Purpose

The Life Purpose Worksheet is a downloadable personal development tool. Rediscovering your purpose should be a top priority in your life. This exercise will challenge you to examine your life, review your prioritized list of what you value most in life, and then work toward creating a written statement about what you believe your purpose in life is.

Your time and your energy are both finite resources. Therefore, you must consider carefully which daily activities and emotions you choose to spend your limited amount of attention on. You may be surprised to learn that you are squeezing out those things most important to you, while lavishing huge amounts of attention on unimportant things in your life. This is why we must redefine our priorities.
I was a 43 – year – old when I defined my purpose that my life was profoundly changed in exactly 7 minutes. I had no idea until I completed this thought – provoking exercise what my true purpose in life was. In order to be successful, both personally and professionally, you must be able to clearly and articulately define your goals. But before you can do that, you must understand what your purpose in life is. Your purpose in life is defined by how you use your individual gifts and talents, not only to make a living, but also to make a difference in the world. Goals clarify how you use your purpose. Your priorities are the order in which you accomplish your goals. While the three concepts cannot be separated, they should be looked at independently.

Discovering or rediscovering your purpose should be a top priority. This exercise will challenge you to examine your life, review your prioritized list of what you value most in life, and then work toward creating a written statement about what you believe your purpose in life is. Turn to The Discover your Purpose in Life Worksheet.

Spend a few minutes to reflect on the top 10 values that you have already identified.

My purpose in life is . . . written on the top of the page. On the right side of this page you will see a place to write down seven things that you love about life. This list may include foundational items, like your faith, your family and your work. It may also include many of the simpler aspects of life that you love, such as: spending time with your kids, reading, hiking, gardening, golfing, coaching Little League, traveling, or volunteering. Because love is the foundation of purpose, having a list of what you love in front of you while you contemplate your purpose is very important.

When I took this exercise, my purpose unfolded in seven minutes, but that may not be true for you. It may take longer. During your “Focus Time” spend as much time as you need to articulate why you have been put on this earth. Each person has been given unique gifts and talents. I believe you will discover an overwhelming sense of meaning and fulfillment as you realize how you can serve the world around you.

Remember to begin this exercise by looking at the list of the things in life you love most. I believe there are three basic tenets to discovering your purpose:

1) Purpose is what you do for others.
2) Purpose is how you use your gifts and talent to change the world.
3) Love is the foundation of purpose.

Write as fast as you can to try to discover what is most important to you. I’ve seen this simple exercise be a lifechanging moment for many, many people, as it was for me. By outlining a clear, solid description of your purpose in life, you begin the process of fundamentally changing your attitude and approach to life — both at home and at work.

Once you have finished writing, go back and read the powerful words you have written. Circle the words that standout. In the Preface I wrote that my purpose words are “growing” and “helping other people grow.” As you read what you have written, you will see repeating themes and ideas. These will likely be your PURPOSE words, which you will list on the second page of your “Purpose Exercise.” To complete this exercise, answer the question at the bottom of the page:
“At the age of 85, I will know I have fulfilled my purpose when . . .”