Professional Documents
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Discover Your Purpose: Workbook
Discover Your Purpose: Workbook
Your
Purpose
WORKBOOK
Table of Contents
PASSIONS/INTERESTS ........................................................................................................................................................8
TALENTS/SKILLS ...............................................................................................................................................................11
PERSONALITY...................................................................................................................................................................13
COINCIDENCES.................................................................................................................................................................21
ELIMINATING LIMITS........................................................................................................................................................24
In our society there is a common belief we like to call the “Big Lie”—the idea that our society
and childhood upbringing do not influence who we are today at the deepest level. Most people don’t
deny those things have an impact, but they think the effect is minimal and resist believing that their
actions and beliefs were formed by other people. However, if we take the time to reflect on how much
of what we do and think did not originate as our own idea, and let go of things that do not serve us, we
are free to embrace beliefs and life choices that genuinely resonate with who we truly are and the life
that we want to live. This section is meant to help us reflect on our influences so we are able to peel
away layers of inauthentic belief systems (b.s.) and roles that do not serve us. Remember changing
these roles may be challenging because even if they hold us back from our true self they provide a
sense of comfort. This is important to keep in mind because to break a pattern we have to be able to
remember the bigger picture of why we want to change it. By having a strong enough reason to change
and being able to imagine a life that is true to our purpose, we start creating a different reality that will
grow and blossom with time.
Answer the questions below and take your time. If you need more space then take out a journal
or other materials so you can explore this further. Remember that this is about you and the deeper you
can go reflecting on this area the better quality of change you will find.
Roles/Conditioning
What roles do you play on the stage of life?
For each role, where did you learn to play the role, or, who told you (or modeled) how to play the role?
How would these roles need to look for you to feel that you’re living in alignment with your true self?
Who, if anyone, would be affected by you letting go of (or change) the roles that don’t serve you?
What benefit do you get from maintaining these roles the way they are?
Who would you be if the roles you don’t want to play anymore were to disappear?
Influences on Worldview
Write down words that represent all of your caretakers' (any older individual who cared for you
or influenced you) beliefs about life (meaning, roles, political, passions or religious beliefs, etc.).
Take a moment to consider where your caretakers differed from each other on their views of life. Ask
yourself if or how you have accommodated both viewpoints or developed your own beliefs somewhere
in between.
For each major caretaker, ask yourself what you would say their life "purpose" or mission may have
been. What were they passionate about? What did they seem to be trying to accomplish in the world?
Now, ask yourself in what way the missions of your caretakers inspired your current ambitions and
values? Did you feel drawn to grab their torch and carry the flame? Or, did you feel the need to snuff
theirs out and ignite a new, brighter fire?
Passion is not something that you have or find, it is something you DEVELOP.
1. First, let yourself off the hook. Recognize that a life spent moderately pursuing varied
interests will not lead to a clearly identifiable passion, and that’s okay. Stop trying to force it.
It’s never too late to pursue your interests. And, having a single, high-intensity passion is not a
requirement for a fulfilling life.
2. Second, being with what you DO know. Even if your interests and inclinations are moderate,
follow the trail. Deep down you know certain things you have NO interest in and others that
you do. Allow yourself to explore and play.
3. Third, be open to trial and error. Don’t be afraid to guess if you’re not sure. There isn’t just
one thing you can become passionate about. And don’t be afraid to stop pursuing any interests
that lose their appeal. Trying many things, even more than once, is how interests are identified
and developed.
And lastly, consider if any of the characteristic of passion development have been
holding you back.
1. Have you allowed yourself to follow your impulses or interests? Or do you brush them off as
unimportant?
2. Have you put yourself in situations where you could have more exposure to your interests or get
more support? Or do you live within the bounds of your comfort zone?
3. Have you allowed yourself to move forward even in the face of the unpleasant aspects of your
interest? Or have you expected perfection and rejected hard work or necessary effort?
4. Have you allowed yourself to play and fail? Or have you avoided your interests because you
aren’t great at them?
5. Have you applied yourself to deeper exploration through deliberate practice? Or have you left
the development of your passion up to chance or “when I feel like it”?
6. Have you considered the impact you would like to make in the lives of others and the meaning
this would bring to your pursuit?
