Professor Martin:

I have answered all 33 questions from your "Finding Your Purpose" page, and it seems that I have two different things that keep appearing. Although related, each of these things would lead me down a different road. This has me feeling some what torn. Both of these things are equally appealing to me. What should I do?

Hey Friend:

Thanks for writing me. I understand what you're going through (I’ve experienced it myself).

It's somewhat common to have a passion that directs or leads you in two different directions. We are God's magnificent creatures, and most of us have multiple skills, talents, and abilities. It's very frustrating sometimes, but believe it or not, a split in purpose is a good problem to have. The other alternative is not to have any options at all. I've found myself in a similar predicament with my speaking and teaching careers (even my ambition to write, to an extent, has caused me some confusion).

Here's some advice to help you with competing or contradicting life pursuits:

1. Distinguish between what you like and what you love.

Do you love to study medicine or do you just find it interesting; what about music and art? How do you FEEL about them (love or like)? Love and like are not the same things. Things that we like, we often times lose interest in or lack the necessary commitment to sustain the journey. However, that "thing" which we love will continue to burn in us forever. Could you imagine Stephen Spielberg getting tired of making movies or Michael Jordan NOT willing to pay the price to be the best basketball player on the planet. My suggestion - study what you like, and live what you love (even if it's only on a part-time basis).

I think art and music are a natural combination. The key is to find someone who has traveleled this road before. That's what I did when I left my public relations job to pursue teaching and speaking (my passion). Understand that whatever you're going through in life, SOMEBODY, SOMEWHERE has probably gone through the exact same thing. The key is finding them.

2. Look at the motives behind both pursuits.

Everything we do (even though most don't do it) should be done to serve others while serving God. One way to eliminate your options is to check the integrity of your motives. Ask yourself, that which I want to pursue, do I want to do it to serve God or my ego (i.e., money, fame, prestige, status, respect, power, etc.)? That simple question helped me avoid pursuing a career in politics (long story).

3. Remember that God allows U-turns.

As long as you do and pursue things for the right reasons, you will always find peace in your choices (note, I didn't say success -- unless peace falls within your definition of success). I've chosen to pursue my speaking career full time and teach only part time. Understand that this is a major decision for me, because I like teaching so much, and it offers me and my family a lot of stability. But what if I'm wrong? -- who cares? God allows U-turns. As long as you're breathing, it's never too late to become what you might have been. Remember that.

I hope this helps at least a little. If you have any other questions, please let me know. And thanks for visiting our campus. Please keep in touch. God bless.

Living Purposefully -- Professor Martin