Chapter 1: Understanding Life Purpose

What is your life’s purpose? This question often feels overwhelming and abstract, leaving many unsure of where to begin. Recently, I completed a course titled "Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life" offered by the University of Michigan on Coursera. The framework provided in this course resonated with me, and I would like to share my insights for those interested in this subject but unable to commit to the full course. I hope this article helps you decide whether to enroll in this four-week program.

Self-Affirmation: Understanding Your Core Values

Finding purpose is fundamentally tied to our core values (McKnight & Kashdan, 2009). The journey to discover your purpose begins with self-affirmation, which involves reflecting on your personal values. One particularly impactful question from the course is the "headstone test." This question asks: How would you like to be remembered? The answers reveal what you truly value in life. For instance, you might wish to be remembered for your knowledge, relationships, or contributions to society. These values serve as a compass, guiding you toward a meaningful purpose.

Establishing Your "Be Goals"

Once you identify your values, you can articulate overarching "be goals." Essentially, these goals prompt you to consider the person you aspire to become. For example, if you value knowledge, you might aim to be both a learner and an educator. This reflection encourages you to think about the qualities essential for achieving these "be goals." To be an effective learner, traits such as curiosity, motivation, and self-discipline are vital; to excel as an educator, one must be knowledgeable, empathetic, and communicative.

Defining Your "Action Goals"

The qualities you aspire to embody can then be translated into actionable goals. For instance, if you wish to cultivate self-discipline, establishing a daily schedule could be beneficial. Similarly, to enhance your knowledge, you might commit to reading and writing regularly. These action goals are aligned with the qualities you desire, imbuing your daily activities with purpose.

My Reflection on the Framework

This framework resonates with me due to its logical structure and practical application, providing a clear lens through which to view the complex concept of life purpose. Each small action, such as waking up on time, gains significance when linked to a larger objective, like becoming a more disciplined individual.

Additional Reflection Questions

The course also offers several reflective questions to further explore your purpose in life:

• What is most important to you?
• Who depends on you?
• Who inspires your journey?
• What causes resonate with you?
• What are you thankful for?
• What motivates you to rise each day?

Chapter 2: Videos to Enhance Your Understanding

To deepen your understanding of finding purpose, consider these insightful videos:

The first video, "Carl Jung - How to Find Your Purpose," explores the psychological aspects of discovering personal meaning in life, offering valuable insights.

In the second video, "How to Know Your Life Purpose in 5 Minutes | Adam Leipzig | TEDxMalibu," the speaker provides a quick and effective method to identify your life's purpose, making it accessible for everyone.