What Is Your Life’s Purpose

After writing my last article “When Your Dream Job Isn’t Enough” I decided to expand on one of the tips mentioned. The basis of the article is about finding your life’s purpose. And below is an insert from my article:

Free write and answer this question “What is my mission or purpose in life?” Free writing is writing for a period of time about 10-20 minutes and writing whatever comes to your mind. You do not correct any errors or think about what you are writing but simply write what comes to mind. After completing this exercise read through your responses. Most likely (especially after you go down the page a ways) you have written something that is profound and resonates inside of you. For some it can feel overpowering and for others it can bring tears to their eyes. In all likelihood this is your life’s purpose.

Free writing can be extremely powerful and provide answers that you have been searching for a while. You can write about any topic. Grab a sheet of paper or jump on your computer and write a title on the top of the page; it can be a one word title or a short sentence. Set your timer for 10 minutes (or use the clock on your computer screen). Next, just write without reading or judging what you are writing. The most important point to keep in mind is to keep writing without stopping. Even if you get stuck or are at a loss for words just write the same word over again or write: “I am stuck and can’t think of anything else to say.” Even if you get off topic that is okay too, you never know where this exercise is going take you. You can also write about how you are currently feeling, “I’m hungry,” “feeling hot,” etc. If you find you are having a difficult time concentrating try using soft relaxing music during this exercise or meditate beforehand.

Keep in mind you can free write on several different statements during the 10-20 minutes such as “What am I passionate about?”, “What is my life’s purpose,” and/or “What makes me truly happy?” Or you can use one statement such as “Who am I” and title several sheets of paper and free write on each sheet. Again there is no wrong way to free write as long as you are writing without stopping for a specified length of time.

Free writing allows you to stream your thoughts and ideas without censorship. The process itself can be invigorating and stimulate new perspectives. Finding your life’s purpose involves a great deal of soul searching however, beginning with simple exercises such as free writing can help get you started in the right direction!