When asked to examine their purpose in life, most people become stymied. I am always amazed at the resistance that this question causes. All through school, we learn about things, concepts, and abstractions, but rarely is a person ever questioned about the why of his or her existence. Yet, what could be more important?

Our purpose in life is the answer to the question WHY? Why am I here on earth? What creative work have I come here to do?

Most people may cringe at such a question, feeling that the outcomes in their life are dictated solely by chance or luck; others may object since they assume that they should do what their parents, peers, or others expect them to do.

Life itself is purposeful and we can all discover our definite major purpose in alignment with the larger scheme in which we operate. We are all designed by life to do certain things well. Ask yourself: What is it I love to do?

Here is an exercise that will help you discover your purpose: First, remember the last time you really enjoyed yourself in a work activity. Then, ask yourself the following questions: What was I doing? What about this activity did I most enjoy? How do I like to express myself?

When you think about the answers to these questions your purpose will start to come into focus. Purpose is rightly the context for your life expression; if you are on purpose, you will be energized, enthusiastic, and effective.

Another way to discover your purpose is to ask this question: "What would my family and friends say that I am best at?" "What talents, abilities, and aptitudes do I have?" The answers to these questions will tell you a lot about your purpose.

By this time, your mind may be screaming such things as, You cant do that! Work is not supposed to be fun! No way will anyone pay you to do that! You dont have the required education, etc., etc.

These are called self-limiting beliefs. The mind loves to come up with reasons why you cant do what you love. When this happens, simply thank your mind for its opinion, and do it anyway! Dont let yourself be stopped by your own fears and doubts. You can lead a purposeful and fulfilled life!

Finding people who are on purpose is very important to business owners, because employees who are on purpose are more motivated, more productive, and more satisfied. They are also less self-centered and more interested in giving than getting. By helping people reach their potential, managers can help subordinates discover their life purpose, as well as identifying their own.

The key to discovering your purpose in life is to become absolutely clear on what activities you love to do and what qualities of character (determination, enthusiasm, creativity, precision, warmth, caring, etc.) you love to naturally express in doing those activities.

Purposeful living makes you more balanced. With your life in balance, you will be more effective in everything you do, including your work. Once you identify a career or vocation that rewards the activities and qualities of character that you love to naturally express; then you will have found your purpose.

Copyright2006 by Joe Love and JLM & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.