Let’s talk about the definition of purpose. The way I define purpose is the reason you are on the planet. So what are you on the planet anyway?
So how the heck do you find your purpose anyway? It’s actually easy as pie. 1) Go to a temple somewhere in the world 2) Enter the temple 3) Ask for the wise man in the robes 4) Ask ” So what is my purpose master?” 5) Wait for it 6) Leave this place right away and apply it . O.K. I am just joking- its not that easy. There are a lot of twists and turns on your journey to finding your purpose. Now the bad news- it’s going to require some work and effort and study. After all you are trying to determine your life’s work. There are people that discover it by stumbling over it. I find that most folks though just have to work at it. Let me give you some techniques for fiinding it:
One sheet exercise- Take out a blank piece of paper. On that piece of paper, write down a list of all the things you are really good at and have been good at all your life. (This is not the time to be modest) You either know or have been told what you are good at all of your life. Once you have filled the page with talents or gifts, take a look at the page. Does anything stand out to you? Any common things? Let’s say your list is filled with things like writing, art, brainstorming, or painting. Maybe the central theme around the page is creativity and your purpose is to create as your contribution to the world.
Q…A Today Get some paper and a pen and go to your favorite quiet room. Ask yourself the following questions: 1 ) Someday when I am older what the heck do I want to have accomplished? Why are those things important to me ? 2) What are 2-3 things that you will regret if you do not do them in your lifetime? 3) Why were you born? Do you think you have specific gifts or talents you were meant to use? Why? 4) Fill in the blank; I was meant to be a ______________________. Why do you think that? 5) What is very important to you in your life? Why?
Ask others Pick 10 people that you either know or have known and take an informal survey. (Okay this one requires some real honest to goodness guts) Ask them what they think you are “meant to do”. Ask your Mom, your Grandma, or your crazy Uncle Larry. Ask your golf buddy, a co-worker. Now you are wondering why I am asking you to do this crazy exercise. Sometimes other people can see things in you that you can’t. They may give you’re a different view. As you get answers from people you have to be willing to sort through and edit the answers. Be careful not to pick people who are negative or critical. This can be very valuable feedback and may lead to a revelation from the person you least expect it from.
Shawn Doyle is an award winning Motivational Speaker and author of 10 books. For a free copy of Shawn’s amazing book The 10 Foundations of Motivation, go to http://sldoyle.com.
