How to spend productive time in your head to create a more meaningful life

SALT LAKE CITY — A quote from Eileen Gu, 22-year-old Olympic free skier, got us thinking. Known for her quick wit and lightning-fast media Q&As, reporters love to interview her. Home run sound bites every time. When asked how she does it, she had this to say:

"I'm just a pensive person. I'm a very introspective, I'm an introspective young woman. I spend a lot of time in my head, and it's not a bad place to be."

The concept of "spending a lot of time in my head" is intriguing, because we all do! KSL Relationship Contributor Dr. Matt Townsend shared how we can make time in our heads productive instead of just going around in circles or overthinking.

What Energizes Me?

Dr. Townsend said the first way to create a meaningful life is paying attention to what makes you feel most alive.

"When did I feel the most alive, the most engaged, the most connected?" he asked. "There's clues everywhere about what our mission or our calling or our purpose is."

He said that energy leaves evidence. Activities, conversations and experiences that leave you feeling energized can point you toward a deeper purpose.

"If you figure out what energizes you, you're dialing in to really what's gonna energize you going forward," he said.

Focusing on what you're good at still matters, but pay more attention to what makes you come alive.

What Do I Really Care About?

The second question Dr. Townsend shared makes you think about the things that stir emotion.

"Whatever frustrates you the most a lot of times is a sign toward how you can contribute," Dr. Townsend explained.

Your purpose doesn't just come from your strengths or talents. They matter, but your frustrations can also teach you. The problems you can't stop thinking about often point toward the difference you want to make.

"Go start digging in to the things that you actually care about or the things you can't not care about," Dr. Townsend said.

It could be helping people who feel lonely or supporting families, improving education or serving a community. Whatever repeatedly captures your attention may be trying to tell you something important.

"Your purpose might be tied to what irritates you about life," Dr. Townsend noted.

Who Do I Want To Become?

Dr. Townsend said to try focusing on your legacy rather than goals, achievements or possessions.

"What are five words you wanna earn?" he asked. "What are five words that matter so much you wanna put everything in your life into just those five words?"

You probably already know the answer at some level.

"The words you hope will define your life aren't random, they're clues to who your heart already knows you can become," he explained. "Your heart already knows your purpose."

Dr. Townsend recommended asking yourself: "How can I live that word today?" It could be kindness, courage, patience, integrity or compassion. Whatever the word is, focusing on it daily helps you find your direction and purpose.

Find more advice from Dr. Matt Townsend at matttownsend.com.

This story originally aired on KSL TV and has been reformatted for a digital audience using artificial intelligence.