The sense of self is the most basic aspect of an individual’s way of being in the world. Early in life, children come to understand this fundamental fact about their existence. Even as their bodies and minds undergo rapid growth, the idea of being “me” remains a constant. By the time individuals reach adolescence, the sense of self expands as they explore such questions as what they value and what direction they want their lives to take.

Every once in a while, you may find yourself raising these questions. Your busy life may not afford you the luxury of taking the time to ponder your life goals, but in the midst of everything, something or someone may prompt you to take a step back and wonder if you are living your best life.

Perhaps you’ve been rummaging around in a drawer full of clutter from your past. A card that you saved from a friend peeks out at you, and you become flooded with memories of what the two of you used to dream up during your teen years. Are you realizing those dreams now, or do you wish your life had gone differently?

University of Bath’s Emily Hards and colleagues (2024) ask this question in their comprehensive review of........

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