One of the most important steps in finding your perfect career is to figure out your purpose in life.  Your life matters to everyone and you have a purpose that you were born to do.  The reason that you are still alive is to complete that purpose.

Many people have a really tough time putting their finger on it. Some people think that their purpose in life is to get a good education so that they can get a nice house and great car. If this is what you think, you have a lot more thinking to do. Each of us has a unique purpose that cannot be replaced by another person.

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Unfortunately, the culture at many companies makes us believe that we can be replaced if we were ever to leave our work.

“We must rapidly begin the shift from a “thing-oriented” society to a “person-oriented” society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people.”  – Martin Luther King Jr.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you find a fulfilling career:

1. What do you naturally do well?
2. Is there a cause, value or quality that you feel passionate about?
3. What do you daydream (or dream) about doing?
4. What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
5. What do you absolutely love to do that you lose track of time when you do it?

Using the answers to these questions, create a life purpose statement.  I recommend not even thinking about applying to jobs until you can narrow down your life purpose statement.  Unless, of course, you want a job you hate.  Dan Miller, Author of “48 Days to the Work You Love”, says the following about pursuing our passion and finding a fulfilling career:

“When you know your passion and have work that expresses that passion you become a magnet for others – people who are willing to hitch their wagon to your enthusiasm.  You will become a lightning rod for not only your own efforts, but you will focus the talents and abilities of those around you – and your work will be magnified with little effort.  People want to be connected to something big – something that will make a difference.Working on your own without passion is exhausting.  Your best efforts cannot stop the slow drain of energy and life.  You don’t get the strength of those around you – you have a big leak in your own bucket.”