Finding life's purpose is a question most life coaches are asked about in the very first session. In fact many people come to a life coach because they feel lost and purposeless. It is important for people to know that they have a reason for being on this planet. We all refuse to believe that our lives have no purpose, but at the same time we all feel like we don't quite know how to find that purpose either.
Sadly, no one can really "give" you your purpose, or even a good formula for finding it on your own. Purpose is something found deep within each person. To find purpose it important to begin listening to our inner spirit, and ask some probing questions of ourselves that only we can answer. Here are some questions that may help get to the bottom of your purpose.
1. How do I define purpose?
2. What do I think my purpose is right now, without thinking about it?
4. What is the most important thing in my life?
5. What do I love to do, more than anything else?
6. If I a limited amount of time left in my life, what would I like to achieve?
7. What kind of legacy do I want to leave to my family, friends or the world?
8. What would I do if I could not fail?
9. What would I do if money were not an object?
10. What activities give me the most pleasure?
11. What do I still want to learn?
12. What have I always loved to do, even as a child?
13. Do I have a desire to help others overcome a challenge that I have overcome myself?
14. Who is my hero and why?
15. What qualities would I like to be known for?
16. What is my big dream?
17. What subjects did I enjoy most in school?
18. What activities have I most enjoyed?
19. What natural talent have I always possessed, even if I was too scared to use it?
20. When do I feel I am truly happy?
21. What is my greatest fear that keeps me from pursuing my purpose?
22. What type of people to I most enjoy being with?
23. What profession would I like to pursue if money were not an object?
Am I a spiritual person, and, if so, what have I always felt God wanted me to do?
25. What special gift do I have that I could give to the world, but have been afraid to share?
26. What makes me truly sad?
27. What is my favorite way to communicate my feelings?
28. Do I feel I deserve to have a purpose?
29. If I were given three wishes, what would they be?
30. What is something that scares me a bit, but would be really exciting if I did it?
31. What have I always thought I should be doing?
32. What qualities do I possess that I am really proud of?
What have I done in my life that I am really proud of?
34. What qualities have others always complimented me for?
35. If I had time available to contribute to a charity, or some cause, what would it be?
36. What is so important to me that would make me stop what I am doing for the chance to pursue it?
37. What do II like to do on vacation?
38. What is my biggest regret in my life to date?
39. At the end of my life, what would I most regret not having done?
40. What do others often tell me I should be doing?
As you think about these questions, write down the answers. Look for the threads that connect the answers together. It is in here you will find clues about your purpose in life.
The answers are within. If you ask, you will receive your answer.
Remember that life is lived in stages, and each stage has different priorities and needs. I also believe that each stage allows us to live out our purpose in different ways, using different gifts and talents. Life's purpose in the beginning of life may look completely different at middle age and in our senior years. Don't become discouraged if you can't live your complete purpose at one stage, it will become apparent as you move along and keep pursuing it. Life is a journey, enjoy the scenery as you drive along, and don't get caught up in the finding the perfect purpose for your existence.
