Finding Purpose
Why we need Purpose
“Without vision the people perish”. How true is this proverb? Without a purpose we can get caught up in just doing, going through the motions without stopping to ask why.
The more I coach people, the more I realise that most of them don’t know what their purpose is. It appears to be something that they know about, but they are not sure of its value. For those that do believe purpose is necessary, they often get caught up on over thinking it, or believe that it needs to be something big, loud, and amazing. The reality is, that purpose needs to be a congruent reflection and alignment of your passion, strengths, values, and beliefs. A purpose should provide enough direction to navigate forward and bring clarity to key decisions, while allowing new opportunities and possibilities to be explored.
One day a wealthy man was looking out to sea and saw a large sailing vessel. He mused how that he would like to have one because he could afford to and the idea of standing at the helm made him feel important. So, he purchased his own grand sailing vessel.
He busily went about preparing the vessel for a long voyage. He employed the best sailors, that had years of open ocean experience. The man worked tirelessly to get ready for his long, important journey. Many days passed, then weeks and months and the vessel had not left the port. Although the crew had been paid well, and the vessel was fully stocked, they became very restless and confronted the man about why they had not left port yet. The man replied, I don’t know what direction to go.
“Activity without direction is like been stuck in a revolving door”
Many of us are like the wealthy man who brought the sailing vessel, we busily go about life without a compelling reason as to why we do what we do. We let misaligned ideas and circumstances dictate our life direction. Consequently, we experience a lack of satisfaction, a loss of joy and a churning in our gut that drains our fulfilment.
Tony Robbins in “Date with Destiny” writes this about finding purpose https://www.tonyrobbins.com/stories/date-with-destiny/what-is-my-purpose/
1. SEARCH INWARD
The questions “What is my purpose in life?” and “How can I be happy?” are actually the same – and they have the same answer. You can never truly understand how to find your purpose by listening to others’ opinions and seeking outside approval.
2. PUT PURPOSE BEFORE GOALS
If you focus only on achieving short-term goals, you will never find your true passion or learn how to find your purpose. The goals you work toward must always be based on finding your purpose.
3. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU HAVE
Developing an abundance mindset is like opening your eyes to life: You will see beauty and goodness all around you. With this new perspective, your purpose in life becomes much clearer.
4. TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR LIFE
True fulfilment comes from designing your own life. This is how you unlock the extraordinary. To find your purpose, you must decide what’s truly right, and know it in your heart and soul.
5. THINK ABOUT WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY
Look back on your life and identify the times when you felt the most joy.
6. DEVELOP YOUR OWN LIFE VISION STATEMENT
Before you can ask yourself “What is my purpose?” you first have to know what an ideal world looks like and how you fit into it.
Think about a time when you were doing something that you were energised in, something that was easy for you to do, and it worked out well. Those times are good indicators of when you are working in alignment with your strengths, values, passion, and beliefs.
My 5 Learnings:
· Understand my passion, strengths, values, and beliefs
· Visualise what my best life looks like for myself and those around me
· Filter life through my purpose statement, rather than just being busy
· Do more of the things that bring me joy and fulfilment
· Avoid worrying about what I think others want from me and be true to my own purpose
There is nothing wrong with being aspirational and wanting to be more than you are, the key is what is directing your motivation. Purpose is like a compass, it points in the direction we need to go, but can’t tell us what we might face on the journey.
My 3 Questions for you:
· Do you know your Purpose in life?
· What do you need to do more of, that you love doing?
· Are you working in your strengths?
“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
Your purpose will be meaningful to you, and an Effective Purpose will include elements of the following:
· Strengths: What are you good at?
· Passion: What motivates you the most?
· Beliefs/Values: Why are you motivated?
· Solutions: What difference are you making?
· Others: Who are you helping?
If you need help in finding your Purpose, or if there is something you have questions about, please direct message me. I would be happy to chat with you.
