Life on Purpose: 15 Questions to Discover Your Personal Mission

I believe that we were all sent here for a reason and that we all have significance in the world. I genuinely feel that we are all blessed with unique gifts. The expression of our gifts contributes to a cause greater than ourselves.

First, a personal story

Last year, I was running at full speed; chasing after my dream of money and ‘success’. However, I had forgotten why I was running. Luckily, I met Jim (not his real name). Jim had achieved all the financial goals I was reaching for. He had financial independence, several successful businesses, homes in multiple countries, and the luxury to afford the finest things money could buy.

Through hard work, persistence and sheer action; he had made it! But, Jim was not happy. He did not have the free time to enjoy his wealth. He wanted a family. He wanted peace. He wanted to live his life… but he was not able to. He had too many responsibilities, too much to lose, and too many things to protect. He had spent years building his castle, and now that it is complete, he is spending his time keeping it from eroding.

Getting to know Jim was a life altering and eye opening experience. His words snapped me out of my state of ‘unconsciousness’. It became clear to me that, “I did not want to spend the next 10 years chasing after money, only to find that I’ll be back at the same place I am at today; emotionally, mentally, and spiritually”. My ‘chase’ came to a screeching halt, everything was put on hold, and I spent the next two months re-evaluating my life and purpose.

These questions were running through my mind:

What am I chasing after? Why am I chasing it? What is my purpose? Why was I put here?

While reading “E-Myth: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work“, I found myself in tears during the chapter on finding purpose. In that chapter, Michael Gerber asks the readers to do a visualization exercise. Through his guidance, he instructs you to vividly picture the day of your funeral. What do you want your eulogy to consist of? What would your lifetime achievements be? What would matter the most at the end of your life? Is it what you are doing right NOW?

I started writing. It began by listing all the things that are most important to me. I wrote down all the things I wanted to do. I re-visited my personal mission statement. I decided that whatever venture I commit to must align with my personal mission, my values and my goals. For every new opportunity that comes along, I would ask myself how it aligns with my goals. Regardless of how much money I could acquire, if the venture did not align with where I wanted to be, then I would not pursue it. Here is my personal mission statement:

To Empower, motivate and inspire people to living happier and more fulfilled lives.

Here are some of my values and goals:

What matters most is my connection with myself, being present and feeling blissful.
What I value most is having meaningful relationships with people. Being able to connect with people on deep levels.
I plan to be financially independent, and have control of my time and location. I plan to work only on projects and causes that I connect with. I plan to acquire my finances without violating my values, goals and personal mission.
I plan to travel and live in different parts of the world. Experiencing different cultures, documenting them in photographs and sharing them with others.
I will buy my mom a house in Vancouver with a ravine in the backyard. That’s a dream of hers and I’d like to fulfill it.
Having a family is important to me. I desire a deep, loving relationship with my spouse.
To live everyday fully as if it was my last.

15 Questions to Discover Your Life Purpose

The following are a list of questions that can assist you in discovering your purpose. They are meant as a guide to help you get into a frame of mind that will be conducive to defining your personal mission.

Simple Instructions:

Take out a few sheets of loose paper and a pen.
Find a place where you will not be interrupted. Turn off your cell phone.
Write the answers to each question down. Write the first thing that pops into your head. Write without editing. Use point form. It’s important to write out your answers rather than just thinking about them.
Write quickly. Give yourself less than 60 seconds a question. Preferably less than 30 seconds.
Be honest. Nobody will read it. It’s important to write without editing.
Enjoy the moment and smile as you write.

15 Questions:

1. What makes you smile? (Activities, people, events, hobbies, projects, etc.)

2. What are your favorite things to do in the past? What about now?

3. What activities make you lose track of time?

4. What makes you feel great about yourself?

5. Who inspires you most? (Anyone you know or do not know. Family, friends, authors, artists, leaders, etc.) Which qualities inspire you, in each person?

6. What are you naturally good at? (Skills, abilities, gifts etc.)

7. What do people typically ask you for help in?

8. If you had to teach something, what would you teach?

9. What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?

10. You are now 90 years old, sitting on a rocking chair outside your porch; you can feel the spring breeze gently brushing against your face. You are blissful and happy, and are pleased with the wonderful life you’ve been blessed with. Looking back at your life and all that you’ve achieved and acquired, all the relationships you’ve developed; what matters to you most? List them out.

11. What are your deepest values?

Select 3 to 6 (See list of words to help you | list in pdf) and prioritize the words in order of importance to you.

12. What were some challenges, difficulties and hardships you’ve overcome or are in the process of overcoming? How did you do it?

13. What causes do you strongly believe in? Connect with?

14. If you could get a message across to a large group of people. Who would those people be? What would your message be?

15. Given your talents, passions and values. How could you use these resources to serve, to help, to contribute? ( to people, beings, causes, organization, environment, planet, etc.)

Your Personal Mission Statement

“Writing or reviewing a mission statement changes you because it forces you to think through your priorities deeply, carefully, and to align your behaviour with your beliefs”
~Stephen Covey, ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’

A personal mission consists of 3 parts:

What do I want to do?
Who do I want to help?
What is the result? What value will I create?

Steps to Creating Your Personal Mission Statement:

1. Do the exercise with the 15 questions above as quickly as you can.

2. List out actions words you connect with.

a. Example: educate, accomplish, empower, encourage, improve, help, give, guide, inspire, integrate, master, motivate, nurture, organize, produce, promote, travel, spread, share, satisfy, understand, teach, write, etc.

3. Based on your answers to the 15 questions. List everything and everyone that you believe you can help.

a. Example: People, creatures, organizations, causes, groups, environment, etc.

4. Identify your end goal. How will the ‘who’ from your above answer benefit from what you ‘do’?

5. Combine steps 2-4 into a sentence, or 2-3 sentences.

What is your purpose? What is your mission? We’d love to hear about your goals and aspirations. Please share with a comment!

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About the Author:

Tina Su is a mom, a wife, a lover of Apple products and a CHO (Chief Happiness Officer) for our motivational community: Think Simple Now. She is obsessed with encouraging and empowering people to lead conscious and happy lives.

* Click here to read all articles written by Tina.

External resources on personal mission and finding purpose:

How a Personal Mission Statement Can Help You Change
Steve Pavlina: How to discover your life purpose in about 20 minutes
Stephen Covey’s Interactive Mission Statement Builder
The Five-Step Plan for Creative Personal Mission Statements
Book: Are You Ready to Succeed?

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277 Responses (215 Comments, 62 Trackbacks ):

Comments

William Mize

Nov 07 07, 6:46 am PDT

1
A GREAT entry, Tina. Absolutely smashing. As a mystery writer, I sometimes tend to think that my purpose involves sitting in my room, writing my books, but I always need to remind myself that the higher purpose always, always, always involves somehow serving others. Helping others. Entertaining, enlightening and perhaps educating others.

It’s always about other people.
Tina Su

Nov 07 07, 8:56 am PDT

2
Thanks Bill! Great to hear from ya. :)
Peter

Nov 07 07, 9:05 am PDT

3
Hi Tina,

Thanks for a very enjoyable article. Writing a personal mission statement was an exercise I did at the start of this year and it has been life changing.

Peter
Rahul

Nov 07 07, 9:13 am PDT

4
Awesome post Tina!
Jason

Nov 07 07, 10:03 am PDT

5
Very nice… I wrote an article a while back to help people find their purpose, but my technique was a bit simpler, intended to get the surface consciousness out of the way and get down to the bigger part of you that’s down a bit deeper, the part that actually knows what your purpose is.

If you’d like to read it, you can find it at
Find Your Calling
Andrea Hess | Empowered Soul

Nov 07 07, 10:14 am PDT

6
Very nice article, Tina. I have a resource on my site that’s an audio visualization that is a different path to the same answers … it’s at http://www.EmpoweredSoul.com/freemini.htm. Feel free to check it out, I think you’d like it.

Blessings,
Andrea
ZenChef

Nov 07 07, 10:17 am PDT

7
Very inspiring Tina. Thank you!

I like your style, it’s always very precise and clear. I bet it reflects perfectly your personnality.

I am certain you will be very succesfull in life and achieve all of your goals and i am following your advices to achieve mines.
I know for a fact that this stuff works and that everyone has the ability to create the life of their dreams, it’s just a question of learning, believing and practicing. We all get lost sometimes in everyday problems but you are here to offer a fresh reminder that we should always seek and follow our higher purpose. It’s a noble cause.
Gil

Nov 07 07, 10:36 am PDT

8
WOW Tina. This article is probably one of the best ones I’ve read not only from you but any topics that deal with living a purposeful life. I can see it going all the way up in Diggs Top 10 list shortly. It’s well planned, amply researched, and written so perfectly. As with all your articles, I tend to find myself engrossed on my reading partly because of the great personal stories you tell. I feel the strong connection. That reminds me of something — I never told you my real name was “Jim”. How did you know? : )
Roger von Oech

Nov 07 07, 11:04 am PDT

9
Here are some Pithy Words:

Thoughtful insights. I’m glad I stopped by. Best wishes to you and your many readers!
Scott McArthur

Nov 07 07, 4:12 pm PDT

10
I do a couple of little things with my clients when I’m getting them to “think”. I ask them to write themselves a referance (employment recommendation) and to write their own obituary! Works well if you talk them through the Nobel story as part of the session.

Great blog!
Robyn

Nov 07 07, 4:43 pm PDT

11
Hi Tina, I so agree that the vision we want to see helps us consider what life is all about. I really enjoy the work I do now, which I could not do when younger and raising a family. There are times for all things!
Shirley

Nov 07 07, 5:21 pm PDT

12
Thanks Tina. I love the reminder about the rich guy with no time to enjoy life.

Also, although I didn’t know it when I started them, I think my blogs are representative of my goals. I’ve always known I wanted to add more happiness, fun and laughter into the world (we have way too many cynics out there), I just didn’t realize this could be my mission in life.

Thanks for letting me take a second look at myself and my goals.
Raymond

Nov 07 07, 5:53 pm PDT

13
Hi Tina,

That’s the ultimate 15 questions I want to answer today. :)

Thank you for sharing and visit my blog. I appreciate that. ;)
Lawrence Cheok

Nov 07 07, 10:41 pm PDT

14
Hi Tina,

This is a very comprehensive guide to forming a purpose and mission statement.

It is really helpful to anyone who comes across this article.

Kudos to you!
Miracle

Nov 08 07, 5:11 am PDT

15
I wrote out a personal mission mantra a few months ago. It was an Guy Kawasaki take on Stephen Covey’s idea. What I found to be useful is to create a business card with the statement on there and it keep it with you. I added a neat photo to help me visualize and remember it.
Sam Chan

Nov 08 07, 6:03 am PDT

16
Hi Tina,
Thanks for sharing this great post with powerful questions for one to ponder! Indeed, it is so much blessed to know our personal mission early in the life.

“It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute… that gives meaning to our lives.” – Anthony Robbins

Blessings
Let’s Acquire Wisdom and Live with Passion
K Stone

Nov 08 07, 7:17 am PDT

17
This is awesome! My mission is to love my family both when it’s easy and when it is challenging, to be the best parent to my son, and to help others by teaching what I learn as I live my life.

