and personal growth.
Listening to your inner voice is closely connected to the previous point about following signs from God. Everything in life is interconnected, and each of us has been assigned a specific path uniquely tailored to our needs. If you are destined to be poor in this life but rich in the next, you still hold the power to change your circumstances in this life while securing success in the afterlife. Your inner voice can guide you in discerning whether something is truly meant for you.
Recommended read: How I Rediscovered and Embraced My Islamic Faith: A Personal Journey
Assess Alignment with Your Values
Does the opportunity align with your core values? If something resonates deeply with who you are and what you stand for, it’s likely a good fit. For example, if you value creativity and freedom, a stiff corporate job might feel suffocating, even if it’s prestigious. When a decision reflects your authentic self, it often feels like coming home.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Does this align with my personal or professional goals?
- Will this help me grow in ways that matter to me?
- Does it support the principles I hold dear?
Notice Patterns and Synchronicities
Sometimes, life leaves breadcrumbs. Have you noticed recurring signs or coincidences pointing you toward a specific path? These patterns could be subtle nudges from the universe or your subconscious highlighting what’s meaningful to you. Pay attention to these signs—they might reveal a direction worth exploring.
For example, if you keep hearing about a particular career field or running into people who encourage a certain decision, it may be worth investigating further. This way you get to learn how to know if something is meant for you.
Check How It Affects Your Energy
How do you feel when you think about this opportunity? Do you feel energized and motivated, or drained and reluctant? When something is meant for you, it often feels exciting and fulfilling, even if it involves hard work or risk. If, instead, it feels like a heavy burden or brings persistent dread, it may not be right.
Be Honest About Fear and Resistance
Sometimes, fear can mask itself as doubt, causing us to shy away from opportunities that are actually meant for us. It’s crucial to distinguish between fear of failure or stepping out of your comfort zone, and genuine misalignment. Fear can often accompany growth, but it shouldn’t be the sole reason to avoid a decision. “No one ever tells you that bravery feels like fear” – Mary Kate Teske.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I hesitating because this doesn’t feel right, or because I’m afraid of change?
- What’s the worst that could happen if I take this chance?
Seek Input from Trusted Sources
While your intuition is important, external perspectives can offer valuable clarity. Talk to people who know you well—mentors, friends, or family members. Sometimes, others can see your blind spots or offer insights you might overlook. However, ensure their advice aligns with your values, rather than merely reflecting their preferences.
Avoid being a people-pleaser when seeking advice for your own life choices. Do not take advice from people who haven’t achieved as much as you have in the past. Instead, consult trusted individuals and those who have accomplished the things you aspire to pursue. In this case: the more they have achieved, the better. Be mindful that some people may be unable to provide accurate advice due to their own unhealed wounds.
This is why you should always trust your intuition and gut feelings. By learning to understand the root cause of your emotions and how to manage them effectively, you’ll be better equipped to recognize how to know if something is meant for you. I highly recommend reading the book The Mountain Is You. It offers valuable insights into human emotions and the challenges we all face throughout our lives. The book itself is therapy. Other books I recommend reading if you want to know what truly is meant for you is The Cheat Code in Life. This book offers guidance on how you can find purpose in your life.
Recommended read: How to Take Control of Your Life with The Cheat Code to Life
Evaluate the Outcome of Letting It Go
Sometimes, the best way to determine if something is meant for you is to imagine life without it. Does the idea of letting it go bring relief or regret? If you feel peace at the thought of walking away, it might not be meant for you. If the prospect of losing it feels like a missed opportunity, it could be worth holding onto.
Trust the Timing
Even if something feels right, it may not be right now. Timing plays a significant role in determining if something is meant for you. Life has seasons and forcing an opportunity before you’re ready—or before circumstances align—can lead to frustration. Trust that what’s meant for you will come in its time. Don’t cling to desperation. Patience and clarity open doors that panic and urgency keep shut.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Faith and Flexibility
Knowing if something is meant for you isn’t always about having certainty—it’s about being willing to explore and trust the journey. Some things will feel like a perfect fit from the start; others might require time, patience, and growth to reveal their purpose. What’s truly meant for you will resonate deeply, and it won’t require you to compromise your core self to make it work.
Ultimately, the best way to discern what’s meant for you is to trust yourself, stay open to possibilities, and embrace the process of discovery. What’s meant for you won’t pass you by—it will find its way into your life when the time is right, and you’ll recognize it when it does.
Like always, I hope you found some clarity in this post, and to always see yourself in the center. You are so amazing and has a bright future ahead of you. Stay calm and focused on your goals. Allah sees your efforts. One day soon, you will live in your answered prayers.
References:
https://quran.com/en/al-insan/3
