For Week 2 Part 1: Finding Your Purpose Make Three Lists

For Week 2 Part 1: Finding your purpose Make three lists Exercise

For Week 2, Part 1: Finding your purpose Make three lists Exercise Finding your purpose! Sit down with three pieces of paper. On one of them, write a list of the things that you are good at. (Put thought into this! You should have a lengthy list, not just 1-2 things. If you struggle ask your friends, roommates what they think you are good at too...but in the end make sure you agree, that you feel good about saying what you're good at).

On the next, write a list of things that you enjoy doing. (SAME instructions as above) On the third, write a list of things that give you a sense of purpose. Now, go back through with a highlighter or pen (assuming you are doing this mostly on the computer). Put the papers side by side. HIGHLIGHT places where there is an intersection between what you're good at, what you enjoy doing and what gives you a sense of purpose. Where these three lists intersect, you can identify your “passionâ€.

Consider this for your future, your interests, your goals. Ask yourself, does these seem aligned with where I’m going? Post on the discussion board about your “found interest(s) and (purpose)†and be ready to discuss! This doesn't have to be long, but the more you put into it the more it can help you. Think about the discussion from the LORAX yesterday and what the authors passion was, and how he linked it to things he was good at, things he enjoyed (travel, writing), and his sense of purpose.

Paper For Above instruction

Finding one’s purpose is a fundamental goal for personal development and fulfillment. The exercise provided encourages individuals to introspectively examine different facets of their lives—namely their skills, hobbies, and sense of meaning—in order to discover where these elements intersect, thus revealing their passion. This process not only aids in personal clarity but also informs future goals, career paths, and life choices. The method revolves around creating three comprehensive lists: things you are good at, things you enjoy doing, and things that give you a sense of purpose. By analyzing these lists and identifying the overlaps, individuals can uncover areas of their life that resonate most deeply with who they are and what they value.

The first list should encompass skills and strengths, which can range from soft skills like effective communication and empathy to technical abilities such as coding or artistic talent. Gathering input from friends and peers can provide additional perspectives that may uncover qualities the individual overlooks. Developing a lengthy, candid list fosters self-awareness and confidence in recognizing one's competencies. The second list focuses on personal passions—activities or pursuits one genuinely enjoys, whether it be painting, traveling, reading, or sports. Listing these helps identify what brings joy and energy into one's life. The third list involves reflecting on what provides a sense of purpose—what motivates one to get up in the morning, what mission or cause feels meaningful, or what long-term impacts one aspires to make.

Once the lists are complete, the next step involves cross-referencing them using a highlighter, pen, or digital tools. By examining where the qualities, passions, and purposes overlap, individuals can pinpoint their core “passion.” For example, someone might realize that they are good at communicating, love storytelling, and feel driven by advocating for social justice—pointing toward a passion for journalism or activism. Identifying these intersections is crucial because it aligns personal strengths with genuine interests and overarching life purpose, creating a roadmap for future endeavors.

This reflection is not merely academic; it has tangible implications. Recognizing one's passion can influence decisions about education, careers, volunteer work, and personal projects. It encourages intentional living—making choices that resonate with one's true self rather than conforming to external expectations. Moreover, reflecting on one’s passion in light of their future aspirations allows for goal setting that is authentic and motivating. For instance, if someone finds their passion lies in environmental conservation, they can tailor their academic pursuits and career trajectory toward sustainable practices.

The example cited from the discussion about the Lorax author underscores the importance of linking passions with skills and purpose. His love for travel and writing, combined with his desire to advocate for environmental issues, exemplifies how aligning these elements can create meaningful work and life satisfaction. When individuals undertake this list-making exercise, they engage in a process similar to this, discovering a unique blend of talents, interests, and goals that define their personal “why.” Overall, this activity fosters self-awareness, purposeful living, and a clearer direction for personal growth.

References

• Covey, S. R. (2004). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Free Press.
• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
• Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.
• Grant, A. (2013). Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success. Penguin Business.
• Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Riverhead Books.
• Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Authentic Happiness. Free Press.
• Schwartz, B. (2004). The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less. Harper.
• Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
• Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Gotham Books.
• Ericsson, K. A., & Pool, R. (2016). Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.