Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
You are here on this earth, right now for a reason – Do you know what it is? I’ll give you a hint: It’s not to spend a lifetime trying to sort a giant pile of socks into matching pairs, to find the cleverest way to make more money, or to come up with an inexhaustible supply of answers to the question: “What’s for dinner tonight?”
Each one of us has a fully unique and deeply powerful purpose. We all may be working towards similar goals, but the way you accomplish those goals, and how you impact the people and the world along the way is completely unique to you.
Did you ever stop to think that if God didn’t need you on the earth anymore, you would already be dead? It’s kind of funny to think about it that way, but it’s true. The very fact that you are alive right now, shows that God has a purpose for you. He has put you in the exact place and time where you are most needed.
So what is a life’s purpose and how do you find out what yours is?
Finding your purpose means discovering how to impact the world in a way that aligns with your passions and values, and brings you joy and fulfillment. Your purpose is the place where your dreams, values and actions intersect.
To find your purpose, ask yourself these questions. (Make a list and don’t pre-judge or discount your thoughts. There are no wrong answers!)
1. What is it you are passionate about? What fulfills you? What are your talents? What do you like to do? Do you like to write, to sing, to create, to teach, to build, to grow plants or to champion causes? Do you have a gift for listening? For making people feel loved? Write it down! And remember: Don’t discount things just because you aren’t very good at it yet. If you love it, it counts!
2. What are the values and morals you strive to live by? What are the things you value most in life? When you die, what do you want people to say about you? How do you want the your family, your community or the world to be different because you were here?
3. What are the actions you can take; the things you can do that combine both your passions and your values? List big things and small!
4. Identify one thing you can do TODAY to get you started? Is it a blog post? Write it. Is it reaching out to a friend? Give them a call. Is it writing to your city council? Do it. Do you want to create a more peaceful home? Find one small thing you can do to start heading in that direction.
Remember, YOU are needed, simply because you are here. It’s time to find out why!