Thanks! I’m going to do this exercise!
Jacklyn Ker

Nov 08 07, 10:35 am PDT

18
What a great post Tina! The quote by Sam Chan from Anthony Robbins – “It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute… that gives meaning to our lives.”- is the very one that helps me sets my mission 8 years ago. I see my life purpose then, from why I have to experience life in such a different way. God has a purpose for me! And so does He for everyone..

“To Live, To Love, To Learn & To leave a Legacy..” ~ Stephen Covey

Cheers!
therapydoc

Nov 08 07, 11:13 am PDT

19
Money’s nice, pays the bills. But it’s definitely not the key to happiness.
Secret Simon

Nov 08 07, 5:00 pm PDT

20
I’m impressed with this article and stumbled it. One thing though: I use the Firefox browser at 800 x 600 and when I clicked on this post, the left edge of the text was missing. I had to alter my screen resolution to read it. It might be worth you checking this out.
surjit

Nov 08 07, 6:15 pm PDT

21
Hi Tina,
Very inspiring and profound post.Thanks for sharing.
You have a great blog.
My best wishes.
Steve Roesler

Nov 08 07, 8:54 pm PDT

22
Tina,

The eulogy activity is always a wonderful way to bring people face-to-face with the reality of their lives.

Keep up the fine work with the blog; it’s a terrific contribution to the achievement of your stated Purpose.
TRCoach

Nov 09 07, 6:18 pm PDT

23
Hi Tina, I love your blog and this post is thought provoking. Great goals, especially
“To live everyday fully as if it was my last.”
Tom
Mandy

Nov 12 07, 4:49 pm PDT

24
You asked for some feedback, so here you go…

Thank you for this simple, yet thought provoking exercise. I’ve thought about some of these ideas before. Sitting down and writing them out was key, because by seeing them I could pull them all together. I now have a mission statement and a better idea of where I’m going.
Jolly Green Girl

Nov 12 07, 9:54 pm PDT

25
excellent post.. reminds me of the things that I value in my life. Thanks for the reminder
Ivan

Nov 15 07, 12:42 am PDT

26
Very good article! It motivates me to think about my mission even though I already wrote one. But live is always changing and perhaps I have to adjust my mission too.

Ivan
http://www.blatternet.ch
Peter
Nov 15 07, 8:35 am PDT

27
Do you have any idea how much fear does this kind of suggestions stir inside a person?

I’ve tried suggesting to people an exercise like this one, only simpler, the one found on Brian Kim’s blog.
You list Skills and Interests and then try to find an answer to the question “What would I love to do on a daily basis utilizing both my skills and interests that will add significant value to people? ”

Not one of the many people I suggested this exercise to did it. None of them told me their answer to this question.

The reason for this, in my opinion, is FEAR.

People fear this kind of exercises.
They fear the kind of change it could bring.
Bradley C Hughes

Nov 15 07, 5:17 pm PDT

28
Hi Tina,

Bradley from Victory Darwin’s 4HWW Ning group here.

Very glad to have the benefit of your fantastic effort in summarising, simplifying and presenting these powerful tools of self-discovery.

I did the eulogy visualisation exercise as part of a two day seminar I attended about a month ago.

It is an extremely powerful, emotive experience, and as the previous poster said it can drive up a lot of fear.

This exercise was on the morning of the second day, where we had already spent much of the first day on exploring, driving up our fears and shining the gentle warm light of loving kindness on them to cause those fears to disappear.

For anyone contemplating undertaking this exercise, if you think you have unresolved fears in the way of getting to the source of yourself and knowing exactly who you want to be for yourself, I can only suggest you do the fear removal healing work with someone you trust to empower you in that, before you undertake this kind of exercise.

So, who exactly am I, as per the testimony of those at my future imagined eulogy?

I am a wise mentor, a masterful communicator, and a powerful loving contribution to all the people in my life.

happy regards,

Bradley C Hughes
Colleen
Nov 16 07, 5:12 am PDT

29
Great article Tina!
Your sharing of your own personal experiences is heartwarming, and helpful. This guide has prompted me to write my own long delayed ‘Mission Statement’…thanks again for sharing!
grace

Nov 17 07, 3:31 pm PDT

30
I ”stumbled” on you on Digg. I do like the way you put this together and included your personal journey. I will visit your site again. Truly well written blogs with consistent value are a rarity. I would really enjoy reading some of your previous posts, especially how to let go of unfulfilling relationships. Kudos Tina.
Jorge

Nov 22 07, 9:32 pm PDT

31
Tina,

thank you so much for posting this. I’ve done this myself and yes it puts things into perspective as to how you go about pursuing your dreams/goals in life. I did my mission statement around 8 months ago after reading The Leadership Challenge and later True North which is also about leadership. I encourage people to read both these books as we are all leaders in one way or another as well something more to add to your post. You’re a true leader

“We lead from the essence of who we are as a person.”
jun

Dec 11 07, 6:11 pm PDT

32
Hi Tina,

I was researching for a workshop I’ll be conducting and google’d life purpose. A good thing your site is in the first page on the search results.

This is a great help for me, personally and for the workshop. Though I’ve made my own life purpose exercise two years ago, I’ll be re-doing it with your help.

Great insights!

A Merry Christmas to you and yours.
T. Dorsey

Dec 16 07, 7:40 pm PDT

33
I agree that creating a mission statement is an important step in living your life purpose. The mission statement helps clarify what your right livelihood is and it serves as a beacon of light to help you stay true to you life’s path.
Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker

Dec 31 07, 1:32 pm PDT

34
Tina, thanks for the questions and story. I printed out your article. When I have some free time, I will definitely sit down and write out my answers to those questions. Thanks for sharing them.
Steve Nguyen

Jan 11 08, 7:22 pm PDT

35
Tina: As I’m browsing your blog, I’m finding some nice gems. This one in particular is very well thought out. I look forward to using your steps to redo my mission statement.
ben
Feb 01 08, 2:19 pm PDT

36
And now imagine reading this article as a sort of pessimistic nihilist. Kind of depressing, really.

Sorry, I understand that a lot of thought and work have gone into this.. I’m sure a lot of people will enjoy the read, but though..
What am I trying to say anyway?

I’m sorry. never mind.

(I am enjoying reading other stuff on your blog right now though – nice)
Vica

Feb 05 08, 10:32 am PDT

37
This is something to get back to. I don’t think this could be done in afternoon, but after some given thoughts… anyway, it’s a really good way to start. Thanks for sharing.
jd

Feb 14 08, 12:16 am PDT

38
Hey Tina –

Nice write up and great integration of related and relevant sources.

I think clarity of personal missions can very a great deal on based on where you are in the stack of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

For me, my mission is pretty simple — exponentially improve the quality of life for the underdogs.

Here’s a related post on finding what you really want that you might enjoy — http://thebookshare.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-to-figure-out-what-you-really-want.html
Emma
Feb 18 08, 3:37 pm PDT

39
Thank you, this article is just what I needed. Several changes have occurred in my life that I have yet to analyze. After doing the questions, I realize that my deepest joy in life is in connecting with others. I could happily spend the rest of my life on the back of a horse or in a tango embrace, communicating in a language without words. Right now I am studying for a loveless job to finance my passions and to provide for my family, but these revelations have made my question my career choice – is there something I can do that allows me to connect to others without pretense?
Bobby
Mar 03 08, 9:16 pm PDT

40
Tina – This is a neat method and I can see how others can benefit from it. However, it seems to assume that I have already found something that I am passionate about. I wrote down answers to the questions; the first things that popped into my mind. When I went to the 4th step of creating my mission statement, it says, “Identify your end goal.” I drew a blank. I reviewed my answers and found that none of them are anything that I would consider to be my end goal. There was nothing that I was passionate enough about to consider putting into my life’s mission statement. Any suggestions? Thanks!!
Qleyo

Mar 12 08, 4:36 pm PDT

41
Hi Tina, great article!

I answered all the questions and my repetitive phrases were – arts, design industry, smart, high esteem, successful, empower people, learn french fluently, travel, music, play the piano up to grade 8, love, ideas, simple.

All together a made a personal statement, which seems to have been the same for the last 4 – 5 years :) quite happy
Peter John Stubbs

May 15 08, 7:52 am PDT

42
15 May 2008

Am now 59 years of age, am very laid-back, find it easy to chill-out, I live a fairly simple life enjoying peace, contentment, nature, animals, music.

Strongly believe in being as courteous as much as possible, communicative, respectful.

Do not put much importance in money,(so many people are obsessed with money) unlike many people am not obsessed with materialism, possessions, status.

I am me, I am myself, am genuine, am a good caring, altruistic, selfless, very wise human being.

Would love to hear from others directly via “e-mail”, please show my “e-mail address” if possible.

Sincerely

Peter

Bournemouth
Dorset (County)
UK

****************************

Peter’s Email: peter.stubbs3@virgin.net
Zeenat
May 19 08, 12:49 am PDT

43
What if.. I know what it is I want to really do, have known so all my life, but don’t know how to go about doing it. Or maybe I feel I don’t have enough resources like money, etc. to actually fulfill my personal mission. What then. Your article is very helpful, the self-questionnaire really nice, but I get stuck in trying to figure out how to go about doing it.
Gyuri
Jun 02 08, 3:49 pm PDT

44
Tina,
Great article, but I wanted to point out that the word list links for Q.11 are not working.
christy
Jun 27 08, 9:44 am PDT

45
This is my personal mission statement:

Integrate my values into every fabrics of my life. Grow and love life to the fullest. Free animals and humans from sufferings by changing people’s doctrine beliefs and attitude towards veganism.
Didac

Jul 31 08, 4:19 am PDT

46
Thank you for sharing this with everyone, it has enlighten me.
Augustine.
Aug 15 08, 3:48 pm PDT

47
Thank you for this. Really. I didn’t fully integrate my final “statement” into a statement, but in a nutshell:

>> Allow the value of my life extend beyond my accomplishments, what I’ve done, who I touched, who I affected, etc. Life isn’t about the product, it’s about the process.

>> Be the embodiment of freedom. Arms and eyes wide open.

>> Give respect to those who deserve it and fight to no end to tear those who don’t from their positions of power.

>> Be a home to those who need it most. (“Teach a man to fish, and you’ve fed him for life.”)
dave
Aug 30 08, 12:09 pm PDT

48
My goal is to simply be free to do my art however I wish, and give my attention to a future soulmate who will understand and grow with me. I also wish to help whoever I meet along the way so that they have a shoulder to cry on.

This post was helpful to me, because I was feeling confused for most of my life. Thank you =)
genie
Sep 02 08, 9:50 pm PDT

49
I felt lost for a long time, im a 24 yr old woman, married and living in the states. I left my home when I was 19 (the netherlands). since I finished college i lost my spirit and passion in general about live. and side tracked for the longest. Till now i feel miserable not knowing what to do with my life. theres something missing and i realised by doing this ,that i need to be and feel free I have alot of love in me and i need to express it in anyway. when I finished this I felt happy and warm again,just the way I felt when I was 19. My purpose is to love life to the fullest ..to feel love and spread love, to think with your heart not with your head,trust me you’ll end up being something/somebody else that is not the true you, and i made that mistake….

thanks alot ….
Nicholas Powiull

Nov 02 08, 5:31 am PDT

50
I love how conscious you are Tina!

The way I define the term passion is something in which I enjoy doing, something I can do all day long and continuously find joyfulness from it. Yet it is not the act of doing it that allows me to find joy in it because just thinking about it can produce feelings of joy.

