How to Live Life on Purpose

Define your Values, Roles, and Legacy with this Step-by-Step Framework

Your life is way too important to just let it accidentally slip by.

Happy Friday!

Today, you'll learn how to start living life on purpose by writing your own personal life plan. We'll define your values and break down the three key components: your role, impact, and gifts.

Ready?

Core Values

Defining your core values might sound like something your company does at a lame corporate retreat, only to stick it in a binder that collects dust. But that's not what we’re doing here. We're talking about taking the time to genuinely think about what you value and actually writing it down. There’s power in putting pen to paper; it informs everything else about drafting your life plan.

BTW. I’m shamelessly borrowing the life planning framework from Michael Hyatt’s Life Focus System, (affiliate link).

It’s time to write your own life plan, I’ll help you! Just reply to this email!

So core values… Grab a piece of paper and jot down the qualities you admire most in others. Think about people you respect and the values they embody. But don't stop there—think about what helps you feel fulfilled and most “like yourself.” What are the things you value that are uniquely you?

This values exercise changed my productivity approach. When I went through the Life Focus Kit and wrote out a life plan, it was life-changing. It influenced big decisions about our careers, family, and where we want to live. These deep questions can only be answered when you're clear on your values.

Identity

Think of your role as your “identity statement” — father, husband, warrior, creator, author. Choose up to three roles you most identify with, even if they’re aspirational. For example, I’m not a full-time creator, but I identify with being a creator because it’s something I aspire to.

Impact

Next, let’s talk about your impact—your legacy. Picture what you want people to say at your funeral. Close friends, family, colleagues—what do you want them to remember about you? This exercise helps you think about the kind of person you want to be and the legacy you want to leave.

Gifts

These are the things that bring you joy and make you feel alive. Think about the last time you lost track of time because you were so engrossed in something. Maybe it was hiking, building a Lego set, or editing a YouTube video. (Yes that’s me) Also, consider the skills and talents recognized by others. Ask your friends and family what they think you’re great at.

When you know your gifts and talents, you can figure out how to use them to achieve your legacy and fulfill your role.

Now do it!

String all these together to create your personal mission statement. Start with your roles:

"I am a [role]." Next, define your purpose: "My purpose is to [impact]." Finally, describe how you achieve this: "I do this by [gifts]."

Boom! You’ve got a personal mission statement that informs your life plan. But that’s just part one. Next week, I’ll cover how to assess every domain of your life and create a vision for the next ten years.

MTFBWY!

-Riley