Let's talk about purpose shall we? Oh I know I know, - you already know your purpose right? Work. Going to the job daily to generate the bucks is not a purpose; it is a justification for going to work. Let me repeat so you understand- it is not the purpose of what you do. It seems to make sense and that is a logical thought process. I can kind of understand how that kind of thinking develops. But it is a huge error to think in that manner. This flawed thought process often leads to low morale and a lack of motivation. The powerful well of motivation is drained when you dont have a specific purpose. So you need to think about this.
So what is the absolute stone cold definition of purpose? As a motivational speaker the way I define purpose is the reason you are on here on the earth. Hmmm... deep!
So is there a method for finding your deep and meaningful life purpose? Yep it's pretty easy actually. 1) Hike to a remote village 2) Find the Medicine Man in the village 3) Ask to meet with him 4) Ask him what your purpose is 5) He will shake some bones and rattles and give you an answer 6) Go back to civilization and apply immediately. Wouldn't it be nice if it was so easy to solve? Look there is a lot involved in finding your purpose. It will involve work, thought and reflection. It will take time and some deep exploring- but the effort is worth it as you try to find " it". I want to give you some specific tips and techniques for finding your purpose:
The Sheet- Take out a pen and some paper ( your choice as to what kind) The more colorful and vibrant the better. Write down a list of all of your strengths. (Come on now dont be shy- it is just a list.) People have said to you at times " boy you are really good at that." Those are called your strengths. Now we have a page filled with a list of strengths gifts and talents. Stare at it. So do any patterns emerge? Any themes? Looking at the list let's say it is filled with things like tools, motors, hardware, maps, slide rulers, or welders. Maybe the theme for you is you are a builder of some kind and your purpose is to build something.
Get Real Carve out some free time and go away to a quiet place. Take a pen and pad, and get ready to write. Take the time to ask your self the following questions: 1) Someday when I am old and gray, what do I want to have accomplished? Why are those things important? What contribution would they have made? 2) What are two or three things that you will regret if you do not do them in your lifetime? What do you think would stand in your way if you don't get them done? Why? 3) Why were you born? Do you think you have specific gifts or talents you were meant to use? Why? Are you using them? If not why not? 4) Fill in the blank; I was meant to ______________________. Why do you think that? 5) What is very important to you? Why? After you have gone through these series of questions some patterns might emerge and you may be closer to uncovering your true purpose.
Ten With No Spin Now you are going to go to your panel of 10 advisors. Your objective is to do a little Q...A with each of them. This exercise also takes a little confidence. Ask each person "what do you think my strengths are? Ask Uncle Benny, your Mom, and close buddy. Ask your personal trainer and a co worker. I am sure your curiosity is wondering "Why?. Well it is actually interesting what other people may see in you that you dont. They may provide a whole new perspective. Now as the answers come in you have to sort and edit and decide which to listen to and which not. One caveat- don't have negative people do the survey. This information can be a wonderful tool to help discover your purpose. - 31955
So what is the absolute stone cold definition of purpose? As a motivational speaker the way I define purpose is the reason you are on here on the earth. Hmmm... deep!
So is there a method for finding your deep and meaningful life purpose? Yep it's pretty easy actually. 1) Hike to a remote village 2) Find the Medicine Man in the village 3) Ask to meet with him 4) Ask him what your purpose is 5) He will shake some bones and rattles and give you an answer 6) Go back to civilization and apply immediately. Wouldn't it be nice if it was so easy to solve? Look there is a lot involved in finding your purpose. It will involve work, thought and reflection. It will take time and some deep exploring- but the effort is worth it as you try to find " it". I want to give you some specific tips and techniques for finding your purpose:
The Sheet- Take out a pen and some paper ( your choice as to what kind) The more colorful and vibrant the better. Write down a list of all of your strengths. (Come on now dont be shy- it is just a list.) People have said to you at times " boy you are really good at that." Those are called your strengths. Now we have a page filled with a list of strengths gifts and talents. Stare at it. So do any patterns emerge? Any themes? Looking at the list let's say it is filled with things like tools, motors, hardware, maps, slide rulers, or welders. Maybe the theme for you is you are a builder of some kind and your purpose is to build something.
Get Real Carve out some free time and go away to a quiet place. Take a pen and pad, and get ready to write. Take the time to ask your self the following questions: 1) Someday when I am old and gray, what do I want to have accomplished? Why are those things important? What contribution would they have made? 2) What are two or three things that you will regret if you do not do them in your lifetime? What do you think would stand in your way if you don't get them done? Why? 3) Why were you born? Do you think you have specific gifts or talents you were meant to use? Why? Are you using them? If not why not? 4) Fill in the blank; I was meant to ______________________. Why do you think that? 5) What is very important to you? Why? After you have gone through these series of questions some patterns might emerge and you may be closer to uncovering your true purpose.
Ten With No Spin Now you are going to go to your panel of 10 advisors. Your objective is to do a little Q...A with each of them. This exercise also takes a little confidence. Ask each person "what do you think my strengths are? Ask Uncle Benny, your Mom, and close buddy. Ask your personal trainer and a co worker. I am sure your curiosity is wondering "Why?. Well it is actually interesting what other people may see in you that you dont. They may provide a whole new perspective. Now as the answers come in you have to sort and edit and decide which to listen to and which not. One caveat- don't have negative people do the survey. This information can be a wonderful tool to help discover your purpose. - 31955
About the Author:
Shawn Doyle is a well regarded Motivational Speaker and author of 10 books. For a free copy of Shawn's book The 10 Foundations of Motivation, go to http://sldoyle.com.
