Ten Questions to Clarify Your Purpose
You have a masterpiece inside of you ... one unlike any that has ever been created, or will ever be. No one else can paint it. Only you.
-GORDON MACKENZIE
The Path to Finding Purpose
I used to think that “finding my purpose” was a straightforward, linear, check-the-box, streamlined process. And once the purpose was revealed, like a set of dominos or a 300-piece jigsaw puzzle, all the other pieces would become clear and fall into place…
Now with time I can see it’s a messier, more complex, and less predictable process. One that you not only experience, but grow through. I now believe it’s not so much about finding the answer to “what do you want to do?” but “who do you want to become?”
Wherever you are at in the journey, take some time to reset or renew your purpose with the tools and coaching questions shared here.
The Philosophy of Ikigai
When I found the Japanese concept of “Ikigai,” I discovered a rich framework that helped me evaluate my purpose in terms of these four questions:What do you love to do?
What are you really good at?
What does the world need?
What can you be paid for?
How do you know once you’ve found the ikigai-type of work that is deeply fulfilling and motivating? On the best days maybe it is a place where you are:
Aligned and deeply authentic
Clarified and confident
Flowing with forward momentum
Enthusiastic and energetic
Committed - despite the challenges
Experience the Benefits
Knowing our purpose in life has DRAMATIC benefits. The research is compelling, showing positive outcomes on our:physical and mental health
sleep and stress levels
job satisfaction
academic success
overall fulfillment in life
Even if you are grounded in your life direction, finding and refining your purpose is a dynamic process … not a one-time event. Purposeful living takes regular, intentional reflection to recenter, so that we can refine our decisions, our mindsets, and our behaviors. Use the ten coaching questions below to help you regularly evaluate your purpose.
Ten Questions to Clarify Your Purpose
What are you most passionate about? …the topic that brings you to life.
What brings you the most joy? …that thing that makes your heart sing.
What are your greatest strengths? …what you can do better than anyone else.
When do you most feel in flow? …those moments when creativity is surging.
What do others most appreciate about you? …the high praise you receive over and over.
What would you do if you could do it all the time? …the tasks you never tire of.
What problem would you most like to solve? …the challenge that you are uniquely equipped to tackle.
What do you most want to accomplish? …the work that energizes and motivates you the most.
What would you do if you had unlimited resources? …the most meaningful way you can spend your time, energy, and finances.
How do you want people to remember you? …the legacy you will leave behind.
