Step #2 Find Your Meaningful Purpose
We all have certain desires and pursuits in life such as ensuring our security and caring for loved ones. But, when we move beyond the day-to-day pursuits of life, what moves you? What causes you top jump out of bed in the morning feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day’s challenges? What higher purpose calls you? What is something larger than yourself that inspires you? What can you do that uses all your skills, talents, and interests, and benefits the world?
Without meaningful purpose, we simply go through the motions of daily life. We respond to the alarm clock, we go to work, we solve the day’s problems, we eat, we relax, we spend a few minutes with the family, we go to bed, and then we wake up and do it all over again. We could do that for 50 years, and then look back on what we’ve accomplished and be sadly disappointed at how much time we spent accomplishing so little. Each of us is capable of making a very positive impact in the life we live.
For many people, being a loving spouse and raising great kids is a huge accomplishment, and they should be rightfully proud of that. Meaningful purpose goes a step beyond and transcends what we do for ourselves and our immediate family. Meaningful purpose reaches out to the world around us and infuses life with the special gifts each of us have inside.
The following exercise is designed to help you identify, unlock, and pursue your meaningful purpose so the world can benefit from your unique gifts. Below are a series of question, and you objective is to reflect on them, write your response, and then consciously decide how you are going to move forward living your life with meaningful purpose.
1. Are you committed to finding your meaningful purpose in life, and if so, what has happened in your life that now makes you ready?
2. What are your unique gifts, i.e., what do you do extremely well?
3. Are you committed to finding your meaningful purpose in life, and if so, what has happened in your life that now makes you ready?
4.What activities are you most passionate about? For example, what gives you a great feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment?
5.What social issues are you so passionate about you would write an editorial in your local newspaper advocation your position?
6.Given a choice, do you prefer to help people by rolling up your sleeves and pitching in, or do you prefer a more behind the scenes role? Give examples of the types of activities you like to do based on your response.
7.When you feel empty and directionless in life, what is missing in your life during those times that is causing you to feel that way?
8.How are you nourishing your soul spiritually?
9.Is your spouse/significant other supportive in your desire to more fully live your meaningful purpose? If not, how are you reconciling that?
10.How do you go about making an important decision about your life direction? Is it made from a surface level, or do you have a way of checking into your soul? Do you have a confidant you can share your thoughts with who can help guide you?11.Do you view a lack of money as an impediment to fully realizing your meaningful purpose? If so, what are some creative ways that you can get past this issue?
12.If you live your life with meaningful purpose, how will the world be a better place?
13.How will you know you are living your life with meaningful purpose?
Based on your answers to the previous questions, take some time now to jot down your thoughts on what your purpose in life may be. Granted, this is a tall order, but you have to start somewhere. Make some notes, then set it aside for a while and let it sink in. Revisit what you wrote and see if it still feels congruent. Continue this process until you come to the “aha” moment and you know you’ve got it!