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Play by Play

Finding Your Purpose - Understanding Your Impact on the World

Gary Bolles

We all want more meaning in our lives. Here are some insights and exercises to help you gain a better understanding of what you’re here on the planet to do.

You’ve probably asked yourself, “How can I find more meaning, both inside and outside of work? What’s my purpose in life?" Perhaps even questioning, "What am I here on the planet to do?" This course will help you begin to navigate the process of developing your own answers to those questions. You’ll learn about creating “the user manual of you,” understanding your own “spectrum of purpose,” the four most important elements of purpose, and you’ll do several brief exercises to explore ideas for finding more meaning in your work and your life.

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Purpose Meaning in Life Self-discovery Empathy Spectrum of Purpose User Manual of You Technical Skills for Purpose

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introduction

Your Spectrum of Purpose

Developing Empathy

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops understanding of purpose, which is useful for personal growth and development

Taught by Gary Bolles, who is recognized for his work in personal growth and development

Examines purpose, which is highly relevant in an academic setting

Suitable for beginners who want to build a foundation in understanding their purpose

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Reviews summary

Finding life's purpose and impact

According to learners, this course is a transformative and thought-provoking experience that guides participants in understanding their personal purpose and global impact. Many commend the engaging instructor and the clarity of the insights provided. The brief but powerful exercises, such as creating a 'user manual of you', are frequently highlighted as beneficial tools for self-discovery and introspection. While some learners found it a valuable starting point for deep reflection, a few noted it might be too abstract or general for those seeking highly concrete career advice or who have already undertaken extensive self-exploration.

Provides practical frameworks for self-discovery and purpose.

"The 'user manual of you' concept was a revelation. It helped me articulate my values..."

"I found the 'spectrum of purpose' particularly interesting."

"The three kinds of permission concept was very insightful."

Instructor praised for clarity, empathy, and engaging style.

"A very thoughtful course that encourages deep introspection. The speaker is engaging and shares valuable insights."

"The instructor's empathetic approach made it easy to connect with the material."

"Short, sweet, and to the point. It sparked a lot of ideas and helped me reframe my approach."

Helps clarify personal values and life's purpose effectively.

"Absolutely transformative! The 'user manual of you' concept was a revelation. It helped me articulate my values and identify areas where I can truly make an impact."

"This course really challenged me to think about my 'why.' It's not a step-by-step guide, but rather a profound discussion that empowers you to find your own answers."

"I loved how it integrated the idea of technical skills into finding purpose... provided a great framework for that. Very inspiring."

More philosophical; less focused on direct career application.

"My only minor critique is that I wished there were more concrete examples for applying these concepts directly in a corporate setting."

"Found it a bit too abstract for my taste. I was hoping for something more structured to define my career path, but it was more philosophical."

"I needed more actionable steps."

Ideal for new learners, less for those with prior self-study.

"Decent overview of self-purpose, but much of it felt like common sense or things I'd encountered in other self-help books. Good starting point for absolute beginners."

"It's a foundational course, so don't expect a deep dive into specific career strategies."

"I was hoping for something more structured... felt a bit too basic for my level."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Play by Play: Finding Your Purpose - Understanding Your Impact on the World with these activities:

Review Course Syllabus

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Prepare for the course by reviewing the syllabus to get a better understanding of the course topics, the schedule, and the assignments.

Show steps

Read the syllabus thoroughly
Identify key topics and concepts
Create a study plan based on the schedule

Engage in Volunteer Work that Aligns with Your Interests

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Discover and refine your passions by volunteering for organizations that resonate with your interests.

Browse courses on Volunteering

Show steps

Identify organizations that align with your values
Offer your time and skills to support their mission
Reflect on your experiences and gain insights into your purpose

Follow Tutorials on Purpose Finding Techniques

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Enhance your understanding of purpose finding techniques by following guided tutorials.

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Search for online tutorials on purpose finding techniques
Select tutorials that resonate with your interests
Complete the tutorials and apply the techniques in your own life

Four other activities

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Connect with Mentors Who Share Your Values

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Obtain guidance and support by connecting with mentors who share your values and aspirations.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify potential mentors in your field or industry
Reach out to them and express your interest in their mentorship
Build a mutually beneficial relationship based on respect and open communication

Write a Personal 'Spectrum of Purpose'

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Develop a deeper understanding of your values, interests, and goals by creating a personal 'spectrum of purpose'.

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Reflect on your experiences and identify your core values
Consider your interests and passions
Explore potential career paths and opportunities
Combine these elements to create your 'spectrum of purpose'

Design a Career Vision Board

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Visualize your dream career by creating a career vision board.

