Questions to help you find your life purpose

Many people reach a point in their career where they question whether the work they are doing is still satisfying or meaningful.

While many factors play a role in job satisfaction, I have found in my own experience and that of my clients that life purpose can play a huge role. Having a sense of purpose can contribute to our sense of meaning, direction and fulfilment, both within work and in other areas of life.

At the start of my career, my purpose was finding a job and making money. The money focus continued over the next few years; I was moving from one job to the next without really finding my place, and while I was making a bit more money with every promotion, I felt stressed, depressed, and anxious. I tried all the "traditional" solutions - going to career counselling, taking vacations to escape- but I could not find a permanent solution, and finally, I burnt out.

It was only when I found and was inspired by my purpose to 'uplift the planet by helping people find their purpose and do what they love' that I truly found my place. Not only was I happier and more satisfied, but I was also making more money than I ever thought I would.

If you don't have a clear sense of purpose, don't panic. I have created an exercise to help you get started.

Before you start...

I encourage you to set some time aside when you are in a quiet place and preferably alone to start working on the questions. Have a pen and paper ready and follow your gut; write down the first thing that comes to mind without analysing it.

For the best results, approach this process like a child would - with curiosity and no judgement or fear.

10 questions to help you explore your life purpose

1. What do you spend your free time doing?
2. What did you want to be when you were a child?
3. What work-related tasks do you enjoy?
4. When I do ______, I lose track of time.
5. What does the ideal world look like? What is your utopia?
6. What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
7. When did you last feel truly happy? What were you doing?
8. Who do you admire the most and what does that person do?
9. What are you secretly passionate about?
10. What would you like to be remembered for?

Putting it all together

Once you have your answers, look for themes and patterns, paying close attention to any words or concepts that repeat themselves.

Once you have looked over the answers, write down a short paragraph that summarises the themes, values or sense of purpose you've identified. Put it on sticky notes and place it where you will see it every day.

Next steps

Once you have identified a sense of purpose or direction that feels meaningful to you, you can use it as a compass to guide your life and your decisions.

Work to create goals and steps to find your ideal job or life. Revisit it every morning as part of your routine.