What Is Your Mission in Life?
August 20, 2020
Do you ever find yourself wondering, “What is my mission in life?” This question often remains unanswered for many, floating in the back of our minds as we navigate through daily routines and responsibilities. Yet, understanding and defining your life’s mission can transform your existence, giving it direction, purpose, and a sense of fulfillment.
If you haven’t discovered your life’s mission yet, I encourage you to embark on a journey of introspection. Begin by looking inward, towards your heart. What activities make you lose track of time? What causes stir a fire within you? These are clues to what you might be passionate about. Passion isn’t just about what you love; it’s about what you feel compelled to contribute to the world.
Next, take a piece of paper or open a new document on your computer. Start by listing the things you love doing. Maybe it’s writing, gardening, coding, or teaching. Whatever it is, write it down. Don’t censor yourself; this is about exploration, not judgment. Alongside these activities, list your natural talents and skills. Are you a storyteller? Do you solve complex problems? Perhaps you’re empathetic, able to connect with people on a deep level.
Once you have these lists, start to see where they intersect. The overlap between what you love and what you’re good at often points towards your mission. This intersection isn’t just about personal enjoyment or skill; it’s about how you can make a difference. Your mission might not just be about making yourself happy but about how your happiness can contribute positively to others.
Now, with this insight, write down a mission statement. This doesn’t have to be a grandiose declaration. Memorize this mission. Let it become a mantra that guides your decisions, from choosing a career path to how you spend your weekends.
Aligning your life with your mission involves both big and small steps. It could mean choosing a job that resonates with your mission, volunteering for causes you care about, or simply dedicating time each week to pursue your passion. This alignment isn’t always easy; it requires courage to sometimes step off the conventional path, but the reward is a life lived with intention and impact.
Remember, discovering and living out your life’s mission is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. It evolves as you grow, learn, and experience life. But by starting with this introspective exercise, you set the foundation for a life of purpose, where every day becomes an opportunity to live out your unique mission in the world.
If you are still stumped, here are some resources to start your journey.
- Purchase my book, The Fire Within (shameless plug). It is a great guide to finding your calling and walks you through discovering yourself and what to do with those discoveries.
- Consider participating in a three year program called The Master’s Program or The Master’s Program for Women. There is also an online version of The Master’s Program.
- The book LifeLaunch: A Passionate Guide to the Rest of Your Life (5th Edition) by Pamela D. McLean and Frederic M. Hudson is a great resource for finding your way through each season in life.
- Another great book focusing on entrepreneurs and the life cycles they experience is The Clarity Field Guide by Benj Miller and Chris White.
These are just a few ways to discover your mission in life.