This last question is perhaps the most important of all. Purpose is more powerful than passion.
Passions/Interests
In life, there are things we just absolutely love to do! There are things we naturally feel drawn
to. There are activities we lose ourselves in—getting in the flow. There are things we’re passionate
about, that inspire us, or that get us all riled up. In a search for your purpose, an important place to
look at are THESE things! Purpose implies meaning, yet it also implies something that it feels like we
were made to do. The good news is we instinctually or intuitively know what we’re “made for”—we can
feel it. It’s that inner nudge that pulls us toward what we love, do naturally, and are passionate about.
There are six key elements to igniting your passions by both remembering them and living in
alignment with them: childhood wonder, adult passions, your gifts, your dreams, your values and your
commitment.
In the past (and as a child), I enjoyed: (Write everything you can think of from food to activities, places
you've gone to traditions you've had – list what you liked and WHY you liked it.)
The activities I know I love that I may not currently be doing but would like to do, include:
The other aspects of life that bring me joy, excitement and that energize me are:
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In my life I have been passionate about:
These childhood and adult passions and interests are powerful sources of inspiration and fuel
for feeding yourself and living with purpose!
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If I could have anything I want, what would it be?
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Talents/Skills
All of us have a magnitude of talents and skills, but that does not mean that we are supposed to
use them all to follow our purpose. In fact, just because we are good at something does not mean we
have to do it or that it will bring us joy. For example, I may be good at data entry, but does that mean
that it is part of my purpose? Well, it depends if I feel alive while doing it and it brings me true joy.
However, if it does not bring me joy, should I spend my time doing it? Probably not. But, there’s more
to purpose than joy. It may be that this particular skill was or will be useful at some point, and that it
may help me along my path to my purpose. At the same time there may be things you are good at that
you enjoy that are not part of your greater purpose… they may just be something that you enjoy, and
that’s okay.
Sometimes, we have a talent or skill that we fail to notice because it seems so normal to us that
we do not see that for others it does not come as natural. For example, we were having a conversation
with a colleague who had an amazing talent to bring people together. It seemed that when she wanted
to do something at the last minute, she would reach out and quickly have over forty people joining her.
After we talked to her about our observation of this phenomena, she remembered that since she was
young she liked doing things in groups. She realized that it came naturally to just reach out to people
and coordinate events. However, she had never considered that it was a talent. Through further
reflection, she was able to see the power within this ability. She realized she could follow her passion
and purpose of bringing people together, and at the same time monetize it.
In this section we will ask you to reflect on your own talents and skills, but dig deep on what
truly comes natural to you. For part of this you may want to solicit the help of people around you
because they may be able to point out things that you may have not realized before. One thing that you
can do is do a survey with family members, friends, and coworkers (those that are truly supportive)
and ask them to tell you at least three things that they consider to be your talents or skills, whether big
or small. Let them know that even if it is something that they think you already know, that you would
appreciate the confirmation via feedback. This is important because they may be reluctant to say
things that may seem obvious to them, but they may not be obvious to you.
My key talents/abilities that come naturally to me are: (What do you excel at or do effortlessly?)
I shine when:
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What skills have you acquired that you have found were more useful than you had anticipated?
What talents do you have that come easy to you which others might find difficult?
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PERSONALITY
Investigating your “personality type” can be an intriguing and educational process; plus, it’s
fun! Knowing your “type”, and that of those in your life, can help you glean important insight and
understanding of yourself and others. Even more importantly, understanding your personality type
might help you gain more clarity about your purpose!
There are many “personality profiles” out there and many online quizzes you can take. The
most well respected, widely used, and scientifically studied personality profile is called the Myers
Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI). The MBTI was created by psychologists and has been used and studied
by psychologists and businesses for decades. In fact, if you’ve ever been asked to take a personality test
at your job, it was most likely the MBTI. Why would they want to know about your personality? For
exactly the same reason YOU do—because your personality type can tell them a great deal about your
natural talents, where you thrive, your strengths, and who you will (and won’t) get along with.
There are 16 MBTI Types, made up of 8 characteristics. In each segment, you are asked to
decide between 2 characteristics. Below is a brief description of the characteristics, followed by a quiz
to help you determine your Type and brief descriptions of each of the 16 Types.
