7 Strange Questions That Help You Find Your Life Purpose

 When it comes to thinking about what to do with your life, conventional wisdom and the usual self-help advice often fall short. They're either too vague or too prescriptive, leaving you more confused than when you started. It's in these moments of uncertainty that we need to approach the problem from a different angle. Enter the realm of strange, unconventional questions that cut through the noise and get to the heart of what really matters. These aren't your typical career guidance questions; they're designed to push you, challenge you, and ultimately, help you uncover your true calling.

Learn how to find your life purpose through 7 strange questions

• Discover your life purpose by answering thought-provoking questions
• Uncover what truly matters to you and how to make a meaningful impact
• Reflect on your passions, fears, and aspirations to shape your future

1. What’s your favorite flavor of shit sandwich and does it come with an olive?

The essence of this question lies in acknowledging that every job, career, or life path comes with its own set of unpleasant tasks or "shit sandwiches." The trick is finding the one you're willing to tolerate because you love the other aspects of the work so much. For me, it was the early days of my writing career, when rejection emails were as common as spam. But I tolerated it, olives and all, because writing was my passion. The key insight here is understanding that passion often requires enduring the less savory parts of the journey.

Insider Tip: "Choose your battles wisely. Not every hill is worth dying on, but make sure the one you're willing to endure is aligned with your passion." - Jane Doe, Career Coach

2. What is true about you today that would make your 8-year-old self cry?

This question forces you to confront the dreams and aspirations you've given up on or forgotten. When I asked myself this, I remembered how I once dreamt of being an astronaut. While I'm not heading to space anytime soon, this reflection pushed me to pursue interests that fueled my curiosity about the universe, leading to a newfound hobby in stargazing and astrophotography. It's a poignant reminder that sometimes, reconnecting with our childhood selves can reveal our most genuine passions.

Here's an insightful exploration into how childhood dreams evolve and why they matter.

3. What makes you forget to eat and poop?

It's a humorous way of asking what activities absorb you so completely that time and basic needs become secondary. For me, it was those marathon writing sessions where words flowed like water, and everything else faded into the background. Identifying these activities can be a beacon towards understanding what you truly love doing. It's these moments of 'flow' that psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes as the optimal experience of happiness and creativity.

4. How can you better embarrass yourself?

In essence, this question is about leaning into vulnerability and the fear of failure. It took me years to share my writing publicly because I dreaded criticism. The day I decided to embrace the embarrassment of potential failure was the day I truly started to grow. This question challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and recognize that growth often comes from the places we fear the most.

Insider Tip: "The more comfortable you get with potentially embarrassing yourself, the less power fear has over you. Embrace it." - John Smith, Public Speaking Coach

5. How are you going to save the world?

At first glance, this might seem like an overly grandiose question. However, it's really about pinpointing the unique contribution you can make to the world. It doesn't have to be on a global scale; local and community-level impacts are equally significant. For me, it was realizing that through my writing, I could offer insights, provoke thought, and perhaps change a perspective or two. It's about finding that intersection between your passions and the world's needs.

Real-Life Example: Finding Purpose Through Embarrassment

Finding Fulfillment Through Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

Growing up, Sarah was always reserved and cautious, preferring the safety of familiarity. However, as she entered her thirties, she realized she was stuck in a monotonous routine that left her feeling unfulfilled. Remembering the question about embarrassing oneself to grow, Sarah decided to push her boundaries. She signed up for an improv class, despite her fear of public speaking.

Embracing Growth Through Uncomfortable Situations

During the first class, Sarah stumbled over her words and felt her face flush with embarrassment. However, as weeks passed, she noticed a shift within herself. She became more confident, quick on her feet, and started enjoying the thrill of performing in front of others. Embracing the discomfort ultimately led Sarah to discover a passion for comedy and storytelling.

The Lesson Learned

Through embracing moments of potential embarrassment, Sarah not only found a new hobby but also unlocked a sense of purpose she had been missing. Stepping out of her comfort zone allowed her to grow in ways she never imagined, proving that sometimes, the path to finding your life purpose may lie in the most unexpected experiences.

6. Gun to your head, if you had to leave the house all day, every day, where would you go and what would you do?

This hypothetical scenario forces you to strip away the excuses and really think about what you would willingly spend your time doing. For me, it was clear: I'd go to the nearest coffee shop, laptop in tow, and write. This question made me realize that writing wasn't just a hobby; it was what I was meant to do. It's a powerful exercise in identifying your true passion.

7. If you knew that you were going to die one year from today, what would you do and how would you want to be remembered?

It's a question that brings your priorities into sharp focus. When I contemplated it, I realized that more than anything, I wanted to leave a legacy of words that could inspire, comfort, and provoke thought long after I'm gone. It made me double down on my commitment to writing, pushing me to publish more and fear less. This question asks you to consider your legacy and how you can start building it now.

Here's a deep dive into the philosophy of legacy and why it matters.

Conclusion

These seven strange questions aren't just whimsical or bizarre for the sake of it. They're crafted to make you think deeply and differently about what truly matters to you. When thinking about what to do with your life, conventional paths and advice might not always fit. It's in these unconventional questions that you might find the clarity you've been seeking. As you ponder these questions, remember that finding your life purpose isn't a one-time event but a journey of continuous discovery and growth. Embrace the strange, the uncomfortable, and the uncertain, for it's there that your true purpose might just reveal itself.