5 Questions To Ask Yourself When Evaluating Your Purpose And Existence

We all reach points in life when the mundane habits of our everyday existence are no longer fulfilling. Maybe you feel stuck, aimless, or like you haven't reached the level of success you'd envisioned having by this time in your life.

Perhaps people have taken advantage of your services, kindness or diligence, and you've selflessly given in. For many of us, certain aspects of life feel extremely depressing or overwhelming. This desperation drives us to ask, "Why am I here? What am I doing with my life?"

Truthfully, if you're questioning your existence, you're probably trying to navigate your way through a rough life transition. Whatever the circumstance, this is your shot at personal growth and evolution. Let's face it: You might need a reality check.

Asking why you're here is completely rational and should be addressed, but the answers are often very open-ended and never result in the life-changing solutions you probably seek.

Frankly, we need better questions. We must strip away the layers of confusion and stop wallowing in self-pity. So, why not be courageous, join the tribe of liberated minds and acknowledge that your choices dictate your life? Accountability is attractive.

What comes to mind when you think of who you are? Are you fulfilling what you believe to be your purpose? Or, are you a zombie, stuck in the dysfunctional behavioral cycle of procrastination, excuses and living in fear?

Recently, I discovered Carl Sagan's discerning words:

We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and the depth of our answers.

So, below are five simple, yet profound questions to assist you in evaluating your current circumstance and unmasking your purpose to creating a life rich with intention:

What do I want to be known for?

Do you even care how people remember you — or if people remember you at all? Do you want to leave a legacy?

A lot of people will say, "I don't care what people think of me!" At times, this statement can be empowering, but let's be realistic: Sometimes, the impressions we leave on others are unforgettable.

Do you want to be known for kindness, positively impacting others, helping those in need or creating lasting change? Maybe you want to be remembered for your work ethic, your passion for business or your loyalty to family. Introspect and figure out where you stand.

What am I running from?

When facing an uncomfortable situation or person, what is the first thing you do? Do you run to avoid the issue and hope that it will magically disappear? Surprise! It will never magically disappear; you're just avoiding accountability or facing some harsh truths about yourself.

Are you afraid of taking risks, trying something new or even leaving the house? Or maybe, you're the extreme opposite; you move every year, bouncing from city to city seeking external fulfillment? I don't mean moving to start a new career or to embrace the world through travel. Rather, I mean never putting down roots or establishing a stable living environment.

Do I trust myself?

Do you have a healthy relationship with your gut instincts? Do you trust yourself enough to believe the choices you make are consistently healthy?

We can often be our own worst critics when we compare ourselves to others. Is that inner voice leading you down a path of self-sabotage or are you building yourself up with words of encouragement? What type of life are you manifesting with your thoughts?

Maybe you followed a trend and got lost along the way. Everyone has choices; even if you were raised in a destructive environment, you can choose tolerance and you can choose empathy.

Have I explored life outside of my comfort zone?

Why are you stagnant? Did you begin a career that your parents wanted for you, and now, you're stuck in a place you never genuinely wanted to be?

Maybe you followed your high-school sweetheart to a city, and you're still miserably and awkwardly stuck, five years later. Why not accept that the relationship is over and move to where you are celebrated and loved?

How many times can you honestly say you embraced the unknown and went on an adventure? Have you honestly explored life outside of your comfort zone?

What is my WHY?

Why do you continue to work at a job where you aren't valued? Why do you skip dinner and spend four hours a night editing your work? Perhaps you catch a bus every morning at 6 am and ride two hours to class just so you can attend school. Have you taken the time to explore your WHY?

What drives you to continue to pursue your dreams with such relentless passion? We all have a reason for our behaviors and our drives. If you love what you do on a daily basis, outstanding. If not, what is your WHY?

Use these questions to redirect your energy to an abundance of creativity.

Photo Courtesy: We Heart It