How to Find Your Purpose in Life
Dr. Laura's Deep Dive Podcast
Deep Dive
What was Dr. Laura's journey to finding her purpose in life?
Dr. Laura's journey to finding her purpose was non-linear and involved multiple career shifts. She initially wanted to be a weather girl, then a dancer, and later pursued a PhD in Physiology from Columbia University. Despite earning her PhD, she realized her heart wasn’t in research and transitioned to teaching. She eventually found her calling in radio and marriage and family therapy, which she has been doing for about 40 years.
Why did Dr. Laura quit her academic career despite earning a PhD?
Dr. Laura quit her academic career because she disliked research, which was a requirement for teaching at the university level. She enjoyed teaching but didn’t want to pursue research, leading her to leave academia and explore other opportunities, including radio and therapy.
What advice does Dr. Laura give for finding one's purpose in life?
Dr. Laura advises experimenting with different paths, being patient, and not expecting to know your purpose immediately. She suggests shadowing professionals, volunteering, and gaining exposure to various fields to discover what aligns with your interests and lifestyle.
How does Dr. Laura define a meaningful life?
Dr. Laura defines a meaningful life as one where your existence makes someone else’s life better. She emphasizes that purpose can come from various roles, such as being a parent, spouse, or community member, or through a job or service that positively impacts others.
What does Dr. Laura suggest for someone unsure about their career path?
Dr. Laura suggests starting with the lifestyle you want and then finding a career that fits into that lifestyle. She encourages people to be honest about their values, goals, and desired work-life balance, and to work backward from there to determine the right career path.
Why does Dr. Laura discourage Brianna from becoming a therapist?
Dr. Laura discourages Brianna from becoming a therapist because it requires a significant time commitment and may not align with her desired lifestyle of raising children. Instead, she recommends Brianna volunteer in pet care, which would be more fulfilling and flexible for her goals.
What does Dr. Laura recommend for someone feeling stuck in their career?
Dr. Laura recommends experimenting with different roles and being open to new opportunities. She emphasizes that finding one’s purpose often happens by accident and encourages patience and exploration, especially in one’s 20s.
How does Dr. Laura advise Katie, who is battling terminal cancer, to balance work and health?
Dr. Laura advises Katie to reduce her workload rather than quit entirely. She suggests cutting down hours or days to maintain a sense of purpose while prioritizing her health and quality of life.
What does Dr. Laura say about pursuing dreams when you have a family to support?
Dr. Laura advises that when you have a family to support, your primary responsibility is to ensure their well-being. She discourages pursuing personal dreams that could jeopardize financial stability, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice and practicality.
- Dr. Laura's initial career aspirations included being a weather girl, dancer, and scientist.
- She obtained a PhD in Physiology from Columbia University but ultimately found her calling in radio and therapy.
- Her career path was accidental, highlighting the unpredictable nature of finding one's purpose.
Shownotes Transcript