Just watch:

In the film Five Easy Pieces starring Jack Nicholson, the main character played by him, works in an oil field for many years after failing to achieve the dream of being a pianist; a dream which his parents created for him. Throughout the film, Jack’s character Robert Dupea doesn’t really know what he’s supposed to do with his life. He keeps running from his fears, his family, and from his past.

Figuring out what you were put on this Earth to do can sometimes be like putting together a jigsaw puzzle when the pieces are spread around the world. Some people don’t complete their puzzle because they often don’t have the patience, desire, or they’re just fearful. However, the five pieces needed to complete the puzzle of your life’s purpose are actually quite easy to find.

Here are the five easy pieces to piecing together your purpose in life.

1. Recognizing your talents and passions

This is probably the easiest and most common way for people to discover their purpose in life. So we’ll start off with it.

Following you talents and passions will lead to fulfillment, happiness, and even money to pay the bills (or even a lot more). Natural born or acquired talents, it doesn’t matter; you were given them by someone or something for a reason.

To discover more about your passions and talents, think of:

- What makes you cry with joy.

- What makes you and others smile.

- What people sincerely say you’re good at.

- What makes you and others laugh.

- What keeps you up all night because you’re so fired up about it.

2. Look to your past

It’s difficult sometimes to reflect on our pasts. There are plenty of events I would like to erase from my memory, but I think it’s foolish to do so. Instead, we should use it to move us forward and to make sense of where we are now.

Looking to our pasts to get a sense of our purpose has its own puzzle pieces:

- What circumstances were born into?

Perhaps you were born into poverty. Then your purpose may be to rise above impoverished surroundings and to lead others by example.

- What major mistakes and vices did you parents battle?

Were they abusive, addicted to drugs/alcohol, or did they engage is something else destructive? Well your purpose is not to continue the cycle. You have to break free and again, lead by example.

- What have you failed at?

Failure should never be permanent. It’s only there to separate those who want something more than those who don’t. If a failure of something affected you so much that you couldn’t stop thinking about it, then your purpose is to get back in the game, approach it differently and succeed.

- Who affected you the most in a positive way?

Was it a teacher, author, actor, director, a president, or a local hero? If they changed your life, then perhaps you should carry on their mission as well.

3. There are 4 purposes that unite us all:

1. Be as happy as possible.

2. Live life the way you desire.

3. Change the lives of others. (It often doesn’t take as much as you think)

4. Leave the world a little better than when we were born into it.

And yes to all the negative Nancys and Neds: not everyone will fulfill these purposes, but everyone can.

4. Be open to multiple purposes

Many of us have multiple purposes, but often we have one main mission in life, and then other smaller reasons for existing. Perhaps someone is supposed to be a great parent, but also change the world in another way.

Other times, two different purposes can form into a larger one. I’ve been told that I was pretty good at writing and I should think about turning it into a career, but I always brushed it off. One thing I always wanted to do was change the world. So I decided one day to just combine the two and change the world through my talent of writing.

Our purposes can also vary depending on our age. Commonly it’s materialistic in nature when we’re younger, but not so much when we get older.

This leads me to the fifth piece of the puzzle…

5. Find out what your purpose in the now is

What you’re on this Earth to do today is more important than what your purpose later in life is. Today is guaranteed, tomorrow isn’t.

If you think your purpose it to share your art with the world, then start today! If you feel you’re supposed to be a social entrepreneur, then get going now! You may find something that’ll give your life meaning until the end.

We wait for the perfect moment, but it doesn’t exist. Concentrate on your purpose for today, tomorrow, next month, and for the next few years at the most. Life is now, not tomorrow.

Photo by tcp909

Related articles

- 50 things to say before you die

- 15 things to think about everyday

- 15 questions I want to ask you and the world

- 75 questions to ask yourself

It’s already November 17 and 2009 is on its way; even though there’s still about a month and two weeks left of 2008.