You are an significant being in the universal scheme of purpose and you have a important task to provide exceptional value of abundance to existence. Living your passion allows you to unfold this process of progressive success. This unfolding leads you to your center. The center of the essence in life, that aligns you to the perfect circumstances.

Think of yourself as a piece of thread in a tapestry, you can not see the pattern you help to create, the bright color you add to the whole, your place within the system, but the tapestry would not be the same without you. In fact, the tapestry would not hold together without you. It would simply unfold the whole tapestry as you pull on the thread of who you are. You have something within you that holds everything together, by adding something to this universe that keeps it whole. You may not see what it is right now, but you may never see it if you do not live your purpose through the passion you were born with.
Will
Dec 01 08, 6:29 pm PDT

51
Hey Tina. I had been avoiding doing this exercise because I was scared… scared of potentially not having answers, but also scared of what I might uncover.

To my surprise, the answers came freely and easily.

Here is my mission statement. It’s something that had been dancing around for a long time in my mind, but that I had never articulated to myself. It also assembled quite readily from the questions:

“To inspire and inform everyone, through writing and speaking, that they may find loving, happy, and fulfilling lives by embracing the ideals of honesty and courage.”

That’s version one. I have to deal with my own fear first, but having this here and reading it every morning will go a long way towards helping me move forward.

You have my gratitude!
JH
Dec 13 08, 8:23 am PDT

52
Another great article worthy of reading and putting to practice. Thank you kindly for such original content.
Rick Curry
Dec 17 08, 1:41 pm PDT

53
I fell onto your blog today, what a great Christmas present for me! Although I have read only a few of your articles Tina, this one speaks loudly to me as I work with people assisting them in finding their life purpose. Much of what you share here is in direct alignment in the work that I’ve been doing.

I so appreciate your clarity, and the volume of your sharing. You are truly a generous person and I totally get your being in service to your community.

In Gratitude,
Rick Curry, CPC CDCGL
Alfredo

Dec 19 08, 6:57 am PDT

54
You made me happy today, Tina. Thank-YOU!
Marco Aurelio
Dec 29 08, 11:05 am PDT

55
I am reading the comments and they are all showing gratitude for what you write. I did not find one, only one, with displeasure. That´s very disturbing. Or they are block ?
Where is the reference when everyone agrees ?

Your 15 questions are useless and are the same that we hear year in, year out. Nothing new. Appears that people are so lost that they want to hear anything from anyone. Even this thing.

The realm are in front. Just look. You do not need no one to tell you what to do, what to hear or what to see. You can do all that, alone. Be free to think and to act, and to find.
And finally, run from the self proclaimed ” divine instructors”.
Thank you.
Sandrine
Jan 05 09, 4:52 pm PDT

56
Hi everyone ,
i really love the exercises of the 15 questions on life purposes. i have been working and chasing the fashion dream since i was 17 years old.
Of course they is no need to say that it was all that glitter that attracted me for years,closing my eyes on all the real misery,slavery,and the extreme destructive world that fashion actually offer without no pity.
after doing the 15 question, i realise that my true aspiration are the health ,growth,and happiness of children. as a child my deepest dream was to help stop the cruelty that some children have to endure.
being a violated child myself, i know how difficult it is to go through life with open scares that doesn’t seems to heal and your head screaming fo help.
i am now 35 years old still trying to understand WHY and HOW, some parents find the energy to do that much damage to a small child.
I am now a mum, of 3 beautiful girls, but unfortunately two of them, my twins girls has died. my eldest daughter is the only one left. An absolute heart break .

This article made me realise that my true happiness is not so much the money as i though. BUT money to be able to somehow fund a house where i could welcome children and give them the love , the support, the hope… help them to develop they’re abilities. But most of all prove them that they matter to this world and to me.

This is my deepest which. thanks to the editor of this article. ;-).

Sandrine, from Paris.
CK Reyes

Jan 21 09, 1:15 pm PDT

57
My purpose is to have a deep and meaningful connection with the Divine empowering people to experience self-love and compassion that motivates the conscious productive engagement of one’s Life Purpose resulting in Peace on Earth!

Wow! The more I say this the more real it becomes for me…. Thank you for the opportunity. I’d say this was my mission statement also…
Johannes
Feb 03 09, 12:26 pm PDT

58
My purpose is to have the mastery of life. My mission is to be the best (man, lover, friend, father, guitar player etc.) and to show people that it is possible, to give everybody unconditional love, to motivate them with my example and to take people on the adventure of their life so they realize their potential.

**********************
REPLY

Wow, Johannes. Thank you for sharing! That’s beautiful!
Sam
Feb 21 09, 1:13 pm PDT

59
mmmm… done the questions …but i’m a bit stuck putting together the mission statement … can anyone assist ?

2. List out actions words you connect with. – improve, co-ordinate, organize, produce, exercise, nurture, care, support, cater

3. drug and alcohol clients, people who need to develop life structure / discipline, clients who need recruitment , job seeking candidates

4. Recruitment clients support, structure, process
job seeking candidates – support, structure, process
Drug and alcohol – exercise, nurture, structure, support
Need life discipline – exercise, nurture, structure, support
levan
Mar 04 09, 12:50 am PDT

60
what is the case if i don’t have the answers of 90% of these questions?
Rick Curry
Mar 07 09, 5:00 am PDT

61
Levan,
If you cannot answer the questions, I suggest that you work with a coach who has been trained to help people find their purpose. I am such a coach and I know several others. If you wish to have more info about this (and no sales talk, just answers to your questions, I promise) feel free to contact me at CoachRickCPC@Yahoo.com. Additionally, you can go to Tim Kelley’s web site at http://www.knowyourpurpose.com/store/.

I trust this is helpful for you.

Sincerely,
Rick Curry
Jonathan | EnlightenYourDay.com

Mar 16 09, 7:15 pm PDT

62
Fantastic post! The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is the bible when it comes to discovering your mission in life. Cheers
Ashlie

May 02 09, 7:26 pm PDT

63
The mission statement builder has moved, here’s a working link:
http://www.franklincovey.com.au/library-resources/mission-statement-builder.aspx

Hope this helps!
Marissa

May 13 09, 12:02 pm PDT

64
In today’s world, living your life the way you desire is usually not an option, especially if you’re doing it alone.

Answering that list of questions, may give you an idea of what you want.
But is what you want achievable ?
Can you reach it? can you touch it? Or do you have to work 90% of your life to get there.

Life is short, and invisioning this clause can be difficult:
10. You are now 90 years old, sitting on a rocking chair outside your porch; you can feel the spring breeze gently brushing against your face. You are blissful and happy, and are pleased with the wonderful life you’ve been blessed with. Looking back at your life and all that you’ve achieved and acquired, all the relationships you’ve developed; what matters to you most? List them out.

You should look at your life in different periods of time
When you’re 20, 30… 40… You may not necessarily reach 90
but you’ll know what you achieved and acquired in each decade to be able to determine what you want to look forward to.

You might also ask yourself – What do i leave behind when i’m gone?
When the day comes and i no longer exist in this world?
Rick Curry
May 17 09, 10:45 am PDT

65
Marissa,
Your post ends with, “You might also ask yourself – What do i leave behind when i’m gone? When the day comes and i no longer exist in this world?” This is exactly what the item you bring up is wanting to create. Who cares if we will or will not reach 90 — that is a destination. And it would be great to reach 90, especially if we are healthy and still active. There are more and more people that are doing that so it is becoming more the norm than not.

If we are to live our life on purpose, the age does not matter as our purpose will be the same throughout our life. Our mission is one of the ways in which we will carry our purpose out into the world and it is possible that we might have a different mission at 40 than we will at 60 or even 45. That depends upon what our purpose is.

For those that wish to dig deeper into finding their purpose, a new book was recently release that offers methods to assist one in finding their real life purpose. by Tim Kelley. I highly recommend it. I have worked with Tim and his methods work. I know it first hand. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Be excellent!
Rick Curry

* edited by tina at 8pm 5/17/09 to fix link
Gaby
Jul 14 09, 12:04 am PDT

66
I believe my goal in life is to share all my experiences to those who believe that they have never accomplished anything in life, and to make them understand that even if they feel that way they have accomplished a lot. I want to make people value their life and other peoples lives and value every living thing (animals, insects, environment etc). To show them that not very bad thing that happens to us is bad, that is just a lesson to be learned that will make us stronger and wiser, that failure is not an impediment and that even if we fail we learn to be successful. Failing once, or twice or as many times doesn’t mean we cant accomplish or get what with want if we want it or hope for it with out heart. That we should never give up hope, because hope is what keeps us moving, living and loving. That we should learn from our experiences to help others and to be a better person everyday. That is in everyone of us to help one and other and the world so we can all live together in peace no matter who we are, where we come from what we look like, what color we are. What I personally believe is important is to learn to love and with that love help others and teach them to love as well. What would be of us if there was no love? We will have no hope, no purpose, we would be empty. We were created out of love, and we should be able to share it.

“Things don’t go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be” – Charles “Tremendous” Jones
“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” – Napoleon Hill

Enjoy life to the fullest, and help others enjoy life too, we just live once and we all have the right to be happy!
Michelle Brown
Sep 05 09, 3:29 am PDT

67
Wow! What a great exercise to clarify thoughts and feelings about who we are and what we want to do with it!

Many, many thanks!
Matt C
Sep 11 09, 6:22 pm PDT

68
I followed what you said to do. Thank you very much. My mission statement is “Help everyone you can a be a stranger to no man.
Rick Curry
Sep 13 09, 5:12 pm PDT

69
Matt,
In reference to Tim Kelley’s work, purpose is made up of three aspects; essence (which describes how you show up in the world and what people sense from you when they are around you), blessing (what you DO when you are living “on purpose”), and mission (how your purpose is manifested into the world). Mission is a one time thing, once it is done a new mission comes into being. What you are describing is blessing.

Get Tim’s book (or contact me) for me info and clarity around this.

Be Excellent!
Rick
merlynn
Sep 25 09, 12:41 am PDT

70
Your article is great! My purpose is to use my knowledge, skills, determination and committment to empower, encourage, inspire, support and uplift others to live a life of purpose, freedom, joy and safety.
aprces

Oct 05 09, 9:55 pm PDT

71
Where’s the 15 questions come from?

I think the real benefit I’ve gotten is not achieve something when finishing them,it seem like a puff of breath which take me into a mild and placid place

15 nice questions to make inquiries for our souls,thanx!
Calvin&Hobbes
Oct 17 09, 6:21 pm PDT

72
I was very pleased to have quite literally stumbled into this blog by mistake… or was it really a mistake at all..? Anyway, I think on some level I’ve always known who I am and what my true purpose is, but only recently discovered that. It’s quite simple and I don’t mind sharing with you.

I have been volunteering as an EMT with my Virginia Beach rescue squad for only a few months now. I am still kind of new to it. I’m learning new things on every shift. It is very fulfilling and I love it. I’m in it for life now, but I have found that my TRUE purpose is to volunteer my time @ CHKD (Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter’s) as a Child Life volunteer. After answering some really good questions and digging into myself a little deeper than I have ever done before, I found that I have so many wonderful gifts and talents to share that will make a great impact in a child’s life.. a child who needs a friend. It warms my heart just thinking about it now.. The kingdom of heaven really does belong to the children and god bless them.

