Life on Purpose: 15 Questions to Discover Your Personal Mission

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:

  • “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:



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208 Responses (146 Comments, 62 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 http://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 PST

    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 PST

    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 PST

    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 PST

    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 PST

    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.

  46. Didac

    Jul 31 08, 4:19 am PST

    46

    Thank you for sharing this with everyone, it has enlighten me.

  47. Augustine.

    Aug 15 08, 3:48 pm PST

    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.”)

  48. dave

    Aug 30 08, 12:09 pm PST

    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 =)

  49. genie

    Sep 02 08, 9:50 pm PST

    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 ….

  50. Nicholas Powiull

    Nov 02 08, 5:31 am PST

    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.

  51. Will

    Dec 01 08, 6:29 pm PST

    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!

  52. JH

    Dec 13 08, 8:23 am PST

    52

    Another great article worthy of reading and putting to practice. Thank you kindly for such original content.

  53. Rick Curry

    Dec 17 08, 1:41 pm PST

    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

  54. Alfredo

    Dec 19 08, 6:57 am PST

    54

    You made me happy today, Tina. Thank-YOU!

  55. Marco Aurelio

    Dec 29 08, 11:05 am PST

    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.

  56. Sandrine

    Jan 05 09, 4:52 pm PST

    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.

  57. CK Reyes

    Jan 21 09, 1:15 pm PST

    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…

  58. Johannes

    Feb 03 09, 12:26 pm PST

    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!

  59. Sam

    Feb 21 09, 1:13 pm PST

    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

  60. levan

    Mar 04 09, 12:50 am PST

    60

    what is the case if i don’t have the answers of 90% of these questions?

  61. Rick Curry

    Mar 07 09, 5:00 am PST

    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

  62. Jonathan | EnlightenYourDay.com

    Mar 16 09, 7:15 pm PST

    62

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

  63. Ashlie

    May 02 09, 7:26 pm PST

    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!

  64. Marissa

    May 13 09, 12:02 pm PST

    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?

  65. Rick Curry

    May 17 09, 10:45 am PST

    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

  66. Gaby

    Jul 14 09, 12:04 am PST

    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!

  67. Michelle Brown

    Sep 05 09, 3:29 am PST

    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!

  68. Matt C

    Sep 11 09, 6:22 pm PST

    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.

  69. Rick Curry

    Sep 13 09, 5:12 pm PST

    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

  70. merlynn

    Sep 25 09, 12:41 am PST

    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.

  71. aprces

    Oct 05 09, 9:55 pm PST

    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!

  72. Calvin&Hobbes

    Oct 17 09, 6:21 pm PST

    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!

  73. Rogue

    Dec 17 09, 8:28 am PST

    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!

  74. Leila (CK) Reyes

    Dec 17 09, 11:43 am PST

    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

  75. Rogue

    Dec 17 09, 12:37 pm PST

    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.

  76. Irene

    Dec 20 09, 8:56 pm PST

    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

  77. Mary

    Jan 01 10, 6:41 am PST

    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

  78. Thea Westra from myforwardsteps.com

    Jan 02 10, 3:35 am PST

    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

  79. Christina King

    Jan 29 10, 3:01 pm PST

    79

    Great! Just what I was looking for. THANK YOU!

  80. Britt

    Feb 26 10, 12:56 pm PST

    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

  81. sunny suman

    Apr 30 10, 2:32 am PST

    81

    Great stuff!!!
    Seems that your traits, visions and paths are very much similar to mine! Loved reading the post.
    Thanks for it.

  82. Matthew Bowen

    May 11 10, 8:25 pm PST

    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.”

  83. Castaly Lombe

    May 16 10, 11:21 pm PST

    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.

  84. Francesca

    Jul 11 10, 6:17 pm PST

    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

  85. John Sherry

    Jul 22 10, 8:54 am PST

    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.

  86. Vic

    Jul 26 10, 6:47 pm PST

    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.

  87. G

    Jul 28 10, 5:36 pm PST

    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.

  88. Joe Lee

    Oct 12 10, 12:08 am PST

    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.

  89. Stuart Tan

    Oct 23 10, 6:17 pm PST

    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.

  90. bible happiness

    Dec 06 10, 3:40 am PST

    90

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

  91. Jef Menguin

    Jan 11 11, 6:00 pm PST

    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.

  92. brian speer

    Feb 01 11, 10:36 am PST

    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.

  93. Organic Sam

    Feb 05 11, 4:10 am PST

    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

  94. Kuro7

    Feb 11 11, 8:47 am PST

    94

    Tnx for sharing your experience. Best regards!

