Purpose is hard to define, but obvious when people have it. Regardless of age, people who know their purpose are usually happier, healthier, and look forward to each day. People with purpose are stable. When life gets rocky, instead of giving up, they use their purpose as an anchor to make it through the tough times. What inspires you to get up in the morning? If you don’t have a clue, perhaps you haven’t yet discovered your purpose.
It’s also obvious that when people have not yet discovered their purpose, they tend to be bored. Most of the time, they are tired, depressed and dissatisfied with life. If you’re doing something that you’re good at and are successful but don’t like it, you’re not “on purpose!”
So what is purpose? Steven Covey describes it this way: “Deep within each one of us there is an inner longing to live a life of greatness and contribution to really matter—to really make a difference.” A purposeful life means being in your element. Your purpose is a deep treasure buried inside of you, just waiting to be discovered. And the good news is that you can discover it anytime you want.
So why don’t we all know our purpose? Aren’t we taught to seek it out? Not really. We are trained and educated to think that the purpose of life equals social status, a high profile career, accumulating wealth, winning, and being powerful and popular. I’m sure you know people who appear to have it all, but who are incredibly unhappy and don’t know why.
Another negative influence are social norms —– a part of childhood where you learn how to act in relation to everyone else. Getting good grades, doing what is expected and following set standards are all examples of social norms. This is not a problem unless it interferes with people discovering their unique talents and gifts. Unfortunately some of these are not always nurtured when we are growing up and ultimately become smothered.
So what exactly does it take to discover our own purpose? First, we must get quiet and move our awareness from inside. Then, ask ourselves these questions, each and everyday:
Why am I alive today?
How can I serve?
What do I really want in my life?
What are my innate strengths?
What do I enjoy doing the most that makes me come alive?
Where can I add the greatest value?
There are many other ways people find their purpose, from life’s aha moments to being inspired by nature, art or an amazing teacher or mentor. Having a sense of purpose promotes physical, mental and spiritual health. People who live their life with purpose are usually healthier, happier and also live longer.
Many people who have retired feel that they have lost their sense of value because they are no longer working at a job. But you don’t need a job to make a difference. One of the positive perks about getting older is you can finally take the time to discover what it is that you really love and how you can make the world a better place.
So isn’t it worth finding spending some time to discover your purpose? Don’t be a person that is smothered by expectations, life demands, or just be in survival mode. You are so much better than that! Let your inside light shine on everyone! Now is the time to gravitate towards things that inspire you and make you feel more alive! Start living your life on purpose and watch your life change.
I promise you will notice a huge difference!