Thank you very much for posting this blog. It’s a really good thing you’ve got here and I hope everyone finds their “mission”. God bless you!
Rogue
Dec 17 09, 8:28 am PDT

73
Hi Tina-I really appreciate you sharing your wisdom with me. I must admit that I have been lost for 20 years and this article has realigned my soul. In my 36 years on this earth no truth has rung truer then your words. I was given lemons by God and you have taught me to make lemonaide. My life has been full of tragedies…the stories I can tell you will never believe…but I keep trucking. From being a teenaged parent to graduting from college with a BFA and all doing it while dodging bullets in Chicago’s notorious Humboldt Park. You go girl!
Leila (CK) Reyes

Dec 17 09, 11:43 am PDT

74
I did the exercise you suggested, and I noticed a very powerful theme in my answers. I am living my mission, but I’m ready to kick it up a notch! I am aware that I can share an a larger scale. I can have a bigger impact on the world and I say YES!

Thanks, for the reminder and gentle nudge to reach for the ceiling!

My purpose is to recognize, honor, and celebrate the sacredness of everyone I meet to create a world free of shame, empowering people to embrace their own divinity and share their most authentic expression with the world!

**************
REPLY:

Wow, that’s really beautiful. Thank you for sharing your purpose with us, it will inspire many.

Love,
Tina
Rogue

Dec 17 09, 12:37 pm PDT

75
Anyone interested in helping me get published? I am an aspiring, Latina, writer from Chicago’s Humboldt Park area. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Irene

Dec 20 09, 8:56 pm PDT

76
Thank you! Very nice and helpful. I’ve asked myself questions before about my purpose but there were a few here that I never thought of. Some of the questions brought me some more clarity on what some of my challenges are, while at the same time helping me realize that things may not be as hard as I perceive them. So if I can let go of the perception that my challenges may be a struggle, then I can let go of the struggle and begin to learn in greater grace.
Blessings,
Irene
Mary
Jan 01 10, 6:41 am PDT

77
Tina,

Happy New Year! This is a perfect exercise to start a new decade, and I will share it with friends and colleagues.

All the best,

Mary
Thea Westra from myforwardsteps.com

Jan 02 10, 3:35 am PDT

78
My purpose is to provide products, programs and tools that inspire and empower you, enabling you to unleash your personal creativity and your unique contribution in life.

Forward Steps is all about just that …forward steps.
If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking

My mantra is that “Each forward step enhances the value of your first”. I love to provide tools and inspirations that keep you stepping forward with the things you want to achieve.

My three target goals for 2010 are:

…to grow the My Forward Steps Membership to 500 vibrant Members who love engaging with each other, with me and with all the resources I am providing there,

…to have 1,000 of the site visitors to Time For My Life buy a copy for themselves and use it each day, then write to me at the end of 12-months with their shared experiences,

…to have made a tangible difference to the lives of more than 500 families through my participation within the Forward Steps Team at Kiva.org I have already made a good start at my own personal Kiva Lender page.

Cheers,
Thea
Christina King

Jan 29 10, 3:01 pm PDT

79
Great! Just what I was looking for. THANK YOU!
Britt
Feb 26 10, 12:56 pm PDT

80
“I want to inspire, motivate, change lives, views, bring inner peace and the recognition to tune into oneself. I will nurture, guide, understand, and travel to make an impact in people, organizations, and groups, reaching causes and environments to create confidence within oneself, promote positivity, and understanding mistakes that have and may happen are ok. One needs to believe within themselves and know the only one in charge and control of their life, journey, and how it will unfold, is themself”.

-Brittany Steward
sunny suman

Apr 30 10, 2:32 am PDT

81
Great stuff!!!
Seems that your traits, visions and paths are very much similar to mine! Loved reading the post.
Thanks for it.
Matthew Bowen
May 11 10, 8:25 pm PDT

82
Thank you for this post, it has helped my to define my purpose!
My purpose is “to leave this world smiling, having followed in the footsteps of my sensei and having entrusted this path to the next generation; to have lived under the philosophy of having no regrets; to have protected my friends and family; to never give up in what I believe in; to have made a difference to the lives of those closest to me; to look back at the end and be happy.”
Castaly Lombe

May 16 10, 11:21 pm PDT

83
Thanks for a terrific article. I would like to use parts of it with acknowledgement to you and your site, which is great! Our software gets people to create a life purpose or mission and then align their goals and tasks to it. As they journal to these activities, they further clarify their alignement and get focus. It’s a wonderful self perpetuating exercise. As far as I know, our software is unquie in this 3 part interactive process and ongoing journalling. Have a look and thanks again for your material which will help people in the first part of the process…. defining the life purpose. PS> We are looking for partners as our software is complete web application that people can use from your web site. Let me know if you are interested and keep up the great work.
Francesca

Jul 11 10, 6:17 pm PDT

84
Hi Tina, great post!
I´m into a big process of changing, and I wrote down my purpose before, with a very similar process. I share this with you, grateful of the reminding!
“Through my art I offer to people questions, a new vision and a different approach to life, so we can grow and find more meaningful ways to live.”
http://www.francescadallabenetta.com
John Sherry

Jul 22 10, 8:54 am PDT

85
This is a full blown exercise for changing your life. You could have made a mega e-book Tina it’s so valuable and empowering. May I add a question I have asked myself before; Would I do this for free because I love it so much? If I would do something for free because it’s grabbed me, inspired me, unlocked and animated me then it gets my attention and I have to explore it as a or my mission. It’s what’s lead me here so it can’t be bad. For now I will have to sit down and contemplate all you have asked here to see if I’m on track for who I am to meet my true destiny. For that I thank you.
Vic

Jul 26 10, 6:47 pm PDT

86
My favorite among the question is about what are my deepest values?
This is the question that will really help me understand who i am and what I am will be. But aside from determining those values, we also need to find out what are our principles in life. These principles along with our values are the building blocks of our lives. Hence, we need to fully assure that we have the right principles and values in ourselves. Thank you for a great share.
G

Jul 28 10, 5:36 pm PDT

87
Purpose gives meaning to your life. It provides you with coherence and focus in your personal as well as professional lives. Drawing on your own personal stories, prepare a purpose statement that reflects what you are called to do in life.

My purpose in life is to live according to my spiritual beliefs by putting God first, striving to better myself (man, husband, father, friend, educator, business owner, etc.), provide and protect my family, provide opportunities for those in need, and to support, encourage, motivate, and guide our youth in the right direction in life.
Joe Lee

Oct 12 10, 12:08 am PDT

88
Thank you! This is an awesome article. The 15 questions is absolutely powerful.

We really have to take time to answer those questions. I believe many are stuck even in the first question.

It’ll be good to not just think about those questions, but write them down. It will become a powerful process.
Stuart Tan

Oct 23 10, 6:17 pm PDT

89
I think this list of questions is great for those of you here who are generally enlightened individuals. I like how it integrates the seeking of purpose with a life mission.

I’d disagree with the values list because many of those in there are behaviors. Values are not behaviors, but beliefs. Also there are a handful (financial freedom) which are a means to an end, not the end value itself.

As for the rest of this article, the trouble will spark for those who are less enlightened and have no idea about self-awareness. I believe those who treat happiness as a ‘thing’ may end up waiting for it to happen, and putting oneself out into the future may not help make mission into a reality, but rather reflect wishful thinking. Likewise, not everyone is able to connect with their skills, largely because of an inflated ego, for example.

Overall, great article. I’m not kidding when I say that anyone who wants to do this should really take a 3 day personal retreat to reflect upon the very important questions raised.
bible happiness

Dec 06 10, 3:40 am PDT

90
Many thanks for sharing this useful and interesting information.i liked it and soon will be back for more….
Jef Menguin

Jan 11 11, 6:00 pm PDT

91
You are helping a lot of people because of your blog. Many persons walk on earth without purpose and you have written something which can potentially guide them.

Thank you.
brian speer

Feb 01 11, 10:36 am PDT

92
Wonderful article, great questions to ask to find your life purpose and mission. Alot of people never really find what truely gives meaning to their lives.
Organic Sam

Feb 05 11, 4:10 am PDT

93
Having a vision in life and a mission in your statement.

Alot of businesses fail because they don’t have a direction and there is no focus. A mission statement helps define the existence of your business and help drive your vision to greater heights.

Sadly most people cannot find their mission and hence the failure of their business.

I hope with this guidance, my vision will be clear and the mission will help guide my business to success.

From the bottom of my heart. Thank you
Kuro7
Feb 11 11, 8:47 am PDT

94
Tnx for sharing your experience. Best regards!
Grady Pruitt

Feb 19 11, 1:53 am PDT

95
Great post!

I remember doing a similar exercise a number of years ago. And I discovered my purpose. But I forgot to follow my purpose and wound up spending a number of years not going in the direction I wanted to go. I have reconnected with my purpose and am following it again.

One of the keys for me lies in the question “What do people usually ask you for help with?” In fact it was the very realization that I enjoy helping people that really helped me to understand what I needed to do. As I look back, I see that I was always trying to move toward this, but never quite figured out how to do it in the way that I wanted.

Thanks for sharing these questions. Even if you feel you know your purpose, taking the time to go through these questions may help clarify something for you that you had not considered before.
Nikki Ousley
Feb 28 11, 9:27 pm PDT

96
Thanks so much. That really helped me out. It made me think a lot which is always good. I feel like I know what I want to do with my life and how I plan to get there. I won’t give up. Starting now. (:
Luke

Mar 01 11, 5:50 am PDT

97
Thank you for sharing this Tina.
Pallu
Mar 08 11, 10:33 am PDT

98
Hi Tina,
U are a lovely lady…. I haven’t seen u but reading u r thought i felt that. May god bless u dear.
Caterina
Mar 10 11, 1:01 am PDT

99
Dear Sir,

Thank you for helping me to clarify what I want in life.
My personal mission (to be ‘polished’, sorry, I am not English native speaker!) is:
” I want to achieve self realisation by helping people in need, embracing the pain by being in line with God, share my skills (creative, analytical and strategic thinking) with who needs it”.

I have the GOAL (=help), the WHO (=people in need), the HOW (put my skills at their service)… what do I miss? I miss WHERE to find the WHO in a way the allows me to personally suppor myself (house, well paid job).

At the moment I work as Policy and Project Officer for an NGO. I happy I am learning but my heart is not satisfied. I have been trying to work for something I believe more in but so far I have not. This makes me really sad :(
I hope God will help me to find the WHERE to realise my goal. Or maybe I just should create my own organisation…

Thank you for replying with your comments, ideas, suggestion to my comment.

Best wishes
Dawn
Mar 26 11, 11:50 am PDT

100
I want to love and understand people I care for and people in general, be responsible and good friend to them, and I want to be treated the same by them in a just and loving way.
Arminas
Mar 27 11, 7:36 am PDT

101
I don’t know if it is okay, but when I did all the steps I have gotten the next turn in my career. Thank you, I will be more certain about this. This is my goal.

I help people to live helthy and happy life through making them drink less. I am making my country sober.

Thank you very much Tina :)
HealingProf
Apr 06 11, 7:00 pm PDT

102
I’ve been trying to figure out my “purpose” again. (My decades “old” purpose no longer seems to fit with my thoughts and feelings.) At the same time I’ve been encouraged to drop some of the “old” rules and restrictions I put on myself. I decided to explore what would happen if I dropped the self-imposed idea that my purpose had to include serving others in some capacity. A huge, gigantic weight was lifted from my being — I was flooded with insight about ways to take care of myself.

