There must be a lot of discontent at the workplace.

The self-publishing group I am using to get Toolkit for Caregiver Emotions launched on Amazon has an author Facebook page we use to celebrate milestones, build launch teams, and ask questions.

Just after I finished reading an advanced copy of a book about escaping the dissatisfaction of a typical job through personal discovery and finding a passion-driven career, I was invited to join the launch team for another book with a similar message, but a different approach.

Feelings of lack of fulfillment at work can become all consuming, creating a sense of drudgery and feeding poor attitudes. I have walked that path; have you?

How does anyone discover their passion and purpose?

Sages have long advised us to, “know thyself,” and, “to thine own self be true,” but many people are so focused on simply staying afloat, they rarely stop to consider whether the work that brings in their paycheck has any real connection to their true calling.

After taking a personality assessment or two …

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, MBTI — Categorizes people into 16 personality types based on preferences like introversion/extroversion, thinking/feeling, etc.

DISC Assessment — Focuses on behavior styles, divided into Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.

StrengthsFinder, now CliftonStrengths, — Identifies a person’s top talents and strengths.

Values in Action, VIA, Character Strengths Survey — Focuses on positive psychology and identifying a person’s key virtues and strengths.

People who want to hone in on their natural strengths to find a purpose, still need to spend time mindfully evaluating what brings them happiness and why.

‘What’ followed by ‘why’…’why’…’why’

There’s a one-two punch that can help people gain clarity in discovering their unique purpose based on their answers to a ‘what’ question followed by – multiple – ‘why’ questions.

For example:

• What part of your workday was the most fulfilling?
• If someone shadowed you for a day, what would they say you’re great at?
• What do people often come to you for advice about?

It’s fun to do this exercise, because after answering the what question, each subsequent why question seems to peel off another layer until the core value is revealed.

Funny, the inspirational seeds that grew into my first book, Toolkit for Wellness, were born from my answers to the last question above – and to all the ‘whys’ that followed.

If you are searching for clarity – really, about anything – then ask a what question about it and then start teasing away all the fluff through why questions to get at the core thought.

For additional what questions, GO HERE and for more information about starting with what, instead of why, check this out.

What do you do to share this post? Use the options under the MORE button below. Why do it? Because sharing is caring! Why? Because I’m always learning cool stuff on foodtalk4you and my friends need help, too!

In health –

Deidre