So what goals have you accomplished in this past year? Is your to-do list shorter or now even longer? Please share in the comment section below if you would like.

If you didn’t accomplish much then now’s the time to get ready for 2009. Here’s a few quick tips on how to do it.

Roll over your goals

Don’t give up just yet. Just cross out “2008” and write in “2009.”

Change when you want to accomplish a goal by

A lot of the times we write that we want to reach a goal in six months or by the end of the year; but we should consider decreasing the times. It creates a sense of urgency and puts a little positive pressure on you.

Look back to the past year

What have you been doing to try to accomplish your goals? Perhaps it’s not working. Remember: “If you want something you’ve never had before, you’ve got to do something you’ve never done before.” - Drina Reed

Adjust and approach your goals differently

Just like the quote says, try things you’ve never done before.

Have any other tips? Please share in the comments below.

Photo by THEMACGIRL*

“And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.”

John F. Kennedy’s speech still rings true today yet there are so many people who think because Barack Obama has been elected they can now sit back and let Mr. Obama and his administration take care of all their personal and financial problems.

These people are going to get an extremely rude awakening in the coming months and years. Because no matter who is President of the United States, they aren’t going to give you handouts nor should you want any. We all have to work harder to move our lives and this country into a positive direction.

Here are several ways you can help yourself, your family, and your country. There is at least one thing that each of us can do. Some of these are simple, and others difficult, but all are powerful and will produce change.

Take big risks

Remove money from your thoughts… Taking a big risk doesn’t need cash involved and now is certainly not the time to play games with your money. Nor is it a time to step back, curl up, or push your dreams aside. We need you to pursue your goals. If you want to start a business, bootstrap it and go for it! We need the jobs and innovation. If you want to land your dream job, then harness your uniqueness, work harder and especially work smarter.

Push all fear of embarrassment aside. Stomp on all your thoughts of failure because it’s no longer an option now that desperation has set in.

Drop the negative talk and thoughts about our future

There are people who are worried about the future of America because Barack has been elected, while others have called November 4, 2008 “a dark day in America.” Where are these people looking? Even if you don’t like Barack Obama, you have to admit you’ve never seen so much enthusiasm for a Presidential candidate. When he won, people were dancing in the streets, hugging, crying, and just being happy. How on Earth is that a sad day?

We need this positivity more than ever.

Point out those being racist

I’m shocked by the bigotry I have been hearing lately. I live in New Jersey, a state with racial and cultural diversity, but every week I’ve been encountering people’s racism. It’s beyond ridiculous and pathetic. 45 years later and Martin Luther King Jr’s dream still hasn’t truly been fulfilled.

Because of this election, people’s true colors are showing. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you know is right and call people out on their racism.

Take some responsibility and blame

The mortgage mess can’t solely be blamed on the banks or George Bush. Homeowners know the mortgages were too good to be true, yet they didn’t believe in the old saying. Corporate America did its part but so did you. The quicker you can get the blame game over, the quicker you can get back on track.

Voice your opinions

In the years of Mr. Obama’s presidency there are going to be things that get you angry. Don’t think your voice isn’t important or can’t be heard. Blog, talk on the radio, get on television, write, or even take to the streets in a peaceful protest.

Work harder

It’s time to celebrate the election of a new President but it is not a time to relax. We all have to dig deeper into ourselves and unleash the fire in our bellies.

If it’s a dim flame right now then throw some gasoline on it! The next four years will be full of ups and downs. When we’re at the bottom, we need to remember we can’t skate by, because “You can’t coast uphill” - Roger Crawford.

Understand that it doesn’t matter who is President

McCain, Obama, Bush; no matter who is the President, the opportunity to follow your dreams can never be taken away from you. But none of these people will hand you opportunities either. You have to go create and seize them yourself.

Whether the country is run by democrats or republicans it’s still America; a country where everyone can live their life, appreciate liberty, and pursue happiness if they truly desire it. It’s never been handed to anyone.

