FINDING PURPOSE TIPS
One question we all ask at one time or another is ‘What is my purpose in life?’ Aristotle in the fourth century wondered what was life’s purpose or the idea that everything in life has purpose. Fast forward to today where we live in a fast-paced, technology-enabled and success-driven world, finding our purpose is more important than ever.
In this crazy world we live in, many people spend their lives reacting to situations rather than responding to them based on their values while trying to understand how these events link to their purpose. Before we outline steps to help you find your purpose we need to debunk some purpose myths.
Purpose Myths
Goals are not purpose, they are simply clear intentions of what you want to achieve. Purpose does not have an end, a sense of accomplishment. Purpose lives and breaths in every thought, action, and decision.
Values are not purpose, but they are clearly linked to our purpose. Being clear on your values, of what is important and what you will and not accept are important and contribute to your life purpose.
Positions are not purpose. The job you do, the position you hold, the amount of money you make or the degree you have is not your purpose. They do contribute to your purpose but they are the roles your play in your life.
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.
Finding Your Purpose
So how do we find our purpose?
1. Reflect
Take time to look within. Everything you need is within you. List your questions, explore the possible answers, access your beliefs, and look at your achievements.
2. Gratitude
Look at what you have. An abundance mindset is one the keys attributes to purpose. Look around you and see all the beauty and goodness and make a list of all the wonderful things you have and that are going well.
3. Personal Responsibility
To live a life with purpose we need to understand that you are the designer of your life. You are powerful so don’t let fear and anxiety drive your decision-making. When you take responsibility for your current life, you can move forward to designing a purposeful life.
4. Needs
Lack of awareness of your needs can hijack your purpose if it is based on other peoples needs. Fulfilment begins with your inner-most needs.
5. Passion
What brings you joy, what lifts you up? Where do you get your energy from? Look closely at what activities and skills that come naturally to you that bring you joy.
6. Vision
What vision do you have for your life? What do your friends and family want remember you for? It’s important to take the time to envisage the life you want to create. What legacy do you want to leave?
Wrap Up
Finding your purpose takes time and for some almost a lifetime. Take time for yourself to explore these steps and get to know yourself better. Acceptance who you are so you can design who you will become as you live your purpose. Be flexible and give your purpose journey the space to evolve. Let go of old identities, roles, values, and interests that no longer serve you and open up yourself to the many possibilities your life purpose could be.