This is a simplified summary of the full Myers Briggs assessment and may not be statistically
valid. If you would like further clarity, you can take the MBTI directly through Myers Briggs (for a
fee).
INTROVERT vs. EXTROVERT: how we interact with the world and where we direct
and receive energy.
Extraverts are oriented to their outer world and their attention is focused mainly outside of self.
They tend to seek other people, enjoy a lot of activity, and get their batteries charged by being with
others.
Introverts, on the other hand, are oriented to their inner world and their attention is mainly
focused inward. They need a lot of alone time, tend to have a lot of mental activity, and seek to be
alone in order to recharge.
One common misperception is that extraverts are outgoing and talkative while introverts are
shy and quiet. It can often be just the opposite. Whether you are an extrovert or introvert has more to
do with where your focus and energy resides and less to do with how you act around others.
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our society’s roles have taught us to be. Be as honest with yourself as possible when determining
which of these you are. This segment is also the most common that people claim to be “tied”, and
many people cannot decide which they are. If you feel tied, ask yourself which you would LIKE to be.
Also, you can read the descriptions of BOTH and see which resonates with you more. It’s okay to
have 2 “types”.
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Visit www.myersbriggs.org to take the official “MBTI Instrument” personality type assessment.
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Q3. Thinking (T) vs Feeling (F)
Which way of forming judgments and making choices is most natural?
Thinking Characteristics Feeling Characteristics
Instinctively search for facts and logic in a Instinctively employ personal feelings and
decision situation impact on people in decision situations
Naturally notices tasks and work to be Naturally sensitive to people’s needs and
accomplished reactions
Easily able to provide an objective and critical Naturally seek consensus and popular opinions.
analysis Unsettled by conflict; have almost a toxic
Accept conflict as a natural, normal part of reaction to disharmony
relationships with people Value empathy and harmony: see the exception
Value logic, justice, and fairness: one standard to the rule
for all Are motivated by appreciation
Are motivated by accomplishment
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The Sixteen Types at a Glance
ISTJ: For ISTJs the dominant quality in their lives is an abiding sense of responsibility for doing what
needs to be done in the here-and-now. Their realism, organizing abilities, and command of the facts
lead to their completing tasks thoroughly and with great attention to detail. Logical pragmatists at
heart, ISTJs make decisions based on their experience and with an eye to efficiency in all things. ISTJs
are intensely committed to people and to the organizations of which they are a part; they take their
work seriously and believe others should do so as well.
ISFJ: For ISFJs the dominant quality in their lives is an abiding respect and sense of personal
responsibility for doing what needs to be done in the here-and-now. Actions that are of practical help to
others are of particular importance to ISFJs. Their realism, organizing abilities, and command of the
facts lead to their thorough attention in completing tasks. ISFJs bring an aura of quiet warmth, caring,
and dependability to all that they do; they take their work seriously and believe others should do so as
well.
INFJ: For INFJs the dominant quality in their lives is their attention to the inner world of possibilities,
ideas, and symbols. Knowing by way of insight is paramount for INFJs, and they often manifest a deep
concern for people and relationships as well. INFJs often have deep interests in creative expression as
well as issues of spirituality and human development. While the energy and attention of INFJs are
naturally drawn to the inner world of ideas and insights, what people often first encounter with INFJs is
their drive for closure and for the application of their ideas to people's concerns.
INTJ: For INTJs the dominant force in their lives is their attention to the inner world of possibilities,
symbols, abstractions, images, and thoughts. Insight in conjunction with logical analysis is the essence
of their approach to the world; they think systemically. Ideas are the substance of life for INTJs and
they have a driving need to understand, to know, and to demonstrate competence in their areas of
interest. INTJs inherently trust their insights, and with their task-orientation will work intensely to
make their visions into realities.
ISTP: For ISTPs the driving force in their lives is to understand how things and phenomena in the real
world work so they can make the best and most effective use of them. ISTPs are logical and realistic
people, and they are natural troubleshooters. When not actively solving a problem, ISTPs are quiet and
analytical observers of their environment, and they naturally look for the underlying sense to any facts
they have gathered. ISTPs do often pursue variety and even excitement in their hands-on experiences.
Although they do have a spontaneous, even playful side, what people often first encounter with them is
their detached pragmatism.
