by Thomas L. Hardin and David Oeschger, Ph.D.
Psychologists and psychiatrists believe that each of us has a purpose for our existence, and the happiest people are those who know their purpose and are actively pursuing it. However, most people don't know their purpose and aren't sure how to figure it out. If you're one of the few who knows, congratulations! If you're among the vast majority, there's good news - you can discover your purpose, by following five simple steps.
To create this exercise, I consulted with Dr. David Oeschger, a clinical psychologist and adviser for Never Too Old to Rock and Roll. Discovering your purpose is easy - just follow these five simple steps. Answering these questions will plant the seeds to help you clarify your purpose.
Instructions: Each of the five steps is followed by a few questions to help jump-start your thinking. Don't rush the process. Take time to consider the questions carefully and write down your answers. As you work through the steps, you'll begin to see a pattern emerge. You'll know when you've uncovered your purpose because it will resonate within you, and people who know you best will most likely confirm your discovery.
1. Identify the things you do best.
2. Identify the things that drive you most strongly.
3. Identify the things that have shaped you or strongly influenced you in the past.
4. Consider your dreams for the future.
5. Consult the people who know you best. Find five people who know you better than anyone else and ask them the following questions: