Not long ago I happened upon a book that changed the way I see myself. It's called Secrets of a Buccaneer Scholar: How Self-Education and Pursuit of a Passion Can Lead to a Lifetime of Success, by James Marcus Bach. Since I've always been an information hound, studying interests on my own, the title intrigued me. Bach's general philosophy is that true learning happens when the student studies something that genuinely interests her - not because she needs grades, credits or credentials.

Many of us who find ourselves out of step with the majority of people around us are motivated more by passions or purpose than by outward rewards like social standing. Using purpose as a sort of anchor can help us stay grounded during times when life seems out of tune. Defining your purpose (it is self-defined; no one else can tell you what it is) can be the first step to establishing a life that feels authentic.