Some people seem to know from birth what they want in life. They find their passions or their talents early and seem to just know to go after them. That hasn’t been my experience. If you’re struggling to figure out what you really want to do with your life, don’t give up! 

Let’s consider some simple questions you can work through in order to discover your life’s purpose. While it’s important to give each question proper consideration, don’t agonize over your responses. Don’t overthink this. Allow your Inner Child and your intuition to guide your answers, and don’t forget to think big! No, think HUGE! Start with ‘in the best of all possible worlds.’

Use these questions to dig deep and find out more about yourself so you can set yourself on your true path. 

Question 1: If Money Were No Object, What Would You Do?

If you had a magical, never-ending source of money, how would you choose to spend it and your time? Be honest – these answers are to help you, not to impress anyone else!

Question 2: If You Could Do Anything for A Whole Day, How Would You Spend it?

Think of your perfect day. It’s ok if it’s lying on a sun lounger by a pool or skiing in the Alps. Try and describe your ideal day in as much detail as possible — where are you? What are you doing? Who is with you? 

Question 3: What’s Your Passion?

What energizes you? What gets your heart racing and your imagination firing? It could be political issues, connecting with people, being creative, or playing sports. Whatever your passion is, write it down! Note: you can have more than one. 

Question 4: What Do You Really Love Doing?

Do you like nothing better than to bake or learn new gourmet techniques? Maybe you love writing or analyzing or even making spreadsheets. Maybe it’s being out in nature or helping other people. What is that thing you’ll lay all other things aside to pursue. OR that thing that you dream of doing when you’re living life.

Question 5: What Was Your Childhood Passion?

Think back to what you loved to do when you were a kid. What did your parents have to call you away from to come to the dinner table? What was the thing you would lose hours doing? What did you want to be when you grew up?

Close your eyes and remember back — long ago or recently — when you were totally absorbed in some activity, maybe drawing or playing make-believe games or reading or being outdoors. 

Once you have a good picture of what lights you up, both now and when you were a kid, you should start to see some themes emerging. Think laterally about how you can begin to focus on what’s important to you. Your life’s purpose is right there in front of you.