One of the greatest gifts you can give someone is your own personal development and enrichment. The utmost gift - the gift that keeps on giving, is discovering your purpose in life, but how many of us truly believe we know our life's purpose? I'm offering up a simplified answer that you've probably never seen before and a way to help you find yours.

1. Listen to compliments and do not disregard that which comes easy and natural. If what you do impresses or positively affects others, don't shrug it off. It's a talent. For what do you often receive compliments? (From your smile to your skills as a surgeon.) What aspects of the process are appealing? 


2. When you have experienced flow? This is a state of complete absorption usually involving something challenging. Time seems to stop. When, where, what and why? 


3. Ask the "what would you do if you didn't have to make money" question but dig deeper. In what situations would rather peel onions than (fill in the blank)? Then, head the opposite direction with your question and see what you discover. 


4. Stop multi-tasking, start focusing. What distracts or keeps you focused and why. Where do you naturally gravitate?


5. Find the common denominators when you feel fulfilled. What were you doing? Describe your feelings and what you accomplished. 


6. Thinkers take note (and, I'm one of them) find your feelings. Skip the pro/con or  the advantage/disadvantage lists and silence your pragmatic side. Use "I feel" instead of "I think" and ask what your heart would say if it could talk. Ban woulda-coulda-shoulda's such as "I should find a way to use my master's degree" and replace it with "what do I want my legacy to be." 


7. Pray, meditate, journal and trust your intuition - with all of the above in mind and also for clarity or healing. Weave together your responses and look for patterns. Are you blocked from your true identity, worth and expression? Your life purpose might be hidden. 

The simplified answer. 

Your life purpose shape shifts with you no matter where you go or what you do. It is the single, most productive, positive and natural thing you do that emanates from your soul and speaks on your behalf  - all the time, when you are your authentic self. You don't even realize you are doing it until you gain awareness. It's like your third arm. You vibrate with it 24/7. When you pour it on, it's a catalyst or a game-changer. It's your brand. It's visceral. You were born with it. We attach it to work because that is where it often manifests. For example, being a police officer is not intrinsically a life purpose. Officer A might be a natural "peacekeeper" in all areas of life. Officer B could have the purpose of bringing calmness. Officer C might have the gift of infusing confidence. Same job. Different life purposes. Those officers would bring their natural gifts to any situation. 

How I found mine. I looked at the common thread in everything that I love to do and everything that comes naturally. I acknowledged significant and consistent compliments. I recognized that which I simply can't not do it (pardon the grammar). So, here it is. My purpose is to be uplifting and joyful and to inject positive vibrations and energy into any situation, and my goal is now focused on the best way to accomplish that. What a fantastic way to look for work or worthiness. Imagine the collective energy if we were all connected with our life's purpose and expressing it for greater good. I truly believe it's what makes "the world go 'round." No purpose is insignificant. 

Tina Anderson is an award-winning fitness and media specialist, blogger, on-air personality and co-host of a music/talk show for radio and cable. Tina enjoys a life filled with levity, inspiration and strong living and shares tips on how to do the same. Tina and her husband are blessed with 26+ years, two teenage boys and three Basset Hounds. For more information visit http://tinaandersonOC.com. Permission granted for use on DrLaura.com.