Life has a way of throwing things at us that seem to be a series of tests constantly challenging us to see what we are made of; how you handle those tests will determine your success. Each person will handle those tests in their own way based on prior experiences. Often it is not until we reach a point in life that we look back and see our true purpose and what strengths we bring to the table.

This happened recently to me as I was finishing up my latest book “You’re Not Done Yet!” As I wrote out the chapters I realized that my life is much like a newspaper article. Using the questions that a reporter would use to develop a story can also be used to find focus in our lives as entrepreneurs. Over time I have realized why I have developed the way that I have and the reason I feel strongly about certain things.

If you haven’t heard of the questions used by reporters when they are creating articles for news stories it is really quite basic. Although I am not a journalist by nature I have found using those same questions can be very effective at finding focus for my business. The questions every reporter uses is, “Why, What, When, Who, Where, and How?” Why did that event happen? What happened? When did it happen? Who was involved? Where did it happen? How did it happen? With that basic information a story can be put together and the important facts would be covered. What if you used those same facts to find the focus in your life?

Why do you think the way you do? What do you feel strongly about? When in your life did you begin to struggle or excel in certain areas? Who are you now as opposed to who you were as a kid? Where are you in life? How did you get there? If you were to answer those questions honestly you will start to see patterns from your life that can be used to give it focus. It can help you focus on the future or even help you realize issues from the past.

Over my life I have done many things from driving semi trucks across North America to starting an art business and creating podcasts. When people ask what I do for a living I often don’t know what to tell them and usually just tell them I am a creative entrepreneur. It may look like I am throwing mud at a wall and hoping something sticks when truly all of those different projects are doing the same thing for different audiences.

All of my businesses basically help others have successful businesses and careers by showing people that have gone before them. One audience is the transportation community, one audience is creative entrepreneurs, one audience is young people, and another audience is kids. Different platforms and different topics all doing the same thing, helping people have better lives.

What is your purpose for your life? What have you found to be the common denominator in what you do? It can be a struggle to find that focus, that one thing, but it can also be very rewarding when you do. It can change your life and the lives of those around you, take a moment to think about it.

Need help finding the focus for your life? Check out Bruce’s book You’re Not Done Yet!

About the Author

Bruce Outridge is an artist, author, podcast producer, and television host from Burlington Ontario Canada helping people improve their businesses, careers, and life. His latest book “You’re Not Done Yet” encourages people to follow their passions and dreams with focus. You can learn more about Bruce and his work at www.bruceoutridge.com and his latest book is available in Amazon or from his website and is available in both paperback and eBook formats. Get your copy today!