Everyone in a conversation or argument is looking to immediately respond with what their opinion, point, or answer is. But if you want to be effective in engaging with others, you must seek to understand their perspective first.
You decide what meaning the events in your life have to you.
https://yourmeaninginlife.com/blog/you-can-find-meaning-in-whatever-happens-to-you
Asking where you see yourself in five years is a good exercise to determine both where you're going and what you want to be doing today to reach your desired future state.
https://yourmeaninginlife.com/blog/where-do-you-see-yourself-in-five-years