I’m intrigued that one of the personal mission statement questions is: Who do I want to help? Right now I’d say the answer to “who” is “myself”. Perhaps I am meant to be a role model for the importance of self-care?!? How else to explain the recent sequence of events, including the appearance of this article?
siva
Apr 08 11, 4:27 pm PDT

103
it’s the most useful thing in my life….if i hadn’t read this one….at the end of my life i may have green notes, but there will be no sweet memories to remember.

now it is clear…to have a fulfilled life

“To live everyday fully as if it was my last”. it’s an awesome one
Doug Malcolmson

Apr 25 11, 4:12 am PDT

104
24 in a day

8 — 8 — 8

Most people say

Work – Live – Sleep

But is really should be…

Give – Live – Sleep

Give (making life better for others)

Live (enjoying what was given from others)

Sleeping (enjoying what was given from others)

Life is “Simple”.
darren
Apr 25 11, 3:35 pm PDT

105
Jim sounded like a strong influence on you. Honestly, did you date the guy and think he was perfect? I ask because I feel many people want to achieve what Jim had in order to attract the opposite sex — so were you attracted to him?
shina
Apr 26 11, 1:08 am PDT

106
nice 1……..
and we want more…like this
AWESOME……!!!!!
shina
Apr 26 11, 1:10 am PDT

107
superbb…..i like it very much …
J Andersson
May 02 11, 6:46 am PDT

108
Beautiful, and very helpful!

My mission statement is: to inspire women to find their inner strength and peace by connecting them and sharing stories, empowering them, and thus making them less vulnerable to abuse. Also, educating men on equality and helping them heal so that they may end the systemic abuse of women and children.

Time to become who I was meant to be!
Froilan Ramos
May 04 11, 1:44 am PDT

109
Like the article so much. This helped me to think again where should I go and what I need to do. Here is mine.

“I am here to enjoy life by helping, entertaining, educating my family, friends, everyone as much as I could
using my God gave resources, talents and skills so they may enjoy life and be encouraged to serve others too.

I will be a good steward of the earth and its creatures, seeking every opportunity to protect and preserve them
not only for myself to witness its beauty and the comfort it brings but for future generations as well.”
Brittany
May 09 11, 1:42 pm PDT

110
I feel like I just skimmed the surface with this article, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! But I’m dying of curiosity over what the outcome would have been if I worked on this exercise one on one with you, Tina. So I am at a complete standstill with my life. I graduated in highschool 2009, graduated cosmetology school in 2010, moved to Jersey with then boyfriend right after, moved back to Arizona in December to get started on my own journey alone(I wasn’t planning on doing hair, I hated cosmo school with a passion). So I got hired as a server but they didnt find me formal enough in my training so they had me be a busser. Lost that job because a friend surprised me with Coachella tickets and didn’t get anyone to cover 2 of my shifts(best thing I’ve ever experienced in ’10, so I deemed with worthy of losing my crappy job over this year). So now here I am, stuck at a stand still. My plan is to go sign up at GCC and study nutrition and psychology, but I can’t get myself to do it. I think its because once I do, it feels like im damning myself to living at my parents place for THAT much longer. And I dont even know where to begin with finding a job because I don’t think I can serve, it’s too awkward and fake and I always left the table bright red with embarrassment when I was in training. I just want to be inspired. I always saw myself as a go getter type, but here i am. Addicted to the internet, my rooms a mess and my life is a mess. But enough boohoo-ing, i just need a creative outlet and a job that excites me. I feel like the reason why I’m stuck is because when I’m not 100% on the end goal, I can’t get started. I NEED to know what exactly my goal is and thats how this relates to this article. But I’m still lost as to what i really need to go for. A creative outlet that lets me help the self conscious and the unfit? But is adventurous? Ha, I’m just all over the place!!
MIKE
May 09 11, 5:29 pm PDT

111
Nice, real nice. I depend on ” Faith and Family”.
Tina Su

May 10 11, 8:44 am PDT

112
Brittany,

I’m currently working on completing a book project that goes in depth on this topic. It’s actually an extension to this article, with more in depth exercises and explanations of my own experience.

Yeah and if we did work on this one on one, we would dive deeper and we can direct the conversation based on your custom situation.

Tina
Kuro7
May 30 11, 1:52 am PDT

113
Hi. I think these values best represent me: Health. Insight. Respect.
Krista
Jun 03 11, 10:25 am PDT

114
Tina,
I’ve recently just started reading your posts, now I’m addicted to your site. I would like to take a quick moment to thank you for creating it and to thank you for all of your wisdom and empowerment.
This perticular article was extremely helpful for me. I’m a single mom and a late starter on my college education, I have had the hardest time figuring out what it is I want to do with my life. I knew what I didn’t want to do like work at a job or a carreer that was unfufilling, the same everyday, harmful to people and the environment, ect. I really wanted to find something that fell into how I want to live my life but wasn’t really sure what. After reading your article and completing the exercise, I found what I should be doing, my purpose. I’m meant to help people that are in or have been in the bad situations that I have overcome in my own life. I’ve always had the interest but just wasn’t sure. I’ve completed my life’s mission statement, and I’m on my way to being the best me there is.
Thanks,
Krista
Tina Su

Jun 06 11, 9:10 pm PDT

115
Thank you so much Krista! Your words are very encouraging for me.

I’m about 3-4 weeks away from launching a book I’ve been working on based on this article–how to find our life purpose, and how to make a living in alignment with our mission statement.
Rahim Nazari

Jun 12 11, 2:20 am PDT

116
Hi, Great article Miss Tina,
Im a wheelchairy man and I dont like living in Iran, I mission is to live in Turkey. But i dont find anyone to help me. Have any idea? Please email me reklam75@yahoo.com thank you all friends.
Have a gr8 time
Rahim Nazari
Krizia | Women Entrepreneurs HQ Show

Jun 14 11, 7:49 am PDT

117
Tina,

What a great post.

I think “Purpose 101″ should be a mandatory class in High School and then we should all move on to “Purpose 201″ when we hit Universtity.

These types of questions could avoid a lifetime of misery trapped doing something we hate or that does not fulfill us.

Thanks for this great post!

Krizia
Women Entrepreneurs HQ Show
David Richeson

Jun 28 11, 2:44 pm PDT

118
Hey Tina,
This is a GREAT post! Discovering your life’s purpose is probably the most important thing someone can do. Without knowing your purpose, everything else you do might be in vain, as you stated above.

I wrote a post about this that I think you may enjoy:

http://www.360degreesuccess.com/2011/04/how-to-define-your-true-purpose-and-passion-in-life/

I’d love to hear what you think.

Best,
David
Justin

Jun 30 11, 10:41 am PDT

119
I love these questions but discovering your life purpose may not lead to a career or work that involves your purpose. You can live your life purpose and still have to earn money doing something you’re not that crazy about. Dan Millman talks about this in all his life purpose books. Not everybody gets to make a living doing what they love but that shouldn’t stop people from living on purpose : )
D.Burrell

Jul 19 11, 5:22 pm PDT

120
Very useful tool. Perfect system to get your brain focused on exactly what you need to be working towards. Inspired me to follow my dream and it seemed as if it attracted great things into my life.
Greatly appreciate it!
Follow me @Dakiddavo (Twitter)
ely
Jul 22 11, 12:05 pm PDT

121
Tina, thanks so much for this article. It caught me at a turning point. It has changed the way I think. I’m thanking you with tears in my eyes.
Jason Seay

Jul 31 11, 8:23 pm PDT

122
I plan on changing the world one day, An clearing the picture so everyone can see.
maria
Aug 10 11, 11:07 pm PDT

123
this was really helpful. im 14 years old, and i guess i knew it deep down, what my purpose is, but this helped me realize that i dont want to be 90 years old and look back on my life with nothing accomplished that will make a lasting impression on this world, that i didnt change anything. i dont want to leave this world as if i was never here! my goal is to change lives for the better, help as many people as possible, establish as many relationships as possible, see all of this world that we’ve been given, realize the meaning of life, have strong faith in God, have tight bonds with my family, and know my place in this world! roughly 90-100 years is such a short time to live and make a difference! i have already lived 14 of those years and i have yet to accomplish something that really changed someone. i want to know for sure that at the end of my life, i will be satisfied and i will have left something behind here. i hope to live a long, meaningful life.
Fabienne
Aug 11 11, 1:02 pm PDT

124
To know the reason of your existence, it is simple, ask to who create you = God

If Bill Gate created a software, it is not for the software to ask himself, what on earth I am here for, it should ask that question to Bill Gates.

Success is not to fulfill your dream, it is fulfiill what you were created for : if a mobile phone didn’t want to be used to phone, it’s not a success because it was created to be used to phone.
Kym

Aug 24 11, 6:06 pm PDT

125
Thanks Tina,
I have just started to write a new mission statement for myself to reflect where I am now going with my life.
The 15 questions are an excellent way to drill it down so I can start to create new strategies in my life.

Cheers
Kym
berlingots
Aug 28 11, 12:50 am PDT

126
My Mission Statement:

My love for the piano is what I aspire to do, to better feel and understand the world and others through the power of music and art, as well as to inspire others to join in, pick up their instruments, and play along to their hearts’ content to create a universal symphony for all to listen.

P.S.: Thanks Tina for writing an excellent article.
sanandan

Sep 05 11, 5:05 pm PDT

127
jai bholenath.
om namah: shivay
let there be peace.

hello maam,
i read your story. something similar happened to me a while back… basically i realized the same things you have been saying. i picked up the tarot, tibetan healing and channel healing and use it for helping whomever i can. i staretd meditating intensively as well. since my purpose matches yours i would be really happy if i could be of any assistance. my blog is omnamhshivaypeace.wordpress.com. i havent uploaded much right now… i will be soon though. …. also i face a bit of a problem that i would be really grateful if you can help me with.

thank you so much for the article and i hope you achieve your life purpose. looking forward to a reply.

om namah: shivay
let there be peace.
Emmy
Sep 27 11, 12:07 am PDT

128
Hi Tina,

I was so looking forward to the release of your book (preordered it) but unfortunately the announcement changed from a certain date to “coming soon” and now completely disapppeared from your site.
Any news on the release???
Best regards,
Emmy
Tina Su

Sep 27 11, 7:57 am PDT

129
Emmy,

The book is complete, but other unpredicted events have taken my attention away from the actual public launch. If you like to purchase a copy, click on the pink Order button from this page to get your copy.
http://thinksimplenow.com/happiness/what-is-the-meaning-of-life/

Love,
Tina
Ash
Oct 04 11, 4:07 pm PDT

130
Hi Tina, Thanks for sharing this amazing eye opening piece of advice! Keep up the great work :)
Morake
Oct 12 11, 9:37 am PDT

131
Finally, I know my purpose in life.

Thank you, Thank you Tina. This exercise has helped me build a true mirror for my self which I have been searching my whole life for.
Jimmy

Oct 20 11, 3:08 am PDT

132
Hi Tina,

I know this comment is long overdue. But I just wanted to let you know that I find these 15 questions really helpful.

I have also listened to Michael Gerber E-Myth audio and know what you mean when he told us to visualize and write our own eulogy. I find this a very power technique to bring out the deepest within us.

Together with these 15 powerful questions of yours, it is an awesome method to find a purpose.

