If nothing changed in your life over the next five years, would you be okay with that? Are you among 87 percent of the global workforce who, according to Gallup’s 142-country study, are not engaged at work? In a rapidly changing world, our quest to find our own purpose is more critical than ever – and it’s within our reach.
While 90 percent of the population does not feel as though they are living a passionate life on purpose, there is a silver lining. Each of us has the ability to discover our purpose, including our interests, gifts and natural talents, to reveal what inspires and energizes us.
“When you find your purpose, you live a more enriching and personally meaningful life, and you increase your fulfillment and success,” “If you do not have a purpose in life, then your purpose is to find your purpose.”
It takes some time, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Following are some of his recommendations from his book (now an ecourse as well) The Quest For Purpose, on how to define your purpose and live a purposeful life.
1. Become More Self Aware
Self awareness allows us to make intentional decisions and is foundational to living a life on purpose. Though 95 percent of people believe they are self-aware, only 10 percent of an individual’s self awareness is aligned with how others perceive them. To become more self aware:
- Gain a deeper understanding of your own personality development. Look at characteristics like self-worth levels, biophysical influences, personal style preferences, environmental systems, social teachers, emotional anchors and spirituality (belief systems). Focus more on your strengths than your weaknesses.
- Define your values. What are the fundamental beliefs that guide and motivate your attitudes and actions? Clarifying and articulating your values lowers your stress while boosting your will power, openness and resilience. Moreover, your values drive the decisions that you make.
- Reflect on your interests. We are empowered by our interests, which nourish us and help us to survive, even thrive, in difficult times. Our interests compel us and require no motivation. They may change their form and shape throughout our life but their essence endures.
2. Embrace an On Purpose Mindset
Be optimistic. Optimists are more successful because they own their own success. Unlike pessimists, they project success into other parts of their life, and into their future. To live on purpose, avoid the roadblocks of fear and worry. Most things that you fear and worry about never materialize.
3. Embody On Purpose Traits
Research confirms the following qualities contribute to living a meaningful life: forgiveness, integrity, gratitude, not worrying about what others say or think about you, love of learning, avoiding distractions, humor, persistence, love, and the power of association (you become who you associate with).
4. Listen to Your Clues
Are you paying attention to the clues your life leaves you? Focusing on the positive, identify your:
- 10 most important experiences
- 10 most exciting experiences
- 10 most peaceful experiences
- 7 greatest passions
5. Write (Journal) Your Positive Review
Give yourself some time to document what interests, intrigues and fascinates you. Disregarding any neutrals or negatives, include only positives. Identify the things you enjoy and are most passionate about in these key areas:
- Senses: favorite smells, tastes, sights, sounds, touches
- People: who and why do they inspire you?
- Places: geographically where?
- Intellectual: ideas, inventions, concepts
- Experiences: those that energize you
- Belonging: memberships, associations, groups
- Learning: formal and information education
- Work (serving): paid and unpaid (volunteer)
6. Define Your Purpose
Do a simple analysis of your assessments thus far by identifying key words that energize or embody you. Select 12 words as the foundation for your purpose. Write your purpose like it is your mission statement. All you need is one positive, aspirational sentence.
7. Envision Your Success
Make yourself accountable by setting goals. What do you want to do, and how will you get there? Envision your success by developing vision statements in key areas of your life, including: self, family, relatives, friends, learning, spirituality, public policy, social life, recreation, physical health, community service, financial portfolio and career/calling.
We all aspire to be happy in the moment and to have some idea of where we want to go. Having direction and clarity is foundational for establishing purpose in your life. You owe it to yourself, and to the world.
To affirm the importance of clarifying purpose, I went through this transformative process in 1989 with coach Mike McManus, at a time when coaching was not widely recognized. Now, as a life, business, and executive coach, I’m passionate about helping others find their purpose and achieve their fullest potential. If you’re ready to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and purpose, reach out !
Until next time,
keep Living On Purpose!
