Aight, listen up.
There’s all kinds of exercises things out there to help you find your life purpose, but there’s a catch — your life purpose is something that comes from INSIDE you.
So it doesn’t make much sense to expect some EXTERNAL thing to hook you up.
I know this, and I kept it in mind when I created the Fun & Pretty Life-Purpose Exercise.
Let’s dig in.
The basics:
In our history, tribal leaders would help the youth find their purpose.
In our current, fast-moving society, we still have leaders helping us with this, it’s just that most people don’t realize it.
Well, now I’m throwing my hat into the ring.
It’s a very good sign that you’re on a great path, simply because you’re reading this article.
Think about it, most people stay away from articles like this. What percentage of people will read something clearly aimed at giving them purpose?
Deep down, they know they should read stuff like this, but they often skip it — you didn’t — so congratulations! Good for you. Keep reading for an easy and fun way to find what you love (with pretty pictures!)
What does it feel like to know what you love to do? What does it feel like to really know it. It feels certain, it feels confident, it feels solid. It lifts away confusion, fog and fear and allows your life to flow much smoother.
Like many of the world’s successful, not only do you feel the awesome power of doing what you love, but you easily figure out ways to get paid for it.
You may be wondering… "Why is it so hard to find what you love?"
Answer: It’s NOT.
It’s really not hard at all.
It’s easy, it’s very, very easy. Not everyone tells you this, and you’ve probably heard everyone say how hard it is, but they’re flat-out wrong.
Every human being is born with the tools to discover their purpose, at any moment.
Focus, feelings, and questions.
Most people’ve never really sat down (no-distractions), asked themselves the right questions, & engaged their feelings.So why haven’t people done this, when they say they want to know?
Because, to be honest, they’d have to make some changes.
They’d have to turn off all the outside noise, and spend some time with themselves.
They’d have to stop the gaming, the watching, the texting, the surfing, etc.
They’d have to manage their thoughts and emotions.
You don’t need to "travel the world", you don’t need to "try different things" (although that can help — experimenting is a kind of… guaranteed way figure it out, and it works.)
So… ready?
The Ryze method is inspired by a combination of valuable exercises by these guys: Jonathan Mead, Brian Kim, Tad Hargrave and Steve Pavlina. They’re brilliant and each focus on their own specific styles.
"It’s something that, at the end of the day, makes you feel like you’ve made a difference." – Jonathan Mead, Reclaim Your Dreams.
"Your deepest wound is your truest niche." – Tad Hargrave, Your Deepest Wound Is Your Niche.
"Your brain has absorbed all sorts of information and experiences and it has the answer ready to be unraveled. ." – Brian Kim, BrianKim.net
"If you want to discover your true purpose in life, you must first empty your mind of all the false purposes you’ve been taught" – Steve Pavlina, How To Discover Your Life Purpose In About 20 Minutes
I’ve taken what I’ve learned from these leaders, and refined it into 3 steps.
Step 1: List your qualities
Foundation: It’s FUN to list things you like, have, or are good at!
If I asked you right now, "what are you good at, what do you bring to the table?" would you be able to answer smoothly and confidently?
When people ask me, I can tell them things like: "I’m a positive badass", "I’m a rockstar urban buddha", and "I’m the Next-Step guy."
This because I’ve poured significant energy into uncovering what really fulfills me.
Have you?
If you do, does it feel like you’ll succeed in way bigger ways, with a purpose your proud of and a message to stand for?
Well, if you keep an open mind, and have a bit of discipline to focus… I’m going to help you do it.
This exercise’ll help you get clear on your unique value, allow you to sound more charming and smooth when people ask about your skills, and is a key first step to finding your purpose.
So…
Start Writing!
Grab a piece of paper, divide it into 3 columns, and write down any strengths you have in these three areas: physical strengths, mental strengths, and spiritual strengths. Doing this will give you a very clear snapshot of what unique things you offer the world.
For now, here’s an example which we’ll be using for the following steps.
Click To Enlarge!
