Do you ever wonder if your life and career are right for you? Last Monday on my weekly online radio show, Visionary Leader, Extraordinary Life, I interviewed a legendary coach whose work has been life-changing for millions over the past three decades. Richard Leider wrote The Power of Purpose and has gone on to write seven other books, specifically geared towards helping people to discover their purpose in life. Your life purpose, according to Leider, is what is unique and powerful about you, the qualities you express naturally and spontaneously. After years of researching the topic and working with literally thousands of people on purpose, Leider discovered a formula for finding your purpose that I’d like to share with you:

G + P + V = C

That’s Gifts + Passion + Values = Calling.

To discover your calling, let’s first consider your gifts. Leider encourages us to answer these questions to begin to home in on your unique blend of gifts: What do people consistently come to you for or ask you for? What gift makes you feel really alive and vital when you give it? What gift do you consistently give to others that they consider to be your natural asset?

Now, passion. This one’s easy, but pause and really think about it. What are you excited about? What kinds of activities or work energize you? What do you love learning about and sharing with others? What’s your favorite thing to do?

Finally, your values. I think of them as what matters most to you. Choose five values that are central to who you are at the core. For example: Creativity? Financial Security? Family?  Recognition? Freedom? Being part of a team or group? Helping others?

Put your equation together and see what it shows you. See if you can write a Purpose Statement that really sums up what you think your purpose is. Richard Leider told me that his purpose is helping others discover their purpose, of course. I think my own is to help people to envision the future they really want and realize their dreams. With some reflection and conversation with people you trust, I think you’ll find the Calling Equation to be enlightening and clarifying. And it doesn’t have to be lofty!

Send me your purpose statements at visionaryleader@nebocompany.com, and we’ll bring Richard Leider back as a radio show guest in the spring to discuss the power of YOUR purpose on air.

Please join me and a panel of industry leaders for a conversation hosted by Donna Friedman Meir on Tuesday morning, February 7th before the Kidscreen Conference gets started. You’ll have a chance to hear the career and life stories of some of the top people in the field and learn from the lessons of their lives. For more information, visit here.