We learn, we lead, we wonder, we love, we worryand more than anything we wish we could give our children one key to living a happier and more successful life. What would that one key be? What would be the one principle for living that would give them a foundation that would withstand the earthquakes of the heartaches we know they will suffer, yet would still be solid enough that they could build the castle of their dreams upon its bedrock? The framework that would cause them to care for their neighbor, respect the earth and live a life of love and learning? Seem like a tall order? Its not.

Its the one thing that you crave and I crave because its wired into our essence. It is the foundation of all meaning, all giving, all joy, all passion, and all love. It is the glue that holds the moments of our life together and allows us to place those moments into a breathtakingly beautiful mosaic that rivals the creation of any Renaissance master.

That one key that unlocks all of these doors is the discovery of your purpose. Knowing why we are here on this planet breathes life, passion and order into every moment of every day. It is true north for an adult and certainly for a child.

So, what would purpose discovery for children look like? The first step is to begin with values. It is essential that each of us become tuned in to what we value. Most live unconscious of their values. Without conscious understanding though, were allowing the default settings to hit and miss in providing guidance for our choices. With a conscious understanding of what we value, we make choices based on what really matters to us or what causes us to feel most authentic and fulfilled.

Secondly, its important to help a child determine what their gifts, talents and passions are. Its actually easier to determine these things with children because they are innocent of the social stigma we place on openly enjoying our wins. Take a look at what they love to do. What is it that when they do it, they lose track of time? What do they have incredible love for and devote complete focus to? What are they good at in school, clubs, sports, relationships, and community events? What about hobbies? These are large clues to their purpose because our purpose in life is to use our gifts and talents to help others more fully express theirs. Group these into several overall categories.

Next, help them write a short statement that outlines how they will use their talents, who theyd like to benefit with that talent, and what impact theyd like to see with that action. This is the simple version of the formula for writing a purpose statement. Once its written, I suggest printing it and placing it in a place theyll read it daily, to remind them of how they can help others every day. Service gives life great meaning.

Lastly, take the purpose statement and brainstorm all of the ways your purposeful child can express this mission. It can be small ways and large ways. A single kind act has a powerful effect on all of humanity. This active step is essential. They may choose one of the big projects to work on a bit at a time. Theres much to be learned in doing this. The gift of helping another discover their purpose and then live that purpose through service to others transforms each life the process touches.