ISFP: For ISFPs the dominant quality in their lives is a deep-felt caring for living things, combined
with a quietly playful and sometimes adventurous approach to life and all its experiences. ISFPs
typically show their caring in very practical ways, since they often prefer action to words. Their
warmth and concern are generally not expressed openly, and what people often first encounter with
ISFPs is their quiet adaptability, realism, and "free spirit" spontaneity.
INFP: For INFPs the dominant quality in their lives is a deep-felt caring and idealism about people.
They experience this intense caring most often in their relationships with others, but they may also
experience it around ideas, projects, or any involvement they see as important. INFPs are often skilled
communicators, and they are naturally drawn to ideas that embody a concern for human potential.
INFPs live in the inner world of values and ideals, but what people often first encounter with the INFP
in the outer world is their adaptability and concern for possibilities.
INTP: For INTPs the driving force in their lives is to understand whatever phenomenon is the focus of
their attention. They want to make sense of the world -- as a concept -- and they often enjoy
opportunities to be creative. INTPs are logical, analytical, and detached in their approach to the world;
they naturally question and critique ideas and events as they strive for understanding. INTPs usually
have little need to control the outer world, or to bring order to it, and they often appear very flexible
and adaptable in their lifestyle.
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ESTP: For ESTPs the dominant quality in their lives is their enthusiastic attention to the outer world of
hands-on and real-life experiences. ESTPs are excited by continuous involvement in new activities and
in the pursuit of new challenges. ESTPs tend to be logical and analytical in their approach to life, and
they have an acute sense of how objects, events, and people in the world work. ESTPs are typically
energetic and adaptable realists, who prefer to experience and accept life rather than to judge or
organize it.
ESFP: For ESFPs the dominant quality in their lives is their enthusiastic attention to the outer world of
hands-on and real-life experiences. ESFPs are excited by continuous involvement in new activities and
new relationships. ESFPs also have a deep concern for people, and they show their caring in warm and
pragmatic gestures of helping. ESFPs are typically energetic and adaptable realists, who prefer to
experience and accept life rather than to judge or organize it.
ENFP: For ENFPs the dominant quality in their lives is their attention to the outer world of
possibilities; they are excited by continuous involvement in anything new, whether it be new ideas, new
people, or new activities. Though ENFPs thrive on what is possible and what is new, they also
experience a deep concern for people as well. Thus, they are especially interested in possibilities for
people. ENFPs are typically energetic, enthusiastic people who lead spontaneous and adaptable lives.
ENTP: For ENTPs the driving quality in their lives is their attention to the outer world of possibilities;
they are excited by continuous involvement in anything new, whether it be new ideas, new people, or
new activities. They look for patterns and meaning in the world, and they often have a deep need to
analyze, to understand, and to know the nature of things. ENTPs are typically energetic, enthusiastic
people who lead spontaneous and adaptable lives.
ESTJ: For ESTJs the driving force in their lives is their need to analyze and bring into logical order the
outer world of events, people, and things. ESTJs like to organize anything that comes into their domain,
and they will work energetically to complete tasks so they can quickly move from one to the next.
Sensing orients their thinking to current facts and realities, and thus gives their thinking a pragmatic
quality. ESTJs take their responsibilities seriously and believe others should do so as well.
ESFJ: For ESFJs the dominant quality in their lives is an active and intense caring about people and a
strong desire to bring harmony into their relationships. ESFJs bring an aura of warmth to all that they
do, and they naturally move into action to help others, to organize the world around them, and to get
things done. Sensing orients their feeling to current facts and realities, and thus gives their feeling a
hands-on pragmatic quality. ESFJs take their work seriously and believe others should as well.
ENFJ: For ENFJs the dominant quality in their lives is an active and intense caring about people and a
strong desire to bring harmony into their relationships. ENFJs are openly expressive and empathic
people who bring an aura of warmth to all that they do. Intuition orients their feeling to the new and to
the possible, thus ENFJs often enjoy working to manifest a humanitarian vision, or helping others
develop their potential. ENFJs naturally and conscientiously move into action to care for others, to
organize the world around them, and to get things done.
