| What is the meaning of life - and could you sum it up | | | | energy and focus you'll have to meet your |
| in 25 words? What if someone offered you $10,000 | | | | goals.While the pursuit of power, wealth or fame |
| for your best description?The website is running such | | | | motivates many people, these goals are external, |
| a contest, and while it may be a marketing ploy, it's | | | | filling deficiencies instead of addressing one's needs |
| an astute one. Who isn't intrigued by this question? | | | | for growth and development.Seven groupings of |
| Who hasn't struggled to figure out his or her true | | | | values have been universally admired across cultures, |
| purpose?Like Arthur Dent in A Hitchhiker's Guide to | | | | religions and history: Integrity |
| the Galaxy, we wish the meaning of life could be | | | | Generosity |
| reduced to one simple solution: in his case, "42."What | | | | Courage |
| if there are no meanings to life, except those we | | | | Humility |
| choose? As new-age gurus assert, "It's all made up, | | | | Compassion |
| anyway!" Or, as religious doctrines proclaim, "Follow | | | | Loyalty |
| God's will for you. This is the true meaning of | | | | Perseverance3. Answer these questions to define |
| life."Between "any which way you want" and "His | | | | your true values:1. What do you do at work that |
| way or the highway (to hell)," many decisions must | | | | gives you great satisfaction? What would you |
| be made along the way.Even if we turn over some | | | | continue to do if you weren't paid for it?2. What |
| parts of our lives to leaders, religious or otherwise, | | | | three personal qualities others recognize in you?3. |
| other parts and decisions remain. What do you eat? | | | | Who are you when you're at your best?4. What are |
| What kind of work do you do? What about play and | | | | the three most important lessons you've learned in |
| having fun? Marriage and relationships? How do you | | | | life?5. What would you like to see on your |
| manage spending and saving?So many decisions, so | | | | tombstone that best captures who you really were |
| little time!What are some of the guidelines for | | | | in your life?6. Cite three small incidents that gave you |
| exploring and giving meaning to your life? How can | | | | great pleasure today. What about these events |
| you decide who and what you should be, and which | | | | ignited your passion?Once you identify what truly |
| principles will keep you on track?If you clearly | | | | matters to you, look at how you express these |
| understand where you want to be, you can make | | | | strengths and virtues in your daily life. Prioritize your |
| sure your actions each day bring you closer.Here are | | | | values, distinguishing the top three to five that are |
| three key steps to exploring meaning in your life:1. | | | | most important to you today.Now, go write that |
| Examine your identity. Who are you? Self-awareness | | | | 25-word statement about the meaning of life - and |
| is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence, | | | | good luck in winning the $10,000 prize!Patsi Krakoff, |
| contributing more to your success in life than any | | | | Psy. D. writes articles for business and executive |
| other social competency.If you know yourself well, | | | | coaches and consultants. She provides articles on |
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| self.2. Define your values. What are your most | | | | learn what you need to know to publish a successful |
| fundamental beliefs? Identify three important moral | | | | ezine. |
| values. The more clearly you define them, the more | | | | |