Step 2: Find your common thread
Like a word-search, crossword, or a game of Guess Who? – finding the common threads is FUN TOO!
The beauty of life is that it gives us each a very unique blend, and when people understand theirs properly, nailing it just right, the whole world listens.
Eccentric, Catholic-raised, burlesque-dancer Lady Gaga has a very unique blend of traits, that many people would’ve dismissed at first. So does tech-star and social king, Mark Zuckerberg. So does childhood cocaine-dealer turned hip-hop mogul, Jay-Z.
Many of them couldn’t catch a break until they embraced their real talents. Who would’ve thought these people’s unique stories and skills would turn into their life’s work?
You and I have our own unique blends as well, waiting to propel us to our own personal success, the trick is to find the common thread in them all.
For Gaga the common thread is ‘art-freak’: a unique blend of music, art, sex, and celebrity. For Poppycock it’s theatrical, operatic dandy. For Jay-Z it’s hip-hop mogul and trendsetter.
These things all seem normal to us now, but when these people were finding their purpose, it was scary, and anything but normal. They had to find a common thread that allowed them to explore their passions, no matter what they were.
Look for patterns and trends that unite and blend your ‘mish-mash’ of qualities. Life gives them to us for a reason, nothing is wasted.
Click To Enlarge!
By looking at our example list, I was able to find many qualities that related to teaching, many qualities that related to comedy/performing, and many that related to computers/the ‘net.
There were a few that reigned supreme but were super-general like "love" and a few that were pretty specific like "obsessed with cars and girls".
That’s fine. You want to narrow it down as much as you can to about 3 patterns, but leaving out a couple tricky one’s is fine.
In fact, in this case, I used the very unique, ‘obsessed with cars and girls’ trait to really guide the entire vision, centering it on a Men’s Magazine.
Talk about writing about what you love 
The guy who had all these qualities would probably feel very confident publishing an online magazine. He has most of the tools, he has strengths in all the right areas, and it allows him to express about his ‘obsessions’ all at once.
Step 3: Polish it
Finally, have some fun refining your purpose into something sexy.
So you’ve (1) listed your qualities and gotten clear on your unique value-blend.
You’ve (2) found the common thread and you can tell what you’re meant to do and who you’re meant to help.
The last step is to (3) polish it, tighten it up.
You want to craft a mission statement and refine it into an a pitch.
(Note: pitches are just a way of communicating a lot of clear things about you and your art, in a very short time. It’s a sentence that summarizes your purpose in an appealing way. Finishing this step is really what gives you the confidence needed to live life on your own terms.)
Click To Enlarge!
When someone asks "what do you do?" most people stutter and mumble. "Oh, well, uh…I help people with my cooking, and my computers, and my music, and um… I’m really smart."
I want better for you.
You can rock it with a polished answer. One that has impact. One that gets people wanting to know more about you instead of bypassing you as ‘noise.’
You can respond "I’m DJ Food and I help caterers and concerts unite, through technology." – The polished version is punchy, effective, and peaks people`s interest.
The polished version = confidence for you, the unpolished version = awkward conversation, unclear communication and people skipping what you offer.
Wrap-up
In our above example, I polished "I run an interactive online men’s mag from my apartment" into 3 separate, powerful pitches. You can do the same for your skills and offers.
You can even ask a friend how they might polish it and make it sexier, for an outside perspective.
You can ask yourself "How can I communicate this in a concise, impactful way?" and then write any answers that come.
Put the distractions, the "looking for external solutions", and the waiting for answers to fall in your lap like magic… aside.
Use your focus, feelings, and questions to get right to the heart of what matters in your life.
Follow the 3 steps above, and share your creative pitches with the community here! For everyone who posts a pitch below, I`ll personally give feedback and aim to make it sexier and more successful.
How To Learn Like A Boss: The Hidden Steps
- Angry
- Appreciated
- Inspired
- Amused
- Enlightened
- Happy
About 
That’s a pretty time consuming process Jason but well worth it if people are still struggling to find their purpose in life. I went through something similar to this in a course I took last April.