ENTJ: For ENTJs the driving force in their lives is their need to analyze and bring into logical order
the outer world of events, people, and things. ENTJs are natural leaders who build conceptual models
that serve as plans for strategic action. Intuition orients their thinking to the future, and gives their
thinking an abstract quality. ENTJs will actively pursue and direct others in the pursuit of goals they
have set, and they prefer a world that is structured and organized.
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Now you are going to summarize your list. Simplify events that are similar. For example, if you
moved several times from birth to 16, sum up the experiences by saying “0-16, many moves, learned to
be adaptable…” Other summarized statements could be “17-20, turned to academic achievement,
discovered I like Science.” “20-25, felt lost, kept trying new things.”
5-16 ______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
17-21 _____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
22-30 _____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
31-40 _____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
41-50 _____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
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What do you see your life has been heavily focused on?
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Coincidences
What is a Coincidence?
Beyond the three-dimensional world of cause and effect, coincidences, often referred to as
synchronicities, give us the experience of that which is beyond. These events are totally unrelated;
however, they align in special, unexpected, unexplainable ways beyond what can be rationalized. When
people experience a coincidence, they are often left in awe, recognizing that this is no “mere
coincidence”—some greater meaning or purpose is behind the seemingly random alignment. Looking
back at your timeline, you may see some of those events and recall how they came to be through
“coincidental” ways.
Have you ever had a friend tell you about a new book and then accidentally knocked a book off
the shelf at the store the next day only to realize it’s the same book your friend recommended the day
before? Have you ever thumbed through a photo album and saw a photo of an old friend and then
received a phone call from him or her that same day? If yes, you’ve experienced this phenomenon.
The term “synchronicity” was first used by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who saw
“coincidental” occurrences as a phenomenon of a “different world order.” Synchronicity was one of
Jung’s most profound yet least understood discoveries, in part because it cannot be appreciated until
we personally step into and experience the synchronistic realm for ourselves. Because it is so radically
discontinuous with our conventional notions of the nature of reality, the experience of synchronicity is
so literally mind-blowing that Jung contemplated this phenomenon for over twenty years before he
published his thinking about it.
To illustrate what he meant by the word synchronicity, Jung brings up an experience he shared
with a patient of his. This particular patient was very caught in her head, and the analysis was
seemingly going nowhere. She was stuck, trapped in the self-created prison of her own mind. Jung
realized there was nothing he could do. In Jung’s words, “I had to confine myself to the hope that
something unexpected and irrational would turn up, something that would burst the intellectual retort
in which she had sealed herself.” She had an impressive dream the night before, in which someone
offered her a golden scarab – a valuable piece of jewelry. At the moment she was telling Jung the
dream, there was a tapping on the office window. Jung opened up the window and a scarab beetle,
whose gold-green color closely resembles that of a golden scarab, flew into the room. Jung caught the
beetle in his hand, handed it to her and said “Here is your scarab.”
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• After the event has passed, reflect on its potential meaning without over-analyzing. Often
the subtle meaning is picked up only at the unconscious level.
Not all coincidental experiences are going to be profound “aha” moments. Most synchronicities
are gentle nudges that you are on the right path. As with all things in life, the more you focus on the
meaning in life and appreciate the synchronicity, the more you will attract, notice, and experience
these tiny miracles!
Synchronicities can hold the secrets that unlock the mystery of our ultimate purpose in life.
Looking back at the trajectory of your life, you may find that synchronistic occurrences have led
you to where you are today. Often we experience unexpected events that are pivotal. Whether we view
them as positive or negative, these life-changing experiences are almost always synchronistic. Think
back over your life and list any events that occurred that fit into the following descriptions:
• Just at the very moment that I needed _______________, _______________ happened.
• If I hadn’t __________________, then _______________ this would never have happened.
• Even though __________________ was hard, I see now how it was exactly what I needed.
• I can see how ________________happening to me prepared me for __________________.
• I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today if it wasn’t for __________________.
• I was so sure I wanted __________________, but when I didn’t get it, I realized how it lead me
to something even better.
• If __________________ hadn’t gone wrong, I never would have met __________________
and __________________ never would have happened.
Consider major decisions, events or changes that have occurred in your life. Make note of any
unexpected changes or any coincidences that influenced your decisions.
