By Larry Julian
A memorable Larry King Live program featured Dr. Robert H. Schuller and his son, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Schuller. They were discussing uncertainty and the role God played. In rapid-fire succession, Larry King shot questions at the pastors: “Why did God allow the tsunami to kill so many people in Southeast Asia? Why did so many people have to die from Hurricane Katrina?

The tension diffused as the younger pastor calmly responded, “Larry, the real question isn’t how or why we’re going to die. We’re all going to die. The real question is ‘How are we going to live?’”

We live in a world that demands answers. The fortune telling industry remains strong because people want to know their future. Think about it. Do you really want to know your future? Rather than demanding an answer, choose to live with the question.

While we can’t know the future, we can see the direction we’re headed. How? We become what we believe and do every day. As David Allen said, “As a man thinketh, he becomes.” To glimpse your future, take a hard look at your present. Your honest responses to these five questions will give you clarity regarding your direction.

1. Who are you? (Platform)

Emerson once said, “Who you are speaks so loudly, I can hardly hear what you are saying.” In today’s soundbite world, we communicate what we do but not necessarily who we are. The customer needs to trust who you are before they’ll buy your products and services. Take the time to flesh out your true beliefs and values. Knowing and living your core values will build your personal brand and ultimately the success of your business.

2. What matters most? (Priority)

Keep the important things important. Urgent demands and daily activities can easily consume our day. Often, the things that matter most take a back seat to urgent, but less important, demands. Hidden in our busy days are the things that matter the most. Identifying what’s most important to you will help you place priority on what really matters.

3. Where are you? (Perspective)

The right perspective will determine the right direction. Challenging circumstances can cloud your judgment and send you down a wrong path. “Where are you?” is the first recorded question God asked man after Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden. God was more interested in Adam’s internal perspective rather than his external circumstances. God wasn’t asking the question for His benefit, but for Adam’s. Before you make a critical business or life decision, allow yourself to see your world through God’s eyes.

4. What Purpose do you serve?

God created you with a purpose beyond earning a paycheck. Discovering your unique giftedness can help you determine your life’s purpose. Your unique giftedness can be found in the intersection of “what you love to do” with “what you naturally do well.” The five clues to your purpose are:

1. What are your natural abilities?
2. What do you love to do?
3. What’s the ideal environment that triggers your motivation?
4. What types of relationships bring out the best in you?
5. What provides you the greatest satisfaction?

When you discover your gifts and put them to work in service to others, your work and life will come alive with a renewed passion.

5. What is your definition of success? (Prosperity)

We seem to be presented with a dilemma. The world defines success as achieving a specific outcome; measuring success in money, possessions and gain. God, however, defines success by the journey. Success is measured by our service – to people and to a greater good. We commonly view this dilemma as an internal struggle between right and wrong. We seem to be presented with a disturbing choice; either we embrace bottom-line success and turn from God, or we accept God’s principles and suffer whatever negative consequences come our way.

Can we be both spiritually prosperous and financially successful? Yes, but more importantly, I believe that success is producing our best effort regardless of the outcome.

Once again, the real question we need to consider is this: How am I going to live? Live today utilizing the gifts God gave you. The outcome will take care of itself.

Larry Julian is a speaker, coach, and author of the bestselling business book, God is My CEO, and God is My Success. His newest book, God is My Coach: A Business Leader’s Guide to Finding Clarity in an Uncertain World guides leaders through critical decisions. Visit www.larryjulian.com to learn more.