Browse courses on Career Planning

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Collect images, quotes, and words that represent your aspirations
Arrange them on a board or digital canvas
Use the vision board as a reminder of your goals and values

Develop a Personal 'Meaning Map'

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Create a visual representation of your purpose and values by developing a personal 'meaning map'.

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List your values, interests, and goals
Organize them into categories and subcategories
Connect the elements to create a visual map
Use the map to identify areas for personal growth and development

Career center

Learners who complete Play by Play: Finding Your Purpose - Understanding Your Impact on the World will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Nonprofit Executive Director

A Nonprofit Executive Director leads a nonprofit organization and is responsible for its overall success. This role requires a deep understanding of nonprofit management and fundraising, as well as the ability to build relationships with donors and stakeholders. This course may be helpful in understanding your purpose in the nonprofit sector, developing empathy, and understanding your impact on the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Executive Director

Teacher

A Teacher plans and delivers instruction to students in a classroom setting. This role requires a deep understanding of education principles and practices, as well as the ability to build relationships with students from diverse backgrounds. This course may be helpful for developing empathy, understanding your impact on the world, and developing your teaching skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people overcome challenges and achieve their goals. This role requires a deep understanding of social work principles and practices, as well as the ability to build relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds. This course may be useful for developing empathy, understanding your impact on the world, and developing your social work skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Life Coach

A Life Coach helps people identify and achieve their personal and professional goals. This role requires a deep understanding of human behavior and development, as well as the ability to build strong relationships with clients. This course may be helpful for developing empathy, understanding your impact on the world, and developing your coaching skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Life Coach

Executive Coach

An Executive Coach helps leaders develop their skills and achieve their goals. This role requires a deep understanding of leadership and organizational development, as well as the ability to build strong relationships with clients. This course may be useful for developing empathy, understanding your impact on the world, and developing your coaching skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Executive Coach

Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager oversees all aspects of human resources for an organization. This role requires a deep understanding of employment law and regulations, as well as the ability to build relationships with employees at all levels. This course may be useful for developing empathy, understanding your impact on the world, and developing your leadership skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Organizational Development Consultant

An Organizational Development Consultant helps organizations improve their performance and achieve their goals. This role requires a deep understanding of organizational development principles and practices, as well as the ability to build relationships with clients at all levels. This course may be useful for developing empathy, understanding your impact on the world, and developing your consulting skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Consultant

Management Consultant

A Management Consultant provides advice and support to organizations on a variety of business issues. This role requires a deep understanding of business principles and practices, as well as the ability to build relationships with clients at all levels. This course may be useful for developing empathy, understanding your impact on the world, and developing your consulting skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

A Diversity and Inclusion Manager creates a welcoming and inclusive workplace for employees from all backgrounds. This role requires a deep understanding of diversity and inclusion issues and how to create a culture of respect and belonging. This course may be particularly helpful for you in developing empathy and understanding your impact on the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and executes projects to achieve specific goals. This role requires a deep understanding of project management principles and practices, as well as the ability to build relationships with team members and stakeholders. This course may be useful for developing empathy, understanding your impact on the world, and developing your project management skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This role requires a deep understanding of marketing principles and practices, as well as the ability to build relationships with customers and partners. This course may be particularly helpful in developing empathy, understanding your impact on the world, and developing your marketing skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Education Consultant

An Education Consultant provides guidance and support to students and families as they navigate the education system. This role requires a deep understanding of education policies and practices, as well as the ability to build relationships with students and families from diverse backgrounds. This course may be helpful in understanding your purpose in the field of education and developing empathy for the students and families you serve.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Consultant

Public relations manager

A Public Relations Manager develops and executes public relations campaigns to promote organizations and their products or services. This role requires a deep understanding of public relations principles and practices, as well as the ability to build relationships with the media and other stakeholders. This course may be particularly helpful in developing empathy, understanding your impact on the world, and developing your public relations skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Sales Manager

A Sales Manager leads a sales team and is responsible for achieving sales targets. This role requires a deep understanding of sales principles and practices, as well as the ability to build relationships with customers and partners. This course may be useful for developing empathy, understanding your impact on the world, and developing your sales management skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Community Outreach Specialist

A Community Outreach Specialist connects with local residents to help them identify and meet their needs. In this role, you need to have a deep understanding of community issues and how to support people from various backgrounds. This course may be helpful for developing empathy and understanding your impact on the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Outreach Specialist

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Play by Play: Finding Your Purpose - Understanding Your Impact on the World.

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2021

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Provides practical advice on finding a job or career that good fit for your skills and interests. It can be used as a supplement to the course, providing more in-depth information on career exploration and job search strategies.

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2021: Your Guide to a...

Paperback

Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old?

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Explores the importance of living a purpose-driven life. It provides practical advice on how to identify your purpose, and how to use it to achieve your goals.

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Play by Play

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Finding life's purpose and impact

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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