You raise important questions Raging Vortex. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of absolutes. For me, to say that a person has to know what they want from a life after X amount of time could be quite a limiting or even pressuring absolute.

That said, I understand your point and it is worth thinking about. From the mindfulness movement, there is valuable emphasis on living in the here and now. People who dwell on the past often feel depressed. People who dwell on the future tend to feel anxious. Those who focus on the present tend to feel more peaceful.

So, with regard to your question Raging Vortex, in this very moment, what can you do to make yourself happy? Clue: what does Mind, Body, or Spirit need or want? Anything at all? Fresh air. A healthy meal. A walk or dancing to some music at home. Cleaning or tidying up your home. Call a friend etc etc

Another thing to think about....what you want in life is likely to change, right? Depending on the day or your age or your job or various other life experiences. For example, for many years I have been a workaholic. Work was a very important value of mine. However, over time I was questioning this because my values have shifted...I was finding that I was working too much and lacked balance in my life. I wasn't happy. Now I am thinking I need to step back and focus more on building friendships and hobbies and quality non-work time.

It may sound like a cliche but I find it really comforting: "Life is Always Now." Easier said than done, but try not to regret your past. Try not to worry so much about the future. Your life is happening right now....what do you need or want right now at this moment?