This type of skills is timeless.
kate1
Oct 20 11, 8:14 am PDT

133
How do you explain the Discrepancy between the number one value of financial stability on peoples value list and living your live happily while following your passions and desires?
kate1
Oct 20 11, 8:22 am PDT

134
If I only would follow my passions and could not support my family. I would go diving and fishing the whole day. We live in a materialistic world. There is no unconditional love between humans. Only a dog can give you that. Even if you decide you only want to dedicate your time and life to helping others you need to find a way how to finance that. You need to find sponsors or do that through donations to make a living. It is just shifting your value of financial stability but at the end you take money from people to live your dreams. Financial stability is one of the most important values in our society because the society demands it. If you want to live in a world where money does not matter than you need to practice communism and live in a that country.
Sarah
Oct 22 11, 10:06 pm PDT

135
I knew during question 14 that I would be a great guidence counselor. It hit me and the tears streamed down. I have been praying and hoping that my college experience will not be wasted on talents that will not make me happy and peaceful with myself. I was a substance abuser for many years and have been in the chemical dependency feild without the oomph that I had when I started and also without the love of the process…I want to be helpful and motivating but think I would be more enriching working in a slightly different atmosphere where I can not only share those experiences, but many of the other ones that brought me to the person I am today.

Thank you for clarifying my values and helping me tonight. I do not know where I will end up but now have some good insight into who I am, what I can do, and where I am today. No other career test has shown me that.

Sarah
Salim
Nov 01 11, 3:14 am PDT

136
Hi Tina,

I enjoy reading your articles and I benefit alots but my advise to you and all human being fist of all we should know the purpose of life and why God created us, you can get answer on this question by visiting Khalid Yasin purpose of life on youtube
Anne
Nov 11 11, 1:13 pm PDT

137
Thanks for this helpful post. Here’s what I got:

“My purpose is to help human beings experience more love and joy in their lives through discovering who they are and embodying their dreams and passions freely and genuinely.”
Makka
Nov 14 11, 1:43 am PDT

138
Great article Tina thankyou,

I stumbled across this site, http://www.worldtransformation.com and thought you and your readers might be interested.
Brett Ashley
Nov 28 11, 4:02 am PDT

139
wow. from doing this exercise I realized how angry I am…angry at a lot of things I that are out of my control. Also, that I am driven by my outrage. I am a recent college grad and my education has cost my parents well over $100,000. I am now entering my late twenties and I am unemployed and without health care. I am asthmatic and my inhaler costs $30 and my birth control costs $100. I am a financial burden to my loved ones. I am essentially not “free” or “happy” …the two things I value the most. I am disgusted by the inequalities in health care and education in this country. Thanks for this article. It has really been helpful
sharbel

Dec 04 11, 3:12 pm PDT

140
First of all thanks a lot for this, you helped me more than you could imagine , I was really looking for answers and lost and you helped me set things into a perspective. here is what i got:

*I would like to invent something that will help people.
*Help people being there best and accomplish there dreams by showing them the way.
*Travel the world and look for adventure and knowledge.
*Spend time with the people I care about , and find true love.
Yomn
Dec 12 11, 11:17 am PDT

141
My mission is to:
1. To please God (Allah).
2. To believe, to read, to learn, to work, and to enjoy (that’s how I help myself).
3. To accept and to sympathize (to keep in touch with others).
4. To cheer, to give, and to teach (that’s how I help others – my students, my friends, my family, and my nation).

Thanks a lot.
Kevin P.

Dec 26 11, 8:55 pm PDT

142
Great post. I really like the personal mission statement. The 15 questions you ask really help to put you in the right mindset. I recently found myself embarking on my own journey to discover my purpose, or passion in life. The biggest advice I can give is to have patience. This doesn’t happen overnight, but the reward is worth it.

Also, fear has to be one of the biggest obstacles you must overcome. I was amazed at how much I was standing in my own way. Without risk, there is no reward. Once you discover what it is you want to do, and then it is up to you to get out of your shell and do it. A passion not realized is only a wish.
ivona
Dec 29 11, 1:23 pm PDT

143
Thank you, this is exactly what I needed! It helped me understand myself better and finally answer the question that was bothering me lately. I wasn’t sure how I can satisfy both my dreams, make myself completely happy and help others reach their happiness. But now, as I was reminded of my talents and true aspirations, I’m beginning to see my path. Thanks! Best wishes :)
ivona
Dec 29 11, 1:28 pm PDT

144
My final sentence was: Those who wish to progress will be encouraged by my example and empowered by my knowledge. (Don’t yet know how, but there’s some time ahead of me, I’m 20 :)
chencheyao
Jan 03 12, 5:36 am PDT

145
Create and employ knowledge of law, economics,and philosophy to collaboratively generate and distribute wealth, make the whole humankind peaceful.
Anna

Jan 08 12, 1:57 pm PDT

146
I enjoyed this exercise but felt a little selfish as I realised that my main purpose in life was for myself and not others. The ony thing I would say to that is that my being unhappy in my life impacts my daughters and all who come not my life so to be happy would have a positive effect in those around me. I adopt believe in myself but want to. I wat to teach teenagers to believe in themselves, to see their own beauty and worthiness to be themselves n this world, to look for te good ness and kindness within themselves and to share this n their outlook with there’s. I think that at school this should be a curriculum subject along with all the academic subjects which kids study as I feel this positive reinforcement would equip them wit tools for life.
Akabiwa
Feb 07 12, 12:28 pm PDT

147
While,tonight I find myself on crossroads find myself lying in bed alone in my world and ask myself,what is my purpose in this life am leaving?Am a florist (Eventist is what I call myself),for approximately 10years now I have been with roses and different functions and events surprising am now teaching at a Girls Senior School,offering Maths and Physics,doing what I was not trained to when I was at the university,I studied Natural Resources Management (BSc),but because of luck of employment in my own profession the government accepted our applications as teachers to offer sciences in high schools,seven months in the field I can’t enjoy my work,am not happy with the job,am thinking of stopping and concentrate on floral and gift shop I opened last year,I love this job as a florist,am content with it.I thought getting a job as a teacher will sustain my business instead I always think am wasting a lot of time.I have released that my purpose is in line with my gift,a talent I have with roses and plants!
Erik
Feb 07 12, 3:48 pm PDT

148
Hi Tina – this really helped out during my recent vision work. Thanks very much for writing the article :-)
gino maresca

Feb 15 12, 12:56 pm PDT

149
Thank you Tina for this article. I love how you bring purpose into clarity and provide a simple and elegant blueprint for gaining greater clarity around life purpose.
Fabricio
Feb 20 12, 8:26 am PDT

150
the messages you pass as the website’s name says — are so simple and iluminating, and how you transmit this is incredible!! sorry my bad english, that is not my natural language!! x( I hope that you can understand well, at least

thankyou very much!!
Wenny
Mar 03 12, 10:15 am PDT

151
Hi Tina,

I think your writing is very inspiring and guided me in writing out my personal statement. However, I did not feel deeply touched or cried when it was written out. I wonder whether it was because my personal mission has not yet reached my deep, personal core belief? Perhaps, I should really start praying and ask God, what am I really here for?
Chris
Mar 06 12, 9:08 pm PDT

152
Hmm… according to this, my mission is to provide advice and placement services to people about cats, old American cars, beautiful girls, Sweden, and New Zealand.
Marie Wetmore

Mar 09 12, 10:22 am PDT

153
Hi! I’ve been blogging on the same topic and was cruising around to see what other people are saying. Great stuff! I have to say I admire all the wonderful work you’re doing and I’m looking forward to visiting again. If you’re interested in a discussion about the connection between passion and life purpose, with a reflection exercise, maybe this will help? Http://wp.me/p22Vnn-9e
A TEEN GIRL
Mar 15 12, 10:39 pm PDT

154
hi tina,
thank you for sharing your thoughts about how to be concious

every one at my home told me i was nuts to think about the purpose of my life…like so soon…im just 17…but it drove me to google about it…and find your article…thank you for making me feel fulfilled…
my goal in life is to be at peace with myself, be sure about myself and to take decisions on my own, connect with people, and help them realise thier self worth (especialy women in india), explore and discover new things and to be emotionally and financially independent…lead a very happy, joyous and radiant life…

regards
goergia
Paul
Mar 19 12, 10:13 am PDT

155
Question 12. What were some challenges, difficulties and hardships you’ve overcome or are in the process of overcoming? How did you do it?

The truth is I couldn’t think of any. This is both worry and incredibly motivating.

It worries me because it makes me think: I’ve lived quarter of a century and I still make the same mistakes; do I never learn? Or, exactly what have I ever achieved to completion (or satisfaction)? I’ve fought being overweight and won, but gone back, why? Why did I not overcome this and put it firmly in the past?

It motivates me because I’m thinking I really want to put some answers in my Question 12 column! How do I do that? I think about a hardship or challenge in my life and I go about overcoming it starting from right now!
Steve
Mar 20 12, 9:20 pm PDT

156
I have been looking for happiness, my purpose, etc. for some time now, but especially last few years since being alone. I don’t know how I’ve made it this far in life (52 yrs) like this. In looking for what would make me happy, I came to realize I can’t even define happiness other than some temporary response to a joke or funny story. What have I been missing all my life? I stumbled upon your post and tried to answer the 15 questions but could only come up with answers to #’s 1,6,&7. I have had some accomplishments in life and lead a productive life but this idea of happiness really has me troubled. Where do I start? I feel so empty and as time goes by its getting worse. Any ideas? Thanks for reading…
Tina Su

Mar 21 12, 5:46 pm PDT

157
Hi Steve,

Thank you for taking the time to write and for your courage in doing the questions (it really takes a lot of courage to look within ourselves honestly). I trust that you will find the answers for you, in time. Remember to be kind and patient with yourself. :)

Have you read “The Power of Now” before? That’s the book that comes to mind that I want to recommend. You can find a link to it along the sidebar. The book won’t give you direct answers specifically about life purposes, but reading it (don’t get the audio book.. make sure to read it) will shift your state of mind into a state of utter clarity. With clarity contains the answers you seek.. that’s been my experience.

If I think of other resources that I think will help, I’ll be sure to let you know.

