Is there a sense of purpose in your life? Psychologists have been studying how long-term, meaningful goals develop over the course of our lives for decades. The types of goals that foster a sense of purpose are those that have the potential to impact the lives of other people.
Examples of such goals include starting a nonprofit organization, conducting scientific research, or teaching children to read. Indeed, having a sense of purpose in life seems to have motivated human beings since the dawn of time, which may explain why it is associated with greater physical and mental health within people. It helps both individuals and the human species to advance, survive and thrive.
However, not knowing one's passions and purpose is what I hear often when reading through comments on social media posts.
Here are 20 Journal Prompts that can help you uncover your passion and purpose in this lifetime:
1. What areas of your life are most satisfying, meaningful, enjoyable, and valuable to you?
2. In what areas of your life do you feel stressed, anxious, or drained of energy?
3. How would you invest your time if you were financially secure or financially free?
4. Was there anything you were interested in as a child but didn’t pursue?
5. Would pursuing any of these interests today bring more meaning into your life? If so, how?
6. After you die, how would you like to be remembered?
7. If you were to die today, would others remember you as you would like to be remembered?
8. Name three people who genuinely inspire you. Explain why they inspire you.
9. What talents, or abilities do you have that you are naturally good at and passionate about?
10. What skills, talents, or abilities do you possess that you are not enthusiastic about using?
11. What good causes, initiatives, or charities do you firmly believe in (or identify with)?
12. What roles or activities have you done in the past that you never want to do again?
13. How much time do you spend every week doing things that are disinteresting to you?
14. What are your highest values? Which values have the greatest impact on your life (e.g., authenticity, progress, generosity, peace, security, service to others, personal growth, commitment to a good cause)?
15. In what ways does your everyday way of life reflect your most important values?
16. How do you reflect these values throughout your work life or professional pursuits?
17. In what areas of your life do your decisions conflict with your most important core values?
18. To which of your most important values are you not devoting enough attention or time?
19. When it comes to what you’re passionate about and what matters to you, do you tell others lies?
20. What specifically is preventing you from fully committing to following your life’s passions?
For the next 20 days, I encourage you to invest some time in answering these questions. It's important to answer the questions as honestly as possible in order to gain greater clarity about the lifestyle and career that is most likely to bring you complete satisfaction in life.
If you wish to share your journey use #earnwithease on social media