Nothing contributes to a truly FabYOUlous life more than the confidence that comes from knowing that we are doing the very thing that we were put upon this earth to do. Without a clear sense of purpose, life can be a struggle of confusion, disillusionment, and exhaustion. A life on purpose however; is one that is filled with energy, passion and enthusiasm.
Why are we here? What is our mission in life? The Japanese call it ikigai–one’s reason for being. We call it one’s truest expression of FabYOUlousness. The good news is that, according to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai. Finding it might require some soul searching and struggle–but once it’s found, it can bring incredible meaning, joy and FabYOUlousness to life. Dan Baker, Ph.D. and coauthor of What Happy People Know says “if you’re not sure what your purpose is, then your purpose is to find a passion.”
If you feel a little lost and as though your life is lacking direction–it is time for you to get serious about discovering your unique purpose because that purpose is what will lead you to your ultimate FabYOUlous life. Here are 15 questions that will help to get you into the right frame of mind and assist you in discovering your purpose. As you prepare to answer these questions, it is recommended that you find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted and that you write down (don’t just think your answers–there is power in the act of putting your thoughts on paper) the first responses that pop into your head. Give yourself less than sixty seconds per question (you don’t want to fall into the trap of overthinking your answers) and most importantly…BE HONEST. Don’t worry about editing or sounding silly. This exercise is for you and you alone. No one else will read your answers and there are no wrong answers. Finally–enjoy this exercise and smile as you write.
Once you have answered the questions, you will be instructed on how to translate your answers into a powerful and personal mission statement that will serve as a tool to guide you as you transition your life from drab…to FAB!
15 Questions to Guide You to Your FabYOUlous Purpose
1.) What activities, events, projects, hobbies, people, etc. bring a smile to your face whenever you think of them?
2.) What activities cause you to lose track of time when you are doing them?
3.) Who inspires you the most? You don’t have to know these individuals personally, so be willing to consider authors, leaders, musicians etc. in addition to individuals within your own personal sphere of connection. What qualities do these individuals possess that you find to be inspiring?
4.) What activities were you naturally drawn to as a child? Do you still feel a pull towards those activities?
5.) What physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and social attributes do you possess that make you feel great about yourself?
6.) What causes do you strongly believe in, connect to and support?
7.) What values do you hold to be sacred?
8.) What natural skills, abilities and gifts do you possess?
9.) What challenges and hardships have you overcome? How did you accomplish this?
10.) What do people ask you for help with? What advice do others seek from you?
11.) What new thing do you have a burning desire to try/learn/experience?
12.) If you had to teach something to a large group of people, what subject matter would you want to teach and who would you want to teach it to?
13.) What would you regret not fully doing, experiencing, having or being in your life?
14.) Where do you find strength, comfort and inspiration during times of trouble?
15.) Imagine yourself as a blissfully happy 95 year old who has lived a wonderful and blessed life. Looking back at all of the incredible things that you’ve achieved and acquired and all of the meaningful relationships that you’ve developed–what has mattered the most to you in your life? Make a list of these items.
After you have answered these 15 questions as quickly and as honestly as possible, it is time to use your answers to help formulate your own personal mission statement. According to Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a personal mission statement is valuable because “it forces you to think through your priorities deeply, carefully and to align your behavior with your beliefs”.
A personal mission statement answers three key questions: 1.) What do I want to do? 2.) Who do I want to help? 3.) What is the result of my actions and what value will I create?
Create your personal mission statement by following these four steps…
1.) Using your answers to the above 15 questions, make a list of any action oriented words that you connect with (example: give, guide, inspire, teach, write, run, organize, create, produce, travel, encourage, support, accomplish, empower etc.)
2.) Based upon your answers to the 15 questions, make a list of everyone/everything that you believe you can help (example: people, animals, the environment, government, causes etc.)
3.) Identify your end desire. How will the who from your above answer benefit from the actions from your first answer?
4.) Combine steps two and three into a short statement of purpose. This will become your personal mission statement. Make several copies of it (I suggest using a pretty font with some nice graphics on quality paper) and keep it near you at all times (I even have a small, laminated copy of mine that I keep in my wallet)
I’d love to hear what you come up with as your personal mission statement so pop me a message–in the meantime though, here’s mine….
My purpose is
“to create meaningful programs, products, content and events that inspire, educate and empower women to live their most FabYOUlous lives”
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