Purposeful Living Exercise

Are you a high-expectations leader, who gets frustrated by people around you turning up but not switching on?

If you've come straight to this page without having read the article on personal mission development, may I suggest you do this first.

To make the most of the Purposeful Living Exercise, you may want to print it out and set aside time to contemplate your answers in depth. Maybe spend an afternoon in the park, at the beach, in the bush, alone at home listening to beautiful music. Reflecting, writing, discovering what it is that makes for a purposeful life for you.

For a more in-depth coverage, you can download the Align Yourself Booklet.

Step 1 of Your Purposeful Living Exercise

Live A Fulfilling Life

Imagine you're at the end of your life and you are reflecting upon it. Write your answers to these questions as if you had lived your ideal life.

1
What I will be most remembered for is....
2
What I most wanted out of life was ...
3
The things that I did that give me a sense of fulfillment were ...
4
The qualities and characteristics that I showed up with, on a consistent basis, were ...
5
When I was given a gift of ten million dollars (that had to be given away or designated for no more than three causes), the issue/(s) that moved me most to see that money support were ... (be careful with this one the temptation is to give it to support the environment, the whales etc - if that is your passion well and good. If it isn't then to think deeply about your response)
6
When I was asked by Oprah, to create a t.v. special, about something that moved me - I created it about ...
7
When I walked into a bookstore, library, or watched a TedTalk, the section I found myself most drawn to was

Once you've completed the answers to these questions, you may start to find some themes emerging. You will begin to have a feel for what leads you toward living a fulfilled and purposeful life.

For example, for me it is very much about personal growth, developing people's potential and helping businesses thrive. Each of us has a particular area that regularly captures our attention and our imagination.

Return to Personal Mission Development Page

Step 2 of Your Purposeful Living Exercise

What's Your Talents/Passion/Strengths/Values?

1
Specifically, my unique skills, knowledge, talents, and gifts are ....
2
If I were to return to study tomorrow, purely for pleasure, I'd study ...
3
The things that I do (or would like to do) that give me a sense of fulfillment are ....
4
When I feel inspired and/or I am inspiring others, I am normally doing ...
5
The activities I value most in my personal life are ...
6
The activities I value most in my business life are ...

Read a review of the book Now Discover your Strengths. This book contains a wonderful exercise to help you define your strengths. When you purchase Now Discover Your Strengths you get an access code to their website to take a very comprehensive online survey to discover your innate talents.

Alternatively, you can use the Signature Strengths survey which was developed by Chris Petersen and Martin Seligman (two leaders in the Positive Psychology community). Go to this website Authentic Happiness there are many free surveys on the site - the one in particular that you want is the VIA Signature Strengths.

Return to Personal Mission Development Page

Step 3 of Your Purposeful Living Exercise

Well, this one is quite easy. Throughout your day take a few moments to pause and feel into your inner self ... your place of certainty that all is well with the world. Some people might call that God, Universe etc (I call it my Power Source)

Then, and only then, take action. This is known as inspired action. You can read more about taking inspired action and living in alignment.

I certainly hope the Purposeful Living Exercise has been useful to you and set you on the journey of living a fulfilled life.