Warmly,
Tina
Barbie makeup games

Mar 26 12, 8:46 pm PDT

158
I felt lost for a long time, im a 24 yr old woman, married and living in the states. I left my home when I was 19 (the netherlands). since I finished college i lost my spirit and passion in general about live. and side tracked for the longest. Till now i feel miserable not knowing what to do with my life. theres something missing and i realised by doing this ,that i need to be and feel free I have alot of love in me and i need to express it in anyway. when I finished this I felt happy and warm again,just the way I felt when I was 19. My purpose is to love life to the fullest ..to feel love and spread love, to think with your heart not with your head,trust me you’ll end up being something/somebody else that is not the true you, and i made that mistake….
thanks alot ….
Justin
Mar 27 12, 4:14 am PDT

159
I really dont mean to be that shattered rh thumb that im currently dealing with, but this little “quiz” like “experiment” that i just took the time to do to attempt, at the age of 21, did not give me any insite to anything.. sry but im highly on board with life and the dissapointment, pain, suffering, plain out BS that life is, believe me ive accepted n think i have a good idea bout lfe through everyone elses mistakes and including my own and I feel that I waisted my time searching “purpose of life” on google… i have at my age almost everything money can buy me.. and like songs tell ya “money cant buy me love” – beatles obviously, helpin n volunteerin only does so much for the soul, as far as im concerned.. and i am only 21 but very observant of.. everything I see like a sponge soaking it all in, journeyman at a trade which tells of the devotion toward life ive went through.. why does life just seem like n ant hill to me, where most ants in the colony have they’re purpose but the few odd ones find there way into your home to only be squished by whom ever.. Life is not like a box of chocolates life is about personal opinions and a web site cannot even compete to the complications and differences of humans…. Im 21 n no joke am very confused an troubled bout life, why are we here., what is our purpose/.. Email me @ Jay_man107@hotmail.com with ne insite that doesnt fit!! Honestly took me bout two min to write tht.. common rly????? keep in mind i volunteer ofter to real things like people old n young with brain disorders n mental bullshit.. doesnt make me feel better makes me feel like there is no purpose to life.. prove me different.. plzzz lol
Justin
Mar 27 12, 4:24 am PDT

160
Life is soo complicated because everyone and everything, every being, plant and animal, is sooo incredibly unique, opinionated,and complicated that this post doesnt apply to me at all!!.. your opinion of the purpose in life cant be explained by so many simple rules get real, good thought but not logically reasonable. It didnt satisfy me!!
Abby Wynne

Apr 02 12, 11:27 am PDT

161
Love the post – very inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing the exercises.
Elmuder
Apr 12 12, 10:56 pm PDT

162
Have a nice day Ms. Tina…
Thank you for a wonderful article, it will truly be helpful not only in my personal purpose in life but with all the people I have ties with… my family, friends, business partner’s and future friends hope I could be guided and improved my personal relationship with other people to used me as God want me to be to enlighten, reach out and open some doors of opportunity as this is my dream to be part of a cause that will change the world for the better..
Good luck and More power Tina.
Pro God + Pro Life = Peace on Earth
Anom
Apr 15 12, 1:39 am PDT

163
If I only would follow my passions and could not support my family. I would go diving and fishing the whole day. We live in a materialistic world. There is no unconditional love between humans. Only a dog can give you that. Even if you decide you only want to dedicate your time and life to helping others you need to find a way how to finance that. You need to find sponsors or do that through donations to make a living. It is just shifting your value of financial stability but at the end you take money from people to live your dreams. Financial stability is one of the most important values in our society because the society demands it. If you want to live in a world where money does not matter than you need to practice communism and live in a that country.
Krystyna
Apr 18 12, 12:21 pm PDT

164
Hi! Thank you for your tips… The main thing is to do what you like, enjoy doing…
Colleen
Apr 24 12, 3:23 am PDT

165
This is my most favourite article that I have read on the internet. Well done you! xx
Julie
Apr 25 12, 12:36 am PDT

166
This is what I got:

I need to educate other people in desperation on how they can better the qualify of fiancial situation by providing a support system based on hope, comfort, calmness showing them that I’m caring.
Sean Coyne

Apr 29 12, 10:45 am PDT

167
Thanks for providing this simple-to-follow formula. It has helped to reassure me that I am on the right path and put my thoughts into a simple sentence.
Hannah
Apr 30 12, 9:31 am PDT

168
step 1:
1.anime and manga
2.past:playing with friends and watching cartoons and anime
now: watching anime and reading manga
3.watching anime, reading manga, drawing, reading other books, sleep
4.my talent in drawing and knowledge in computer and my good english also memorizing too
5.anime char. that I’ve liked so far,because of their traits the ones similar to mine and one that I don’t have
6.drawing and computers
7.in their studies, drawing, or just some errand
8.God’s teachings
9.to not be true to others esp. to myself
10. a.my suffering
b. my sorrow
c. my hatred
d. my wrath
e. my love
f. my respect
g. my sacrifices
h. my regrets
i. revenges
j. anime
k. manga
l. my sins
m. sad memories
n. jealousy
o. envy
p. my helplessness
q. curiosity
r. the ones I liked
s. traitors
t. people I don’t like
u. unfair world
v. the cruel life
w. waste of time
x. awful experiences
y. hard life
z. wanting to die
11. a. Achievement
b. curiosity
c. education
d. play
e. intelligence
f. Family
12. too many challenges I solved them but there’s this one I’m stucked in and I don’t want to solve because its too troublesome
13. anime and manga char.
14. friends, family, acquiantances, relatives, or all the people that knows of my name, my message would be: “please stop pressuring me I’m now too stressed out, If anyone of you hates me very much and wants to kill me I be glad to be killed don’t hold back I gave you permission and If I wasn’t killed please understand me more don’t make your own conclussions or judgements on me because you really dont know the real me, Please just THAT (suicide wont do, killing myself is a sin. well maybe telling someone to kill me is a sin itself,mm…but oh well, if someone kill me I’d be happy than waiting for my life to end even if I know that killing me would just add up as their sin, I’ve lived too long, 13 yrs. is too long for me). ”
15. I dont know and it won’t help but I can help in my own way.
if for ex. I had a job and became rich I could give off all my money to those who have needs of it but try to know them before giving them money for my donation not to be of a waste.
step 2: understand
step 3: people, creatures
step 4: maybe they can benefit and have a more easier life, with a secured.
step 5: In the past and now, I’ve helped many people from their troubles. After helping me, of course they’d say “thanks / thank you” and I’ll reply “your welcome” of course. I’m not expecting for them to help me in exchange of helping them before. But I can say that it’s just human nature, for them to forget everything and just say “huh? really! I dont remember such thing” like that. Or they’ll just ask and ask for your help then always helping them in everything. Expecting for them to return the favor sometimes. They can benefit fr. me. But what benefit will I have God’s smile and blessing in helping others? is that it? then I’ll be selfish I’m tired letting them do as they please. Am I a dog being ordered and always answering in their request of course not.I wont stay quiet like that all the time. Animals are better than humans. Just tame them, they’ll do what you say. talk to them, they’ll listen to you. If you’re alone they’re there for you. I can benefit more in helping animals than humans. Buut humans are pitiful so I’ll just help them. But there’s one thing I want them to do, I don’t care if they won’t repay my kindness even if I’m in a pinch it’s fine, just UNDERSTAND me that’s all.

Hmm…. maybe it helped me a bit

But I still don’t know what my purpose is ,but oh well…I’ll just pass the time and await my death.
Chetan
May 02 12, 4:21 am PDT

169
Thanks Tina. The 15 questions are really powerful, sharp tools for getting the process started.
Chetan
May 02 12, 4:24 am PDT

170
Thanks Tina. The 15 questions are powerful, sharp tools to get the process started.
Micah

May 03 12, 11:02 am PDT

171
I’ve done several exercises like this and so far I think this was the best. My personal mission is…

Empower and inspire young parents/future parents to connect with their family, discover friends and have awesome experiences through playing, moving and producing.
Maria
May 14 12, 10:35 pm PDT

172
I am experiencing a very challenging time in my life at the moment and welcome your practical and simple advice.
I now realize that this time will pass and that I am on the right path, harnessing the now and moving forward in my life.
Thanks again.
Raphael Moura
May 16 12, 11:30 pm PDT

173
This made me cry. I understand I aways think about people… My purpose… I belive I’ll be a teacher. I like to write my books, but what makes me smile so much is guide and teach people, helping then with theory of life. Some pp call me coach, others call me filosofer. I just dont like the actual system of education… thats why I’m not on a high school. I’ld like to change some things. I belive in future… Peace, science and evolution. But I’m a coward believing I have ADD sometimes, cz I cant pay attention on normal things, only what makes me fell intelectually estimulated.

Thank u. Now I know a little bit more about myself.
Graham Fraser
May 18 12, 10:52 am PDT

174
I’d like to say this helped…. but like every other one I’ve read, it didn’t. I sometimes feel as if I’m the only one NOT wearing rose tinted glasses.

My answers are bellow. Don’t dismiss them as someone who doesn’t want to change, or someone who is just here to pick a fight. They are true, deeply felt, and I believe correct, views.

1. What makes me smile? A good comedian who points out the utter stupidity of humanity.
2. Favorite things to do? Get high… it blots out the frustration and feelings of futility.
3. Activities that make me lose time? Video games, drugs.
4. Feel great about myself? I have never once felt great about myself.
5. Who inspires me? Not one soul.
6. Naturally good at? Nothing. I am adequate at almost anything, good at nothing.
7. People ask me to: they tend not to… I discourage it.
8. If I had to teach something… no idea. I don’t know anything to teach.
9. What would I regret? If I died, and somehow found out that it didn’t have to be this way. At 43 I am close to concluding that it does have to be, however.
10. Can’t answer this. I won’t make 90 years, I won’t be blissfull, I have no achievements, and have acquired less than zero.
11. Deepest values? I still have no idea what this means. Any person will violate any value at any time it suits them… meaning none of them are very deep, for any one.
12. Biggest challanges: Staying alive. How’d I do it? Evolution – I can’t seem to pull the trigger. I place the blame wholly on God – any God that would create “All-This” is a waste of deification.
13. Causes I believe in or connect with? Laughable question. None. Many are worthy – none are possible.
14. Message to large group of people? No idea what message or to who – they wouldn’t listen anyway.
15. I have no talents, no passions, and extremely fluid values and less than zero interest in “contributing” because it won’t fix anything. Feeding homeless people just leaves them more money for drugs. Rescuing animals just leaves us with too many dogs and cats. Curing world hunger would further over-populate the earth. Same with curing (insert disease of choice here) – just more people not dying, and putting more strain on the Earths ecosystem. Kicking off Armegeadon might be a good one to start with. Man deserves no less.
Jash Dholani
May 31 12, 10:47 pm PDT

175
Man, all this is getting repeated. Internet is filled with all this. The same ideas have been re-written a million times. Now I don’t know why…I used to love all this, but now…it, sort of, feels like empty. I am now being more inclined towards hard-core spirituality. I think i have gown out of all this.
Gloria Hunter Whitehead

Jun 15 12, 7:10 am PDT

176
I loved this post! I am in a similar phase of life as the things described here. Like some of the comments said, a lot of this information has been repeated other places but a few of your “15 Questions to Discover Your Life Purpose” really made me think and re-evaluate some of my core beliefs. Thanks for sharing! :)
sameer
Jun 16 12, 9:27 am PDT

177
hi Tina u r doing u r doing really a great human service .i always want to support such kind of activity. so keep on doing this work my all best support to u anytime .
Observer
Jun 21 12, 11:18 am PDT

178
Check this out: http://heylookaround.blogspot.in/2012/06/purpose-of-my-life.html. I am sure it will help. :-). Cheers!
Fio

Jun 25 12, 12:24 pm PDT

179
Great post and very thoughtful. I have been looking for this information and the advice will be useful to me.
Observer
Jun 28 12, 7:44 am PDT

180
@Graham- I can relate to what you are saying. But the only reason behind all that negativity, if I may say so, is that we tend to complicate the simple things. You don’t have to keep pressing your mind again and again to find that ‘purpose’ for you. Just choose something you are good at or you would simply like to do, and then have the courage to do it. Stay happy and content with it. Be it earning millions or doing charities or simply sitting at home watching tv.
Observer
Jun 28 12, 7:51 am PDT

181
@Graham Fraser- I can relate to what you are saying. I think we tend to complicate the simple things in life. You don’t have to press your mind again and again by writing on sheets of paper to inform you about that ‘PURPOSE’. This way you are asking your mind to give you orders. It should be the other way round. Just chose the set of things you like to do during a normal day and have the courage to do them. Again and again. Then, just stay happy and content with it. Be it making millions, doind charities or simply sitting at home watching tv. Keep it simple.
Observer
Jun 28 12, 7:53 am PDT

182
Sorry for the repeat. The comment would not get uploaded and I had to write it all again.
Lynn
Jun 29 12, 1:45 pm PDT

183
Thank you, thank you, thank you …… I have looked and look for this very thing. Thank you for your willingness to share this with others!
Suriya
Jul 24 12, 12:17 am PDT

184
Hi, here to share my mission statement from this exercise:

‘My purpose is to protect nature and help people find inner peace thru delivering the truth thru legal/technical/reasoning methods so that everyone can enjoy nature and live life.’

