THE ULTIMATE QUESTION
Practice
ultimate question practice ultimate question practice ultimate question practice
Passion & Purpose
There isn’t one answer to life’s biggest question: why are we here? Instead, we each get to discover the answer on our own. It comes from understanding who we are and what we have to offer to others. The following practice asks you to consider what your personal purpose is by examining your passions. Then you’ll figure out how you can incorporate them into your life, while also sharing them with the world.
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The first step to identifying your purpose is to make a list of your passions. Think about the things you do that always make you happy. What comes easily or naturally to you? Do people tend to compliment you for the same reason? These could be activities or hobbies of yours as well as aspects of your personality. Maybe you’re sensitive and empathetic towards others, you’re generous and giving, or you listen intently to people. Create a list of 3-5 things that you consider to be your passion.
Once you have your list, go through each item and write down how they benefit you and those you interact with. The goal is to see that what you do affects not only you, but everyone else around you. For instance, you might be passionate about cooking or baking -it’s the process that brings you joy. Yet it’s the final product that brings happiness when you share it with your friends, family, or co-workers. Thus your passion has been passed on and spreads positivity. Imagine how your passion could turn into your purpose if you chose to donate your baked goods or volunteered to make meals for those in need. Think about the ways in which your passions can be passed onto others and add them to your list.
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After you’ve generated your list, look it over to find any common themes. This could be in relation to the passion itself or how it benefits others. Perhaps your list has many creative outlets like journaling, drawing, and coming up with inventive life hacks. Or maybe you found that most of your passions, like gardening, hiking, and bird watching, stem from being outdoors. Make note of these commonalities because this is how you can fulfill your personal purpose. Once you know how your passions contribute to your purpose, you can begin to integrate them on a regular basis.
The final step of this practice is to dedicate time *beginner* each month or *advanced* each week to your passions that promote your personal purpose. Allow yourself time to engage with the things that bring you joy and happiness. When you do the things you love you’re actively putting more positivity out into the world. So when you’re living your purpose it spreads to others, thus causing them to consider their passions and purpose. It’s hard not to feel happy when someone smiles at you. By practicing your passions that positively impact others, you’re sending smiles and brightening everyone’s day -especially yours!
