Do you know what your purpose is? Many people believe they are put on the earth to live out a purpose. Whether that purpose is pre-ordained or chosen by you is up for debate. Either way, there may be something that drives you, that sets you apart from others, that motivates you, that gives you a reason to wake up each morning. That could be your purpose.

For some, their purpose is to serve others. They may gravitate toward becoming ministers, doctors, nurses, teachers, or coaches. For others, they may feel their purpose is to create, and so they choose to follow their gifts and become authors, artists, actors, builders, or composers.

When you are living from purpose, you feel complete, you feel fulfilled, you feel at peace with yourself and the world. You also live with passion. Many of my life coaching clients come to me with this goal of living with passion in mind.

Are you aware of your passions? Do you know what turns you on, lights you up, brings an instant smile to your face? Although most people have passions, many don’t live their passions. We get caught up in shoulds and “have to’s” and discount our passions, those activities that bring us the greatest joy. We think that if we can’t make money at it, maybe it’s not worth doing.

Suppose you get great joy from singing, but you’ll never make it to the top 12 on American Idol. If you are passionate about singing, you can visit karaoke clubs, sing in your church choir, get a karaoke machine from The Box Tiger Music and sing at home very day or volunteer your time entertaining in nursing homes wearing comfortable nurse shoes. There’s always an outlet for your passions. As with purpose, when you live from passion, you feel fulfilled, at peace, and in pure bliss.

So what if you don’t know what your purpose is or what you’re passionate about? No problem. Just follow these steps to discover your greatest reasons for being:

1. Make a list of everything you love to do. How do you enjoy spending your time, whether at work or play? What do you study and have an insatiable appetite for learning more about? When are you the happiest?

2. Make a list of everything you are skilled or talented at. What do you do that comes naturally? What do people praise you for? What jobs have you had where you really excelled? Where have you succeeded?

3. List your values. What is most important to you? Do you value freedom, love, creativity, integrity, joy, justice, service, communication, security, health, loyalty…? These should give you some clues as to your purpose.

4. Imagine your future life. What would you like to be doing with your life in 5, 10, 20 years? Who would you be? Who would you be with? Where would you be living? What would you be doing in your work life and personal life? What legacy would you like to leave? How will you make an impact on the world?

Take all this information and brainstorm with yourself or another person to discover your purpose. When you uncover it, start living your life from purpose and passion. Everything will feel right with your life when you do.