How did I achieve the above statement?
I love law, contracts, legal cases and love my religion. I find it distressing that Islam is being presented in such a shallow and incomplete manner in my country and am fascinated with Islamic literature written by Muslim converts in other countries.

I have always loved explaining Islam in a very simple/logical yet wholesome way but I’ve never found out how I could combine that with my love for law.

Having this mission statement won’t solve the problem, but it sets the foundation for the building of an empire.
Justin
Jul 30 12, 5:36 pm PDT

185
Hi, Well i would like to answer these questions but i find myself not being able to answer any of them. Im 24 years old and just cant seem to get my life together. I just dont understand why i cant answer these questions.
Sean

Aug 10 12, 7:36 pm PDT

186
Thank you so much for this article, it has been very helpful!!
Steppin' Lively
Aug 18 12, 8:38 am PDT

187
Free will was the first choice given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden: the choice to do as exactly instructed and be satisfied with the results or to do as one pleased and experience the results (good and bad)–whether satisifed or not.

Tina Su’s article suggests one of many means for examining one’s motives, beliefs, values, wants, desires, goals, wishes, etc., whether fully or partially, or not at all. Whatever model you choose, it stands to reason that if YOU don’t mean anything to YOU, then others will have a hard time connecting with the YOU that involuntarily presents him/herself to the world.

There is no ‘undefined self,’ just as there is no such thing as ‘complete nothingness.’ One’s life constantly evolves whether we spend it climbing high or crouching low; thus, each of us shares the exact same span of time regardless of how that time is spent. Again, herein lies the individual choice of how that time gets spent. Having said that, I took the time to read this article and all of the ensuing posts within a span of 2-1/2 hours on this day. I, like others, was in search of the mechanism (step 1-2-3) for assessing that which is the ‘essence’ of me, and assigning tangible movement to that ‘essence’ toward meaningful life goals. As someone above aptly pointed out, the mind and spirit need an assignment or the body will aimlessly flop about and flitter away its most valuable commodity, which is time. Likewise, everybody in a body is bound by this same universal law regardless of their spiritual beliefs, ideologies, feelings, or one’s personal perception of ‘nothingness.’

And, I don’t know who said it first or best, but the “journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step,” so don’t be afraid to take that step–whatever it is. Answering these 15 questions truthfully is one of many steps, so infuse YOUR JOURNEY with courage and YOUR DESTINY will reveal itself as you move along. Judging from all of the above posts, we are clearly on different paths to some tangible place or another by Divine Design, which is totally purposeful in the larger scheme of things!

Using my unique powers for good,

Steppin’ Lively
kalay
Aug 31 12, 8:16 am PDT

188
i like it
Boise Blinds

Sep 07 12, 12:11 am PDT

189
A lot of people don’t know what they want to do in their life. But I don’t think anyone knows at first. You realize it as you take the journey.

I love your 15 questions to ask yourself. That can make a huge difference in getting clarity for your life.
Thilan

Sep 20 12, 1:26 am PDT

190
Thanks to this article, I think I have found my life’s purpose or personal mission! I felt it when I thought about it and it got me all passionate. I didn’t expect to feel like this but thank you so much! It happened near the end of the 15 questions and it got me all “emotional” somehow. I was hoping to find it out tonight and I believe I did! Here is what I wrote for those last sentences: (I had to did DEEP)

“I would like to inspire people to find their passions and live their life to the fullest. Set reachable goals and achieve them, constantly doing this and improving themselves every day of their life. I want to guide them to a life that they never thought they’d have and organize it so that they will always succeed and live an amazing life.”
Tina Su

Sep 24 12, 12:58 pm PDT

191
That’s Beautiful Thilan! Thank you for sharing it with us.

I’m so proud of you for your courage to dig deep. :)

Warm Hug,
Tina
Laura

Oct 01 12, 12:34 pm PDT

192
Hi Tina,

Thank you so much for this amazing article on finding your life purpose. I worked through your questions (this is something I’ve been struggling with for ages) and found it very helpful to pinpoint my passions and direction in life. I resonated very much with your mission statement and may adopt it as my own!
Grazilia
Oct 07 12, 9:50 am PDT

193
Thanks Tina and Blessings from India. This helped me a lot. I’ve just created my personal mission statement using your 15 questions. I’m feeling great. Bless and love xoxo
Mary
Oct 08 12, 11:53 am PDT

194
thank you so much for this. i feel as though an electric current has energized my soul; I really feel like a new person.

Bless you~
Deep Tech House

Oct 21 12, 6:43 pm PDT

195
This is such an inspiring post and you wrote it a while ago but the words will always ring true! I just signed up to your email list and can’t wait to read more from this blog, so happy I found it :-)

I never really felt until I hit my thirties, the importance of every day. I have always gone out and made the most of things and life, but now more than ever I am thinking, damn I need to make each day count! And I look at each day as a blessing too and hope I can continue to leave behind great electronic music that I release on my label, but more importantly inspire other people to live their dreams too :-)
sneha agarwal
Oct 31 12, 2:19 am PDT

196
I’m a big fan of Stephen Covey and have read his books on 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He asks us to write a personal mission statement in the end of the second chapter and I was struggling to start.
Your article has actually helped me in penning down things step by step and reaching a conclusion! The best part I like in this exercise was that one has to be spontaneus in answering .This brings our top priorities down on paper ..

It was a good read and v.helpful.
Thank-you Tina!
Priscilla
Nov 29 12, 1:12 am PDT

197
Thank you Tina :)
Rajeev
Dec 10 12, 12:20 pm PDT

198
Being fixed and rigid I want my family to get everything they want from life, do everything they want to do. I want them feel free…
Deepali
Dec 26 12, 8:16 pm PDT

199
I feel sometimes its easier said than done. For a child born in a middle class family its not about passion of life or a bigger purpose. Its the thing of rich. Its about earning enough money to uplift the quality of his life. So ones passion could be painting but knowing that there isn’t stability and enough money in such a profession, one is forced to do what one might not like but could earn enough money.
Male
Jan 07 13, 11:58 pm PDT

200
Today was a really tough day…. until I read this. Thanks Tina.
mom of Ethan

Jan 11 13, 12:49 am PDT

201
Thank you. This has been very helpful and has added value to my life. Blessings to you.
geetha
Jan 30 13, 6:09 am PDT

202
thank u… actually now im a student…. i cnt chosen my future way.. bt these 15 qtns r very helpful to me……. now i hav clarity…. abt what iam………….. thank u soooooooooooo muchhhhhhhh
Diana

Feb 07 13, 2:49 pm PDT

203
My personal mission: “To be a strong woman as well as a successful professor and entrepreneur, who inspires young people by helping them and sharing with them”.

Thanks a lot Tina.
Jennifer
Mar 02 13, 5:20 am PDT

204
At this point in my life, everything that I was once working for can never be. My focus is nothing more than to find a job with which to support myself and get out alive. A terrible end to a woman who worked, sacrificed, and only ever desired a husband and a family.
Manoj Saini

Mar 03 13, 4:12 am PDT

205
I am having little tough time right now and really keen to know my purpose of my life. This post is helpful for me. I’ll try to think beyond money and concentrate on other things. Hopefully, I’ll pave my way to success and achieve my goal.
Thank you Teena.
Owl
Mar 17 13, 10:17 pm PDT

206
Well, that was a waste of time for me. I answered to question 15: “I don’t want to help. I hate everyone.” and this little questionnaire is all about finding who you can help. I hate most people because they are judgemental bullies and stuck-ups. I hate all women on Earth because none will date me. And I hate all men on Earth because I’m jealous they have a girlfriend or wife. The only few people I like are those who are rejected by society but there’s nothing I can do for them, if I could I’d help myself first.
Rajan
Mar 23 13, 6:26 am PDT

207
why should I have a purpose for living. Iam very happy living pupose less life.I wake up every morning and do whatever I feel good about. Got no where to go, nothing to achieve. well god has been very kind to me.I got to do some important work but wont bother much if I am not successfull. Nobody on this earth can say he finished his job. every body around me is jealous of me because my life is awesome
Jasdev Singh
Mar 24 13, 10:51 am PDT

208
And i just figured that i need professional success, money and satisfaction that my existence on this earth is important.
But Im still unable to find what i really wanna do !(professionally)
Every time i think about my career ,future it just trips me out and i dream only about being successful.Its like a trap i want to leave. but, i couldnt find my way out.
RISHABH DOGRA
Mar 29 13, 3:24 am PDT

209
I know this article will help me to wake up like a champ. Now I know what’s the purpose of my life. I also want to motivate others like you. #thanksandhaveahappierday
subash chandar
Apr 01 13, 9:20 am PDT

210
Thats an marwellous stuff tina

u have shaped it very nicely and expericenly……
payonidhi kasliwal
Apr 16 13, 4:44 am PDT

211
I do like it the way you have put the question of life’s purpose but to me Life is meaningful only if you have made the world you lived in a better place as compared to what it was at the time of your birth be it in terms of physical world or the people you helped or in terms of compassion you gave.
Haley
Apr 25 13, 1:55 am PDT

212
very helpful! will use this in our lifegroup to help others find their personalized purpose
Rohit David
Apr 25 13, 2:29 am PDT

213
Hi Tina,

This is quite an article. No offense meant, but I find this article to be more of a self-centered goal! It appears that the purpose of life is only to please yourself, others and to earn money. I am not against any of these missions, because these may be good for your vocation. However, you have conveniently forgotten the purpose for which God created us – if look through the most read book of the world existing today, is The Holy Bible. According to God, he created man (human beings) to glorify Him. All other things are secondary. What we do is because of Adam sinned (fallen to the tricks of satan) and got thrown out of the Garden of Eden. Had it not been so, the humans would have been enjoying the fruit of the garden of eden without any labor. Had sin not overcome our lives, God’s Son would not have been crucified for our sake.

The sole purpose of human being is to glorify Him alone and all things will be added automatically, Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Isaiah 43:7 – everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

We are bought with a price, the price of the blood of Lamb, therefore honor God – 1 Corinthians 6:20
helpful golden retriever character content

May 06 13, 9:23 am PDT

214
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on life purpose. Regards
Get The Facts

May 06 13, 6:43 pm PDT

215
Continuously I used to read smaller articles which also clear their
motive, and that is also happening with this post which I am reading at this time.

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Think Simple Now. Happiness and Happy Life

Life on Purpose: 15 Questions to Discover Your Personal Mission

First, a personal story

15 Questions to Discover Your Life Purpose

15 Questions:

Your Personal Mission Statement

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