Passion, which you explored yesterday, and purpose are two sides of the same coin. Where passion tells you what you love, purpose tells you how put your passion to best use. To identify your purpose in life, the challenge is finding, and truly understanding, what it is you can give to the world, and to the people you interact with, better than anyone else on earth. I realize that sounds lofty or out of reach, but it’s not. There are likely many things at which you, and only you, can be the best person in the world at doing.
To begin exploring purpose, first look at your strengths as defined by the VIA Signature Strengths Inventory. Take a careful look at only the top five for now. (If you haven’t yet explored your strengths flip back to Days Nine and Ten to catch up.) Next, consider your non-negotiables from Day Eleven: what are the must-haves and deal-breakers in your life?
The next piece of the puzzle comes from your passion. Look back to what you learned yesterday. Do you see activities that set your heart on fire and involve using your strengths? See any links between these, your must-haves and non-negotiables? You’re on the right track!
As you work to define your purpose, I suggest you move back and forth between reflection (looking, seeing, believing) and passion (what you love, what you yearn for). Look for connections between what you like to do and your character strengths. Be alert for that sense of flow and momentum in your activities. Those are the signs that will point your way to a deep sense of purpose and the next steps in building your best life.
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