Everyone — just like they have unique fingerprints, also have unique “fingerprints” figuratively. They are the things that YOU LOVE, that other people just wouldn’t understand.
And there are things in life that people just can’t get enough of that you don’t see the point of. Snapchat?…
Those things are you and they relate to your mission in life. The good news is that no matter what you want to do in life, no matter what. NO ONE, I mean NO ONE is going to do it like you. With your style, ideas, execution etc.
Most people spend their entire life searching for their life’s purpose. It’s right in front of you…
In all the little quirks and things you love. Although they are clouded by things that other people love. What your parents think they love and what you’re friends think success is because some online guru is preaching the flavor of the week.
For this exercise, you will write down a list of the top 10 things that come to mind when asked these questions. Don’t filter, just write down what comes up. If you write down more than 10, don’t worry. Just get about 10 on paper.
Ready? Let’s go.
- What do you enjoy spending your “spending money” on? Top 10. Circle the top 3.
- What do you enjoy doing? Top 10. Circle top 3.
- What moments or experiences do you value in life? Write down your top 10. Circle the top 3.
- What are your values in life? Make a list of the top 10 things. Circle the top 3.
- What topic or subjects strike up an emotional response in you? What gets you most excited? Whether it’s a positive or negative emotion. Write down what they are and the corresponding emotion.
- What books or magazines are you currently reading? If none, create a list of 3-5 topics you would like to read about.
- Preferences:
– Do you prefer to work alone or in groups?
– Do you prefer to work at a computer or out in the field. Passive vs active work. It could be a percentage such as 30% computer work, 70% speaking on stage.
– Would you define yourself as more of an introvert, extrovert or both?
– What is more important to you, mastery or variety? - Make a list of every idea related to a business or project you want to create. It’s really important you take time to do this completely. It will create ALOT more clarity.
Can any of these be combined? combine the similar ones. Example coffee shop + library, or daycare center + spa, or digital courses + meditation audios.
Rate them then select your top 3.
Which can you start right now without capital? - What do you want your legacy to be after you die? What’s that 1 thing you want to contribute, leave behind or be known for?
- What is your biggest pain point in life? What frustrates you most about the world or holds you back in life?
Ok now write down the top in each category.
Here is an example:
Values:
– Nature
– Exercise
– Family
Business ideas:
– Children’s outside jungle gym
– Daycare center with a garden
– Animal conservation program.
Spending:
– Adventure excursions in nature
– Organic products
– latest “green” technology
Books or magazines:
– Home & Garden Magazine
– Books about parenting
– Books on DIY
Preferences:
– Do you prefer to work alone or in groups? In groups
– Do you prefer to work at a computer or out in the field. Passive vs active work.
Active work outside.
– Would you define yourself as more of an introvert, extrovert or both? Both.
– What is more important to you? Mastery or variety? Variety.
Enjoy:
– Exercise and healthy living
– Interacting with children
– Sunshine and nature
Value:
– My health
– Time with family
– Being able to go out into nature and a clean environment
Legacy:
– Create a healthier world starting with our children where they learn how to live in accordance with nature.
Take the top in each category and compare them in the following ways.
Values + Business ideas + spending + Book topics + legacy = Your current goal in life.
Check for overlap:
Values:
– Nature
– Exercise
– Family
+
Business Ideas:
– Children’s outside jungle gym
– Daycare center with a garden
– Animal conservation program.
+
Spending:
– Adventure excursions in nature
– Organic products
– Latest “green” technology
+
Book Topics:
– Home & Garden Magazine
– Books about parenting
– Books on DIY
+
Legacy:
– Create a healthier world starting with our children where they learn how to live in accordance with nature.
=
Your Current Goal in Life: “Create a daycare with a jungle gym and small garden that teaches children about respecting nature, growing their own organic food and preparing it, going on hikes and learning about plants and animals.”
Compare your current goal in life to your top 3 business ideas. What stands out?
Preferences + enjoy = How you want to bring your goal to life.
Preferences:
– Do you prefer to work alone or in groups? In groups.
– Do you prefer to work at a computer or out in the field. Passive vs active work.
Active work outside.
– Would you define yourself as more of an introvert, extrovert or both? Both.
– What is more important to you? Mastery or variety? Variety.
+
Enjoy:
– exercise and healthy living
– Interacting with children
– sunshine and nature
=
How you want to bring your goal to life: “I want to work close to nature in sunshine with children where I can teach them about various topics to lead a balanced and conscious lifestyle.”
Enjoy + Value = Your goal in life must allow for these things to happen to have balance.
Enjoy:
– exercise and healthy living
– Interacting with children
– sunshine and nature
+
Value:
– My health
– time with family
– Being able to go out into nature and a clean environment
=
To have balance: “I enjoy a healthy lifestyle in a clean, natural environment working with children. My 30 hour workweek allows me plenty of time with my family and to maintain my favorite exercise routine.”
Topics with emotional response + Biggest pain point + Legacy = Your purpose in life.
Topics with emotional response:
– Environmental destruction
– My health and my family’s health
– Making sure the future generations are educated and supported to live in accordance with nature and respect nature.
+
Biggest pain point:
– Watching my child growing up in an unbalanced society, without enough exercise or nature and knowing I have to do something about it.
+
Legacy:
– Create a healthier world starting with our children where they learn how to live in accordance with nature.
=
My purpose in life: To ensure future generations have access to a clean, healthy and natural way of life by teaching children a hands-on approach to nature and healthy, balanced living and protecting the environment for generations to come.
Congrats, you are now clear on your life’s purpose.
If you have any resistance to the statement above, you either
- Didn’t thoroughly complete the exercise.
- Have discovered self-limiting beliefs.
What now?
If you are like most people in the world, you will find your mind and body may “fight” you by giving you all the reasons it won’t work. Excuses, tiredness, sickness, fear, self-criticism, and questioning. Is this really my life’s purpose? What about this other idea I just got?
This is why we created a difference between “Your Life’s Purpose” and your “Current Goal in Life”
“Your life’s purpose” is the burning desire, the soul desire to serve others in your unique way. Only you can do this and it’s usually the constant thread in your life.
“Your current goal in life” is your current business idea and form of execution. However, it may not be your last.
You may have several careers or businesses that align with your purpose in life. So if you choose a career or business, go for it. Dive into it. When it’s time you may naturally evolve into something else. In some cases you won’t. In all cases, it’s the right path, flow with it.
If you want to see what careers are available in over 71 different countries, check out Jooble. When you perform a search with Jooble, you’ll get links to job postings from more than 21,640 different job sites that are the most relevant to your search terms. Find something new and exciting locally or anywhere around the world! Warning: Job sites can be overwhelming at times, so take the information and requirements that come up with a grain of salt. Remember, baby steps.
What are your thoughts? Did you find your life’s purpose? Comment below.