Enable the dreams of others

Where would we all be if everyone was told to follow their dreams?

When we are children, people tell us our possibilities are endless. But when we continue to dream into our teens and twenties, we’re told to get our head out of the clouds. Why is that?

As a nation we need to stop belittling the dreamers; it prevents them from becoming doers. Mothers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters; even your competition. They all have a right to pursue whatever it is that they desire and they deserve to be encouraged.

“Remember in the end, nobody wins, unless everybody wins.” – Bruce Springsteen

Have no fear

We do not have the time for it.

“There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Remember:

The platform needed for us to pursue the American dream has been laid since before 1776. Its supports have been strengthened by The Founding Fathers, countless Presidents, Martin Luther King, Jr., soldiers, and by every other American before us who has done good. Now it is our time to lay a new foundation for the future. A foundation not made of cement; but a foundation made out of hard work, risk, success, positivity, teamwork, creativity, dreams, heart and inextinguishable pride.

Photo by Obese Seagull Productions

Related articles

- Congrats Mr. Obama! But don’t forget your promises

- How to bail out yourself

- Why Obama being a celebrity is the greatest thing going for him and America

- 9 ways to take advantage of this terrible economy

- How to just do it

Your campaign was unprecedented and you deserve to celebrate. But you know your job had just begun. When you take over in January please don’t forget what you promised.

There’s nothing worse than broken promises and no one is more notorious for them than politicians. It’s what angers voters the most, yet it’s what brings us back in hopes that a new candidate will hold his or her promises.

Let us and Mr. Obama not lose focus on what he has pledged to do. Here are many significant promises he has proclaimed to America.

His promises to families and citizens:

- Cut taxes for working families earning less than $200,000.

- Freeze foreclosures for 90 days to help homeowners.

- Tax credit for buying fuel efficient cars.

- Provide tax credit to cover public college and university tuition in exchange for community service or service to the country.

- Lower healthcare costs by $2,500 a year for the average family.

His promises regarding businesses and the economy:

- Tax credit for businesses hiring new employees in US.

- Eliminate tax breaks for companies moving jobs overseas.

- Provide low cost loans to small businesses.

- Create 5 million jobs in the clean energy field.

- Assist auto makers in producing fuel efficient vehicles.

His promises regarding energy and the environment:

- Invest $15 billion a year in energy efficiencies and renewables.

- Tap natural gas reserves.

- Invest in clean coal technology.

- Expand domestic oil production.

His promises regarding education:

- Reform the “no child left behind” policy

- Invest in early childhood education.

- Hire more quality teachers.

- Provide them with higher salaries.

His promises regarding the war:

- End the war in Iraq.

- Refocus on Al Qaeda and Taliban.

His promises regarding health care:

- Improve information technology.

- Provide coverage of preventive services.

*- Lower healthcare costs by $2,500 a year for the average family. (Stated above)

His promises for seniors:

- Prevent the privatization of Social Security.

- Provide cheaper prescription drugs.

- Strengthen Medicare.

Regardless of what Mr. Obama promises for the future of America, you must do your part. Don’t wait and don’t expect to be provided handouts.

Are you facing foreclosure? Then you need to work harder and do whatever it is that it takes to get back on your feet.

Are you unemployed? Then you need to work harder to get ahead of your competition who are seeking the same jobs. Stand out, be unique.

Work hard, stand out, be creative, and create opportunities for yourself. It’s been the same recipe that has brought America from humble beginnings to the most powerful nation. And the same recipe applies today and will for the future. It’s the American way.

It is now officially confirmed, your possibilities are ENDLESS.

———————————————-
More of Mr. Obama’s promises can be read on his website here: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/ and you can also hear him speak about these promises in this video:

Photo by jetheriot

Related Articles:

- Why Obama being a celebrity is the greatest thing going for him and America

- 9 ways you can take advantage of this terrible economy

- How to bail out yourself