Path to Purpose Guide

2 - Passion & Purpose

12/9/2020

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Before diving into creating new goals, let’s take a fresh look at our purpose and calling. Perhaps you will uncover new areas that you have yet to give serious thought to.

You were created ON purpose FOR purpose. God has set apart good works for you to do in your life. And they may shift from season to season, but they are all a part of how He created you.

Your calling is found in the sweet spot at the intersection of your passions, your gifts & experiences, and where there is a need.

Leadership consultant Michael Hyatt says that your calling has four characteristics:

External – your calling originates outside of you; it comes from God; He pulls you toward it with your passion, gifts, experiences.
Personal – your calling comes specifically to you; it is something you were made to do that only you can do in exactly the way you might do it. Your experiences, set of gifts, circumstances, talents & abilities – all unique.
Appealing – it is something that profoundly resonates inside of you. People wrongly think if something is your calling it can’t be attractive – not true. If it really is part of your calling, it will be deeply appealing; something in your heart of hearts you want to do. You will find fulfillment in doing it.
Optional – you have a choice to respond to calling or not. There will be a tugging at you; you may know you need to do, but for whatever reason, maybe fear, you can choose not to.

The following section includes questions and brainstorm prompts to think through your passion, gifting, what your heart breaks for, etc. It can be a space to refer to and update periodically. It might help guide you in determining new goals to begin stepping into your calling.

Take a stab at responding to each section, even if you have to come back to a few of them at different times. Some may seem a bit repetitive, but often a slight shift in the question can help you think about it differently. Remember, you don’t have to answer them all at once. You may want to spend time thinking and praying about some areas and come back to them.

Click the button below to download worksheets to capture your thoughts.

Download Passion & Purpose Worksheets

Your Passion

What do you love?
What makes you happy?
What gets your heart beating with excitement?
What types of things to you naturally tend to gravitate toward these days?
If you could have or do anything, what would it be?
What things do you look at someone else and say, "I wish I could do that!"? (not to compare/copy, but to see where your passions are stirred toward something -- you will find your unique spin on it)
What do you dream about doing?
What did you dream about doing when you were a kid?
What would you do if time and money were no obstacle?
What do you spend your spare time on or can't wait to do?
What inspires you? What about it inspires you?
Who inspires you? What about them inspires you?
What gives you energy or fires you up when you are doing it?
What type of content do you reach for when you want to learn about new things?
If someone told you to search the web for one hour, what would you start searching for?
What do you want to be remembered for when people look back on your life?

If you could write a book or screenplay, or be in a DIY show, or start an app or YouTube channel that was sure to succeed, what would it be called? What would it be about?

What is OFF the table (what do you hate doing, dread doing, put off)?

Gifts & Experiences

What are you naturally good at?
What do you get complemented on?
What kinds of experience do you have?
What tough things have you gone through in your life?
What do others say you are good at?
Where do you do something and feel a great accomplishment?
What are unique experiences you have gone through?
What things do your friends/family/community turn to you to help with?

Personality

What are your personality types and spiritual gifts (see links below for free online assessments)?

Myers Briggs

Enneagram

Spiritual Gifts

Summarize the assessments (brief description / what it means / what motivates you).

Needs

Where do you see a need that isn't being met (family, community, friends, the world)?
What kinds of needs do you want to meet?
What kinds of things do you hear about and feel outraged or your heart breaks?
Where do you want to see change in your community? In the world?
What fears do you have for those coming up behind you?

Friend Chat

Often other people can see things in you that you can’t see in yourself. Grab a trusted friend or two and ask them what they see as your passion and gifting.

Here are a few questions you can ask them:

What do you think I am good at?
When have you seen me light up the most?
What unique skills have you seen me display?
What kinds of things do you see me easily gravitate toward?
Where do you see people coming to me for advice?
what can you see me doing if there were no time, money, resources, and current commitment constraints? Why?

Summarize the conversation/learnings you uncovered.

Passion & Purpose Brainstorm

Take a look at all of your responses and write down some options that seem to cover these areas. Keep an open mind…don’t be shy. This is a space to explore and generate ideas. Often one idea leads to another until you uncover gold. It will help you think through possible goals for the year to start moving in the direction of your calling.

Passion & Purpose Community

Look for others who share your passion and calling space. Spend time together to toss out ideas and dream together during the year. Perhaps you can even team up to get experience together and share resources and tips.

Where are some places you can find community that might support and complement your calling area?
Who are some people doing what you want to do? Write down their names. Follow them on social media, read their books, listen to their interviews. What can you learn from them? Can you ask one of them to mentor you?