Life on Purpose: 15 Questions to Discover Your Personal Mission

68 Comments


Photo by Thomas Hawk

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:

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.)


Putting it all together: Creating 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!

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on StumbleUpon, vote for it on Digg or bookmark it on del.icio.us. I appreciate your support. :)


External resources on personal mission and finding purpose:

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This entry was posted on Wed, Nov 7, 2007 at 5:11 am and is filed under happiness, motivation. Email this page.

68 Responses (45 Comments, 23 Trackbacks ):

Comments

  1. William Mize

    Nov 07 07, 6:46 am PST

    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.

  2. Tina Su

    Nov 07 07, 8:56 am PST

    2

    Thanks Bill! Great to hear from ya. :)

  3. Peter

    Nov 07 07, 9:05 am PST

    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

  4. Rahul

    Nov 07 07, 9:13 am PST

    4

    Awesome post Tina!

  5. Jason

    Nov 07 07, 10:03 am PST

    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

  6. Andrea Hess | Empowered Soul

    Nov 07 07, 10:14 am PST

    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 www.EmpoweredSoul.com/freemini.htm. Feel free to check it out, I think you’d like it.

    Blessings,
    Andrea

  7. ZenChef

    Nov 07 07, 10:17 am PST

    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.

  8. Gil

    Nov 07 07, 10:36 am PST

    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? : )

  9. Roger von Oech

    Nov 07 07, 11:04 am PST

    9

    Here are some Pithy Words:

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

  10. Scott McArthur

    Nov 07 07, 4:12 pm PST

    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!

  11. Robyn

    Nov 07 07, 4:43 pm PST

    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!

  12. Shirley

    Nov 07 07, 5:21 pm PST

    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.

  13. Raymond

    Nov 07 07, 5:53 pm PST

    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. ;)

  14. Lawrence Cheok

    Nov 07 07, 10:41 pm PST

    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!

  15. Miracle

    Nov 08 07, 5:11 am PST

    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.

  16. Sam Chan

    Nov 08 07, 6:03 am PST

    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

  17. K Stone

    Nov 08 07, 7:17 am PST

    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!

  18. Jacklyn Ker

    Nov 08 07, 10:35 am PST

    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!

  19. therapydoc

    Nov 08 07, 11:13 am PST

    19

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

  20. Secret Simon

    Nov 08 07, 5:00 pm PST

    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.

  21. surjit

    Nov 08 07, 6:15 pm PST

    21

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

  22. Steve Roesler

    Nov 08 07, 8:54 pm PST

    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.

  23. TRCoach

    Nov 09 07, 6:18 pm PST

    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

  24. Mandy

    Nov 12 07, 4:49 pm PST

    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.

  25. Jolly Green Girl

    Nov 12 07, 9:54 pm PST

    25

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

  26. Ivan

    Nov 15 07, 12:42 am PST

    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

  27. Peter

    Nov 15 07, 8:35 am PST

    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.

  28. Bradley C Hughes

    Nov 15 07, 5:17 pm PST

    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

  29. Colleen

    Nov 16 07, 5:12 am PST

    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!

  30. grace

    Nov 17 07, 3:31 pm PST

    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.

  31. Jorge

    Nov 22 07, 9:32 pm PST

    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.”

  32. jun

    Dec 11 07, 6:11 pm PST

    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.

  33. T. Dorsey

    Dec 16 07, 7:40 pm PST

    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.

  34. Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker

    Dec 31 07, 1:32 pm PST

    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.

  35. Steve Nguyen

    Jan 11 08, 7:22 pm PST

    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.

  36. ben

    Feb 01 08, 2:19 pm PST

    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)

  37. Vica

    Feb 05 08, 10:32 am PST

    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.

  38. jd

    Feb 14 08, 12:16 am PST

    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

  39. Emma

    Feb 18 08, 3:37 pm PST

    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?

  40. Bobby

    Mar 03 08, 9:16 pm PST

    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!!

  41. 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

  42. 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

  43. 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.

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

Your Thoughts?

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