  95. Grady Pruitt

    Feb 19 11, 1:53 am PST

    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.

  96. Nikki Ousley

    Feb 28 11, 9:27 pm PST

    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. (:

  97. Luke

    Mar 01 11, 5:50 am PST

    97

    Thank you for sharing this Tina.

  98. Pallu

    Mar 08 11, 10:33 am PST

    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.

  99. Caterina

    Mar 10 11, 1:01 am PST

    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

  100. Dawn

    Mar 26 11, 11:50 am PST

    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.

  101. Arminas

    Mar 27 11, 7:36 am PST

    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 :)

  102. HealingProf

    Apr 06 11, 7:00 pm PST

    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?

  103. siva

    Apr 08 11, 4:27 pm PST

    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

  104. Doug Malcolmson

    Apr 25 11, 4:12 am PST

    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”.

  105. darren

    Apr 25 11, 3:35 pm PST

    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?

  106. shina

    Apr 26 11, 1:08 am PST

    106

    nice 1……..
    and we want more…like this
    AWESOME……!!!!!

  107. shina

    Apr 26 11, 1:10 am PST

    107

    superbb…..i like it very much …

  108. J Andersson

    May 02 11, 6:46 am PST

    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!

  109. Froilan Ramos

    May 04 11, 1:44 am PST

    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.”

  110. Brittany

    May 09 11, 1:42 pm PST

    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!!

  111. MIKE

    May 09 11, 5:29 pm PST

    111

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

  112. Tina Su

    May 10 11, 8:44 am PST

    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

  113. Kuro7

    May 30 11, 1:52 am PST

    113

    Hi. I think these values best represent me: Health. Insight. Respect.

  114. Krista

    Jun 03 11, 10:25 am PST

    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

  115. Tina Su

    Jun 06 11, 9:10 pm PST

    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.

  116. Rahim Nazari

    Jun 12 11, 2:20 am PST

    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

  117. Krizia | Women Entrepreneurs HQ Show

    Jun 14 11, 7:49 am PST

    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

  118. David Richeson

    Jun 28 11, 2:44 pm PST

    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

  119. Justin

    Jun 30 11, 10:41 am PST

    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 : )

  120. D.Burrell

    Jul 19 11, 5:22 pm PST

    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)

  121. ely

    Jul 22 11, 12:05 pm PST

    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.

  122. Jason Seay

    Jul 31 11, 8:23 pm PST

    122

    I plan on changing the world one day, An clearing the picture so everyone can see.

  123. maria

    Aug 10 11, 11:07 pm PST

    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.

  124. Fabienne

    Aug 11 11, 1:02 pm PST

    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.

  125. Kym

    Aug 24 11, 6:06 pm PST

    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

  126. berlingots

    Aug 28 11, 12:50 am PST

    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.

  127. sanandan

    Sep 05 11, 5:05 pm PST

    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.

  128. Emmy

    Sep 27 11, 12:07 am PST

    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

  129. Tina Su

    Sep 27 11, 7:57 am PST

    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

  130. Ash

    Oct 04 11, 4:07 pm PST

    130

    Hi Tina, Thanks for sharing this amazing eye opening piece of advice! Keep up the great work :)

  131. Morake

    Oct 12 11, 9:37 am PST

    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.

  132. Jimmy

    Oct 20 11, 3:08 am PST

    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.

  133. kate1

    Oct 20 11, 8:14 am PST

    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?

  134. kate1

    Oct 20 11, 8:22 am PST

    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.

  135. Sarah

    Oct 22 11, 10:06 pm PST

    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

  136. Salim

    Nov 01 11, 3:14 am PST

    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

  137. Anne

    Nov 11 11, 1:13 pm PST

    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.”

  138. Makka

    Nov 14 11, 1:43 am PST

    138

    Great article Tina thankyou,

    I stumbled across this site, http://www.worldtransformation.com and thought you and your readers might be interested.

  139. Brett Ashley

    Nov 28 11, 4:02 am PST

    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

  140. sharbel

    Dec 04 11, 3:12 pm PST

    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.

  141. Yomn

    Dec 12 11, 11:17 am PST

    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.

  142. Kevin P.

    Dec 26 11, 8:55 pm PST

    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.

  143. ivona

    Dec 29 11, 1:23 pm PST

    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 :)

  144. ivona

    Dec 29 11, 1:28 pm PST

    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 :)

  145. chencheyao

    Jan 03 12, 5:36 am PST

    145

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

  146. Anna

    Jan 08 12, 1:57 pm PST

    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.

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