What Kind of Life Are You Living?
We all have things we want or work toward. Psychologists say the stronger your cravings, the more likely you are to be swayed—and stressed—by them. By contrast, people who are easily satisfied tend to feel more joy. Curious where you land? Try this quick quiz to see what kind of life you’re living.
Test Question: On Christmas Eve, everyone is eagerly awaiting gifts from Santa. As midnight approaches, which gift do you most hope he brings you?
1.
2.
3.
4.
1. An unlimited credit card
Choosing this option suggests you set very high standards for yourself, but there’s a real gap between your expectations and your reality, which often leaves you frustrated. That tension can nudge you toward materialism and a growing appetite for things. When those desires aren’t met, the disappointment can hit hard. If you dial back your goals a bit, you’re likely to feel happier moving forward.
2. A handsome man or a beautiful woman
Choosing this option suggests you tend to lack planning. You don’t want to act impulsively, yet you hesitate because your plans never feel complete. That can make life feel messy and overwhelming. It’s time to move—sketch a simple plan or jump in and iterate. Action beats overthinking.
3. A job offer from a top company or a university acceptance letter
Choosing this option indicates you care a lot about how others see you and feel discouraged when you don’t get their approval, which can chip away at your confidence. Focusing too much on others’ opinions can make you lose your direction. What you need most now is the courage to speak up and take action without fixating on what others might think.
4. My mom
Choosing this option suggests you’re very responsible and strive to do everything as well as you can. You’re making steady progress, but the pressure you put on yourself can feel overwhelming—sometimes you may even want to run away. Ambition and persistence are admirable, but leave yourself some breathing room. Don’t push so hard; everyone has limits.