What is my purpose in life? Why am I here and why do I keep going? What am I meant to do in this world?
Have you ever had questions like these? Most people do at some point in their life. These are questions we all must answer for ourselves, and it can often be hard to deal with the daily challenges of life if you haven’t answered them. You may already know the answers. If so, you’re awesome! If you haven’t already, write them down and reflect on them often. If you fall into the larger category of those still seeking answers, then this post is directed to you.
I HAVE THE ANSWERS
No, I don’t really, at least not for you, but I do have something that may help you find some answers for yourself. At the very least it should help bring a little more clarity and focus to your life. This is a little exercise from my coaching programs. I call it the Life Focus Triad exercise. Give it a try.
STEP 1: Answer the following questions. Write your answers down. You may have some of the same answers in each category.
“What am I passionate about?”
What are you truly passionate about? What gets you excited and energized? What could you spend hours with others sharing your thoughts or feelings on? What could you spend hours doing and stay completely engaged?
What do I want to accomplish in my life?
What things do you want to accomplish in your life? What goals have you set that you have yet to achieve? Is there anything you want to do to “make a difference” in the world? What educational, career or self-improvement goals do you have? What are you meant to accomplish?
What do I want to experience in my life?
There is so much to experience in life! What do you want to experience? What would enrich your life to see, hear or participate in?
STEP 2: Look for overlap. There is a good chance that you wrote down some of the same things in multiple categories or that are compatible with each other. Where there is overlap between two categories you can find true fulfillment in your life. Where all three meet you can find joy, and joy is something we all deserve to experience.
It may go without saying - but I need to say it anyway - put your focus and energy into activities and goals that fall into the “Joy” or “Fulfillment” categories. You may just find yourself moving forward with more purpose and with a little spring in your step. I know that for me it means I smile a lot more.