HOME: Were there any particular coincidences or signs connected with getting your current living
space? (house numbers, encounters with neighbors, delays, mix-ups, street names, etc.)
JOB: How did you get your present job? (How you found out, who you talked to, what messages you
received.)
RELATIONSHIP: Describe how you met your most important relationship. What led up to your being
in that place at that time?
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Be alert with wonder. You never know where your next inspiration is coming from!
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Eliminating Limits
We all have limiting beliefs, whether they were created by us, people around us, or society. The
most powerful thing that you can do is be able to really look at the BS (belief systems). If you look hard
enough you will find that there is evidence that will contradict that BS. Once you find something that
contradicts it, what you will find is that more and more evidence will start to present itself, like a
snowball effect. Before you know it what will happen is that BS will be a thing of the past. Your job is to
be able to actively search for things that will make your unconscious mind question itself.
What inner rules or “limiting beliefs” are you living by? Are they serving you?
i.e.) You feel like moving is stressful… so you tell yourself you need to pack early so it won’t be
so stressful when it comes time. But, you begin getting stressed because you feel you’re not getting on
it and packing. So, instead of stress later you’re creating stress now. It doesn’t work. The inner rule you
created makes it worse.
i.e.) Have you ever signed up for something and then felt you didn’t want to go? But, you made
yourself go anyway because you felt that you “have to” either because of financial commitment or
other’s expectations or just you feel it’s what you’re supposed to do? Then, going feels like a
punishment. Does the belief of “having to” really mean anything? Does it serve you?
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Can you see any way in which they have limited you?
Where did the idea come from? Are you sure it’s true?
Who told you this? Are you sure they were right?
Do you have evidence that affirms the empowering belief you WANT to have?
If you can’t prove these limiting beliefs true beyond a reasonable doubt, can you discard them?
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Just as with the “mind viruses” mentioned previously, we all have common phrases we’ve
picked up from our families and cultures that are nothing more than excuses. By becoming aware of
them, questioning them, and changing the way we view the underlying fears behind them, we can
change the way we think and empower ourselves!
When you catch yourself saying “but…” it’s a signal that you’re about to make an excuse for why
you’re not living your life the way you want—on purpose! Catch yourself and rephrase your excuse into
positive affirmation that will help you stay committed.
Which of the following common “buts” has held you back in the past?
___ But, it’s too hard. ___ But, it’s too risky.
___ But, it’ll take too long. ___ But, it’s overwhelming.
For each excuse you commonly use, write a positive affirmation statement. For example,
change “I don’t have time” to “I make time for what is important to me.”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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Most of us are operating on low power levels. Why? Because we give our power away. How? By
allowing other people’s actions and beliefs to affect us, and by directing our energy and attention
toward negative things or toward other people. Your ability to live in alignment with your purpose will
be amplified by taking your power back! Answer the questions below and evaluate how much power
you give away—and then take it back!
Who or what do I blame for any negative situation?
Now, take back your power! You cannot change the past or live for others. Free yourself and
you’ll be amazed how much you can create in your life!
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Clarifying Your Purpose
Now, it’s time to look back over everything you’ve been working on and see how it all fits
together. What trajectory do you see your life has been taking and where does it all seem to be pointing
you? Below, write a brief summary of everything you’ve gone over. Seeing it all in one place is very
powerful and clarifying.
After looking over the influences from your childhood, what do you feel is YOUR authentic world
view and roles in this life?
After reviewing your passions and interests, which ones stand out as containing the most meaning and
being the most inspirational?
After considering your talents and skills, which do you feel are the most useful and purposeful?
Can you see how coincidences have played a role in your life? Where have they been leading you? If
they’ve always been leading you down your true path, do you believe they always will?
What turning points have you experienced in your life that seem to have clearly pushed you toward a
life of purpose and meaning?
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What are the 3-5 MAIN points that stand out above the rest and summarize your main mission in life?
When you put the puzzle together, in one sentence, what does your purpose look like?
My purpose is to:
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My purpose is:
Key phrases or quotes that capture my world view and point of view:
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Sample Manifesto:
When we were young, we blindly went where every man/woman has gone before...
To school, to get good grades, to go to college, to get a good job, to work until we’re 65, retire,
We were unfulfilled and restless and lived life on autopilot. We did what we "should".