My Mom and I took a trip to Florida almost nine years ago now and we had both just read the book, “Defining Your Life’s Purpose”. My Mom still had the hardest time understanding what hers was so we did somewhat of a similar exercise that you mention here and went through things she enjoyed, loved and was passionate about. Like many women who grew up in her era, she felt her position in life was to just raise a family. She did a pretty good job of it I must admit. She just has that giving heart so I guess that’s where mine comes from.
Thanks for sharing this post and if I run across anyone having problems with this I’ll now know where to send them.
Great job!
Thanks Adrienne! Beautiful personal story about you and Mom. Considering how you turned out I’d say she did a FANTASTIC job, and that pic of you and her is really moving.
You also have a point, and I’m glad you brought it up
It does “take time”. If you sit down and really do it, it can go pretty quick. I did mine in about an hour, some people have taken 3.
Y’know what’s REALLY time consuming?
Spinning one’s wheels, in years of confused misery with very little purpose, when the whole time, sitting down and doing a few high-value exercises would’ve helped a person soar
Thanks for thinking of me, I really appreciate all you bring to the table!
well I guess when looked at from a certain perspective I have borrowed things that I like to do down to doing my assignments – giving out my business cards – creating my art and delegating – the delegating being applied to everything else in the world that I would like to do which is pretty much everything –
I am certainly curious as to whether or not you are related to RYZE.com of which I am a member –
Walter
It’s great you know what you like to do, do you feel it will remain like that forever, or will what you like to do change? Is it already?
Did you do the exercises suggested in the blog post, Walter?
P.S. I’m not related to RYZE.com
Thanks for commenting!
This is very helpful! Actually you’re right it’s not that hard to find what we love, because it’s within us. We just have to discover it deeper within ourselves until we recognized it. I will try this! Thank you very much Jason!
Thank you so much, Joey. I’m really glad you got something from it.
I trust you’ll come back and let us know your results!
Hey Jason,
Nice exercise but you know something? SOme people do not even understand why they should find a life purpose. Unfortunately, not because they are happy with what they have but because they feel safe with what they have and they have never asked their selves what is their life purpose!
I was like that and I started being aware of the situation after the world around trip. Yes for me it was that!
You give some great and interesting advice here. Thank you!
Lenia
Lenia is sharing: I Travel In Paris And You Come With Me
Thanks Lenia! This exercise has helped, and continues to help, a lot of people. I really appreciate you taking the time to acknowledge that.
And you’re right, I totally agree there are people like that.
Fortunately, Ryze doesn’t really attract people who are so confused they don’t even feel that a “life purpose” is helpful
Maybe you can direct some people to this page when it feels they might get some value from it
By the way, did you see my comment on your blog?
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca is sharing: Money Equals Love
Hey Jason!
Off course I saw your comment in the blog and i thank you so much for visiting it and reading some of my articles. I appreciate it a lot. I guess you liked the “Magas” comment, don’t you ?
Lenia
Lenia is sharing: The Number One Different Adventure In Greece You Should Have
I *LOVED* the Magas comment
Totally me
But a positive magas, y’know?
P.S. I didn’t know you responded cuz it got stuck in my spam filter lol. Thanks Lenia!
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca is sharing: 7 Ideas On The Beauty Of Porn
Ryze,
You are amazing. Even though I haven’t finished my novel, my little blog makes me feel like I’ve made a difference every day, and that is so rewarding. I have officially fallen in love with your posts and inspiration. Thank you so much!
Amberr Meadows is sharing: Movies on Demand Summer Movies Campaign and #Giveaway
Woo! That’s so fantastic to hear, Amberr!
Thank you deeply.
You could’ve easily just lurked, read, and moved on, but you shared and expressed. Thanks for helping the ryze community … ryze.
It’s great to have you with us
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca is sharing: How To Learn Like A Boss: The Hidden Steps
P.S. Can I quote you on this for a testimonial on my blog / blog-best-of ?
