Three Steps to Discovering Your Purpose
A few weeks ago I was talking to someone who had spent time going through my Non-Financial Planning Workbook for a Successful Retirement. While they found the workbook helpful and thought-provoking, they really struggled with discerning their sense of purpose. "I have trouble deciding what to have for breakfast, let alone deciding what my purpose is in the third act of life," he said. And I don't think he's alone. However, I believe we can overcome this challenge.
Determining what your purpose is in any stage of life is both an incredible privilege and a great challenge. In this article, I want to suggest a simple, three step process to help you explore your feelings and options. By the end, you will have a practical tool that you can immediately use to give your life a meaningful direction.
Three steps to the process of discovering the purpose of your life:
Understanding the principle of choice
Creating your “underlying principle”
Aligning your actions with your core principle
Understanding The Principle of Choice
In the words of Norman Vincent Peale, the power of choice is the greatest power we possess. If you have been feeling unhappy, you have the ability to choose joy. With effort, you can lift yourself from the depths of despair into a state of joy. Similarly, if fear has been holding you back, you can choose courage and overcome your fears. The choices we make shape the trajectory and quality of our lives.
Your mind's most crucial activity is choosing. By making a choice, you are communicating your desires to your subconscious mind. Once your subconscious mind understands what you truly want, it will work relentlessly to bring those desires to fruition. The choices you make become your goals, and with sincerity and determination, there is no reason why you cannot achieve them.
Indecision, on the other hand, leads to frustration, anxiety, and confusion for both your conscious and subconscious mind. It is crucial that the choices you make are in alignment with your true desires, purposes, and aptitude. Often, we let others or societal expectations dictate our choices, even if it means going against our own wishes. However, what may be right for someone else may not be right for you. The key is to listen to your heart and trust your intuition.
To begin this transformative journey, start by making a list of things that truly interest you. Identify the activities that bring you joy, inspire you, and motivate you to overcome obstacles. Are you drawn to creativity or artistry? Do you find solace in nature or by the sea? Does helping others bring you fulfillment? By discovering what brings you pleasure and fulfillment, you can pave the way for a life that is truly meaningful and satisfying.
Whatever it is that interests you, write it down and answer these questions:
What is it that you love about this activity and why?
How would people describe you when they see you doing this activity?
Who do you become when you're doing this activity?
Could you utilize this activity to serve a need in the world?
Creating Your Underlying Principle
Take a moment to review the list you just created. Look for any recurring themes or patterns that stand out. It could be a recurring desire to contribute or make a difference, a passion for seeking or giving love, or a dedication to helping your parents as they age. Whatever it may be, try to identify the central theme that encompasses the things you truly love to do. Once you've identified it, condense it into a short and precise statement - your very own "Mission Statement". This statement can be inspired by a quote from a famous person or a personal philosophy that has influenced you. As you grow and evolve, your Mission Statement may change, but its essence will always remain the same. Now, take a moment to write down your Mission Statement.
Aligning Your Actions with Your Core Principle
Ready to live a life of purpose? The key is to align your daily activities with your underlying principles. It may seem like a small change, but it can make a huge difference in your overall enthusiasm and fulfillment. This involves mapping out your path towards your ultimate purpose and making changes in your daily life that align with your core principles. By making small adjustments to your lifestyle, you can begin living out your purpose on a daily basis. It may take some time, but by becoming aware and intentional about your underlying principles, you will start to feel a renewed enthusiasm for life.
If spending time in nature brings you joy, plan a vacation that allows you to recharge your energy amidst the beauty of the outdoors. If helping others is your passion, seek out volunteer opportunities in your community or consider a career change that aligns with your mission.
By following the steps outlined above, you can embark on a journey to find and live out your purpose. Throughout this process, it's essential to remember the inspiring words of Steve Maraboli: "You were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose, and to do it courageously."
There’s a whole lot more to planning a successful retirment than dollars and cents. My newly revised Non-Financial Planning Workbook for a Successful Retirement encapsulates the things I’ve learned from my clients and my own retirment planning. Download your copy today. Or schedule a complimentary consultation with me to see if coaching is right for you.
