How To Find Your Life's Purpose

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares seven insightful and honest questions to help young adults find their life’s purpose. Instead of focusing on passion, the video explores the value of reflecting on childhood interests, activities that make you lose track of time, gratitude from others, and the things you would do if money were no object. These questions encourage self-reflection, helping individuals identify their unique contributions, and ultimately discover a meaningful path that connects personal fulfillment with making a difference in the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 60% of young adults feel their lives lack meaning or purpose, but you're not alone in feeling this way.
• 😀 Instead of asking yourself 'What's my passion?', ask better, more honest questions to discover your purpose.
• 😀 Question 1: Reflect on what made you 'weird' as a kid – your childhood quirks and interests might point to your true passions.
• 😀 Early childhood fascinations can foreshadow future careers, so revisit what you loved doing as a child.
• 😀 Question 2: Pay attention to when you lose track of time. These moments of 'flow' signal activities that bring you joy and meaning.
• 😀 Flow, a state of complete absorption, is often a key indicator of your true purpose and motivation.
• 😀 Question 3: Consider what others frequently thank you for – their gratitude provides clues about your unique contributions.
• 😀 If unsure, ask people close to you what they think you're good at. You might discover hidden talents you weren't aware of.
• 😀 Question 4: Try to summarize your life’s purpose in one sentence. This helps clarify your focus and guiding light.
• 😀 Question 5: Focus on where you can make the biggest contribution, as purpose often comes from serving others.
• 😀 Question 6: Imagine a world where money is no object – what would you pursue? This can reveal intrinsic motivations and passions.
• 😀 Question 7: Think about what you'll regret at 90. Regret is often tied to inaction, so focus on what you'll wish you had done.
• 😀 Visualization of your future self can help provide perspective on your purpose and guide your decisions today.

Q & A

Why is asking 'What's my passion?' a bad question to find your purpose?

Asking 'What's my passion?' often leads to confusion or pressure because it focuses too much on a singular, all-encompassing answer. A better approach is to explore multiple questions that offer more specific insights into what truly drives you.

How can childhood interests help in discovering your purpose?

Childhood interests can be important indicators of what drives you. Early fascinations often reveal passions that were uninfluenced by societal pressures. These interests might still be part of you and can help guide you toward your adult purpose.

What is 'flow' and how does it relate to finding your purpose?

Flow is a psychological state where you're so absorbed in an activity that you lose track of time and self. Experiencing flow in certain tasks can reveal intrinsic motivation, which is a key component of purpose.

What role do gratitude and 'thank you's play in discovering your purpose?

The things that people thank you for can be clues to your purpose. When others appreciate certain qualities or actions, it shows where you make a positive impact, often at the intersection of what you love and what others need.

How can you summarize your life’s purpose in one sentence?

Creating a one-sentence summary of your life's purpose, as suggested by Clare Booth Luce's advice to John F. Kennedy, helps you focus on your most important contributions. This sentence serves as a guiding light for your life and decisions.

Why should you start by considering what others need when thinking about your purpose?

Starting with what others need, rather than focusing solely on yourself, helps you identify meaningful ways to contribute to the world. Purpose often emerges when you align your talents with the needs of others.

What should you do if you had unlimited money and never had to work again?

Imagining a world without financial worries can help you uncover your true passions, as it removes practical concerns. By thinking about what you would pursue in this scenario, you can start incorporating those elements into your life today.

How can regret at the age of 90 help you find your purpose?

Reflecting on what you might regret when you're 90 helps you prioritize the things that matter most. Regret is often linked to inaction, so understanding potential regrets can guide you to live a more purposeful and bold life.

Why is it important to consider both regrets and accomplishments when visualizing yourself at 90?

By considering both regrets and accomplishments, you gain a balanced perspective on what you truly value. This exercise encourages you to focus on living a life that you'd be proud of when looking back, helping clarify your purpose.

What is the significance of taking small steps toward your passion even if you can’t fully commit right away?

Taking small steps toward your passion, even if you can't fully commit immediately, allows you to gradually align your life with your true interests. These steps can lead to meaningful changes over time and help you rediscover what drives you.