But what if you don’t know or can’t articulate your purpose?
Of course, the first thing I’m going to say is “Work with a
coach!” There, I said it.
A life purpose or noble goal always involves helping other
people in some way. Becoming a millionaire,
skiing the most difficult slope, dating the hottest woman/man aren’t really life
purpose statements. They can certainly
be goals, but once achieved, then what? When
we have a PURPOSE in our lives that involves helping others, we have a meaning for living, and maybe even a legacy to
leave for the next generation and the world.
It helps us feel connected, whole, and fully alive.
Inversely, when we don’t have a life purpose, we live for
the short term. We jump between
priorities and directions. It’s hard to
articulate why we do anything.
Here are some ideas for writing a life purpose statement:
Firstly, think of a time in your life when everything fell
into place – it could be an event, a day, a period of time. Think about what you were doing, who you were
with, what was magical about it. What I
want here is for you to connect to the feeling you had at the time. What happened to time? Who were you?
I’m guessing you would like that feeling again.
Secondly, think about someone who has made a positive
difference in your life. What were some
of that person’s characteristics and values?
Thirdly, think about one commitment you have made in your
life that you would like to see millions of people adopt.
Then write a sentence about who you are (maybe use a
metaphor, ie compass, lighthouse, captain) and the change you want to make in
the world.
Developing a life purpose statement is a process,
not an end result. It may take weeks to
develop your first statement, and it will most likely continue to evolve throughout your
life. Be patient with yourself and the
process.
Most importantly, a Life Purpose statement is about who you
are BEING, not what you are doing.
Go forth!
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