Sense of purpose!

“Great minds have purposes; others have wishes” said Washington Irving.Having a sense of purpose is an important part of being happy. We are creatures that are happiest when we are productive and living our life’s mission.

Do you wonder, “what is your purpose?”, “what is the meaning of life?”

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Are you motivated by your career, making money, raising good kids, running a quicker mile, being a help to others? Your mission is highly personal; no one can dictate what it is.

Here are 4 exercises to help you identify your “sense of purpose”:

#1  What do you feel most passionate about?

For me it is helping people. I am lucky enough to have picked a career as a psychiatrist so that my career is in line with what I value most. What is it for you- what revs your engine? What are you drawn to in your free time?

#2  Name 3 things you have participated in during your life that you feel great about.

It could be a work achievement, a trip you took that had meaning, something you did for your kids, an article you wrote, even a project you did in school years ago- ANYTHING you felt excited about.

#3  Name 3 activities (hobbies) you love.

Is it athletics, is it work, is it art, music, reading, writing, entertaining? Do you spend a lot of time doing these?

#4  Name 3 areas people turn to you to give advice.

NOW WHAT?

Set long term and short term goals.

Identify your vision of where you ultimately want to be (pop star, famous writer, scientist, entrepreneur…). This dream will keep you motivated to reach your goals.

Write down the necessary smaller steps to reach that goal.

It might be finishing a degree, moving up in a company, networking in that field, getting a mentor.

Do daily “to-do” lists to keep you on task.

Now write your obituary.

WHAT?? Why write your obituary. Read the story below!

Here’s a great story:

Roz Savage was in a corporate job in England and ended up divorced. She was 36 and unfulfilled. She sat down one night and wrote 2 versions of her obituary. One was a boring obituary of her present life. The other was one of an adventurer. ANd you know what? She quit her job and became the first woman to ROW across the Atlantic. She decided to live a life of passion.

I hope this post inspires you to find your passion and BE EPIC! Being epic will help bring you into your happy zone!

 Now go figure out your sense of purpose?

Share any inspiring stories or extra tips on finding your passion in the comment box below.

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Tags: 10 steps to happiness, how to be happy, personal development, sense of purpose