(http://ryzeonline.com/jumpstart)
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca is sharing: Arousal, Meditation, And Staring At Yourself
If the question was for me, of course you can!
Amberr Meadows is sharing: Movies on Demand Summer Movies Campaign and #Giveaway
It was, and thanks miss! You rock!
Annnnnd you’re live here: http://ryzeonline.com/testimonials
Thanks again, Amberr!
A great article. I’ll forward this to friends who will love it and I’ll certainly link to it on my blog. So many of us wander through life vaguely wondering what we’re here for and this post could help them find out.
I’ve worked through your method and have discovered that I’m on the right track.
I write my blog as a’ teacher/educator/consultant’ and I love what I do.
Thanks!
Linda is sharing: Who Else Moans About The Rain? Stop It! Change Your Behaviour Now!
Linda! Welcome, and thank you so much.
I believe strongly and purely in the Ryze message, and people like you who share, link, and spread are super-valuable and appreciated.
I aim to bring clarity and shed light on things for any ‘lost wanderer’.
I’m positive you’re on the right track with your ‘positive spin’. The next step is to ask yourself: “Are there fun ways I can be more clear and more upfront about who I am and what I do?”
Looking forward to checking out your blog!
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca is sharing: How To Learn Like A Boss: The Hidden Steps
As I am trying to write the mission statement for my new interiors blog and webshop this morning this exercise is proving to be more difficult than I thought at first
. My blog will be all about creating a pared down beautiful environment that makes you appreciate the sunlight falling on a wall, the beauty of drinking tea from a unique glazed japanese teacup, the beauty of simple fruit arranged in a bowl as centrepiece on a table NOT about having to have the latest chair, contrived interiors,buying more more more… my blog will be called “the joy of little things” and my mission statement so far is “a guide to beautiful living” but am finding this a bit trite, I guess I am mainly having problems with step 3…..
annemarie is sharing: Sidi
Anne Marie! I somehow missed this comment, apologies for the delayed reply.
I LOVE your idea “The Joy Of Little Things” and having a pared-down beautiful environment.
A guide to beautiful living is a fantastic start, you should be proud!
If you give me what you’ve got for steps 1 + 2, I’d be happy to help. Or if you just want a little jumpstart, step 3 is all about saying as much about YOU, your quirks + passions + mission, in as simple, sexy, and fun a way as possible.
Think of it as a pared down, beautiful sentence.
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca is sharing: Myth Or Mystery: Is Success Right Over Your Head?
thanks Jason, I’m almost there with my mission statement. thanks for sharing all the lovely information on your website!
My pleasure, Annemarie! I’m really psyched for you
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca is sharing: Myth Or Mystery: Is Success Right Over Your Head?
P.S. Farnoosh Brock has some awesome Life Purpose Building questions over here: http://www.prolificliving.com/blog/2012/07/24/how-to-find-your-life-purpose/
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca is sharing: Myth Or Mystery: Is Success Right Over Your Head?
This may come off cheesey lol but hey:
“Through logic and design, making the ordinary, extraordinary”
Gemma is sharing: 21 Folks Who Stand Out As Thought Leaders In Their Niche & How You Can Too – Part 2 of 3
It’s excellent, Gemma! Good for you for rockin’ the exercise
Most things in life are a process, they grow, so that may not even be your final, but it’s certainly better than most!
We’ll discuss this more on our Ryzing Star Session
Jason “J-Ryze” Fonceca is sharing: Feminism, Equality, & ‘Real’ Girl Power
I have wanted to start a blog of my own for a while but always struggled to find my own voice which is why i was so excited when I came across your post. I have started the process you have outlined but I am struggling with step 2…. I can’t seem to identify the common thread
Priya! That is fantastic! Let me congratulate you on taking steps, showing interest, and moving forward with your desires
Its totally cool to have one step take a little more time than the others. That’s how life works – some things take more time, some less
If you share your list from step 1, I’d be glad to help with step 2.