We think outside of our “but” and question our B.S. (belief systems).
We turn pain into purpose and find the blessings in our challenges.
There is no plan b.
We are a little bit crazy and wouldn’t have it any other way.
We are Transformation.
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We are all natural story tellers, and so we automatically tell ourselves and others a story of who we are
and how the world works. This story is told by default, based on the beliefs we picked up about our self
and the world and our own personal experience. When we tell these stories, we are usually not aware.
Even if we are aware, we often don’t know why we tell what we tell, and the story is not necessarily
based on fact.
Our life stories are more fiction than non-fiction, even though we often assume they are real.
Below is an activity called My Life Movie that will help you see what story you tell about your life, as
well as give you an opportunity to rewrite your script. Then, in the Belief Reflection Exercise you’ll
delve deeper into the beliefs that support the story you used to tell and reflect on ways to change those
beliefs and align to the NEW STORY you want to live.
The purpose of the Your Movie activity is to put your life and the things you wish to change into
perspective. One of the main reasons that many people are unsatisfied in life and not living in
alignment with their highest purpose is because of the stories they tell themselves and others about their
life and who they are. By viewing your own Life Movie you will be able to see more clearly the story
you are living and will then be able to rewrite your script!
You are the star in your own Life Movie! Your Life Movie is the vision you see in your mind of your
life story, including your visions and dreams, your beliefs about life and who you are, and how you
think about your past and future. Some scenes are memories from your life, and you often see these
clips over and over in your mind.
What scenes from your past do you replay frequently (positive and negative)? These may be life
changing events, pivotal moments, coincidental moments, etc.
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In a one paragraph review of Your Movie, please describe the “background story”:
Other parts of Your Movie include the stories you tell yourself and others about who you are now. Is
your story one of bravery and perseverance, leading you to your current state of success and
fulfillment? Is your story one of being the victim of an unfortunate life in which you had bad luck, got
the short end of the stick, or were mistreated by others? Or, is your story one of boredom and
unfulfillment, letting fear or other people’s opinions keep you from living the life of your dreams, one
In a one paragraph review of Your Movie, please describe the characteristics of the “main character”
Finally, Your Movie includes your vision and stories about your future.
In a one paragraph review of Your Movie, please describe the “plot” including what will happen to the
main character:
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Yes, you are the one who both writes your screen play and directs every scene. This includes the
scenes from your past. “How,” you might ask, “did I write the script for the ways I was mistreated as a
child or the unfortunate circumstances that happened to me as an adult? I didn’t have control over them
and I certainly would not have chosen them.” What is important for you to know is that THE PAST
HAPPENED, yes, but it is over – it no longer exists. The Movie scenes you play in your mind are
simply memory traces in your brain. You are NOT your past. You are not a memory trace in your brain.
Your Movie and your story create the life you live, not the other way around. If you tell yourself or
others that you are a certain way, you will act accordingly. If you tell yourself or others that certain
things are going to happen to you, they will. You can look at it from a spiritual perspective – that what
you focus your attention on you will attract to your life (The Law of Attraction), or you can look at it
from a psychological perspective – if you believe something will happen you will unconsciously do
things that will cause it to happen (Self-Fulfilling Prophecy). Either way, this is the reality of life.
Who else do you let write scenes in your script? Are there things you believe and do because others
(like your parents) said you “should”?
Is your story the one you want to be telling? If not, what would you change?
Can you see any ways that telling your story limits you?
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In a one paragraph review of Your Movie, please describe the “background story” that you WANT to
tell:
In a one paragraph review of Your Movie, please describe the characteristics you want the “main
character” to have and the story of who they want to be:
In a one paragraph review of Your Movie, please describe the “plot” including what you want to
happen to the main character:
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When looking back at your story and the important scenes, take notes of any beliefs you picked up
along the way. Write down the beliefs you developed about the topics below and consider what other
influential beliefs you may have acquired.
About yourself
About others
About relationships
About responsibility
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About the purpose or goal of life
About priorities
OTHER BELIEFS
How would you choose to believe NOW? Go back through all of the beliefs you wrote down and
decide if you would change them, and if so, write a new belief below.
About yourself
About others
About relationships
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About responsibility
About priorities
OTHER BELIEFS
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