You can’t be a student of personal development without running into the subject of living a purpose driven life. The idea that we would connect what we do each and every day to a larger purpose or meaning in our life is a wonderful thing. But many people struggle to define this.
I feel very fortunate to live my life centered on my purpose. I was 18 when I read a book that inspired me to write my personal mission statement and a governing principle that I would live my life by. Almost thirty years later, I feel as connected to my personal mission as I did the day I wrote it, “To be a stand for greatness in myself and others”. And my governing principle, “To live my life with excellence” is still what guides and motivates me to be the best version of myself and the person I strive to be in my personal relationships, my career and the way I interact with the world.
These concepts work, but we have to take the time to think about and create them. When I work with people who are unclear of these bigger concepts, I invite them to consider instead, individual situations in their life and how they would like to relate to them. Sometimes it’s easier to envision the big picture by taking it on one-step or situation at a time.
One way to do this is to write down all the areas and roles of your life (spouse, parent, friend, employee/manager, civic volunteer, little league coach, etc.). For each role, ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I value?
- How do I want to relate to others?
- What inspires me?
- What gifts do I have that I can offer others and the world?”
When you define these roles in a deeper way, you begin to open up new ways of seeing life and therefore, new ways of interacting with it.
My invitation to each of you reading this post is to reconsider how you might normally approach New Year’s. Rather than think of resolutions and the few things you want to change this year, think about what your life would look like if you first started with a larger vision for yourself, a roadmap that would guide you beyond one or two quick fixes, but would instead inspire a new direction that would last for years.
Make 2016 your best year yet! I would love to help you take your life to the next level. If you’re interested in learning more, I encourage you to sign up for a complimentary coaching session.
Please share this post with your friends and help me make the world a better place for us to all live.