Does your life lack meaning and direction? By defining your life purpose, you can gain clarity, focus, and direction in your life. Our purpose is our reason for being - it's why we’re here on this earth. Each of us has a unique purpose in life. It's up to us to uncover our purpose and fulfill it. By doing so, we will be a blessing to others, and be blessed as well.

We all search for significance. We want to know that our life counts. We want to make a difference in this world. Each of us has been given different gifts, talents and skills that we can use for the good of others. If you use your talents to benefit others, and become the person you were intended to be, you will be blessed beyond all measure. Your life will take on meaning and significance. You will be fulfilled.

How do you identify your unique, life purpose? Follow this 5-step process.

1) Determine Your Values and Priorities

What do you hold most dear to you? Your values are deeply held beliefs that govern and guide your behavior. Examples include honesty & integrity, faith, family, and love. They are what matter most to us, and are at the core of our being. They’re extremely important, because we make important decisions based upon values. Our behavior, decisions and actions flow from values. In order to uncover your values, just ask yourself, “What is most important to me?” and brainstorm a list.

2) Uncover Your Passions

What excites you? What brings you joy? Being out in nature, building things, caring for your children? Our passions are our desires or purposes that bring us joy. Passionate people have greater exuberance, zest and zeal for life. Passion gives us that internal fire to succeed. It acts as a motivating force to help us do truly great things.

I’m passionate about helping others find their purpose and passion, and fulfill their potential. I love inspiring and encouraging others. I get excited when I see others motivated and excited about their purpose and their goals. I enjoy coaching people. I get to see their progress over time. It’s especially rewarding to see people make positive changes in their lives.

How do you find your passion? Ask yourself, “What excites and energizes me?” “When does time seem to fly by? What am I typically doing?” and “What problem or issue was I born to address?”

3) Identify Your Contributions

The next step is to identify your interests, talents, gifts and potential contributions to society. What interests you? Think about which activities you most enjoy – in your personal life and your professional life. What sports or hobbies do you enjoy? What work activities do you most enjoy? Do you most enjoy working with people, things, ideas, or numbers and data?

What are your talents and skills? What do people say you’re good at? Has anyone said, “You’re a natural born leader, sales person, athlete (or something else)?”

Given your interests, talents, skills, and gifts, how can you contribute to others? In what small way can you make this world a better place? What difference can you make? Just think of the possibilities!

4) Describe Your Legacy

What kind of legacy do you want to leave? How do you want to be remembered? What qualities and characteristics will people remember you for? What outstanding accomplishments will you have made? David Packard devoted his life to advancing technology. He’s also known for his philanthropy, having granted millions of dollars to non-profit organizations that further science and conserve the environment. Susan B. Anthony is known for having made strides in women’s rights. What difference can you make in the lives of others?

5) Put it All Together

Contemplate your life purpose. Take a look at your answers to the questions above and ask, “What does this reveal about me?” Ask yourself, “What is my purpose for being here on earth?” Take quiet time to reflect and listen.

Following this 5-step process to determine your life purpose will help you gain clarity, focus, and direction. Ultimately, it will give more meaning and significance to life.