The Life Changer That You Need to Know Now!
One of the most powerful sources of motivation is to have a purpose for what you do. At this point, you are probably saying, “Okay, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to understand that I have a purpose. I get up and go to work to make money. That is my purpose.” I can understand thinking that and it seems to be a logical way to think. However, it is the wrong way to think and a thought process conditioned by society. I believe this thought process often leads to lack of motivation. Going to work to make money is not a purpose; it is a reason to go to work. Let me repeat for emphasis, it is not a purpose.
Let’s talk about the definition of purpose. The way I define purpose is the reason you are on the planet. So what are you on the planet anyway?
To find your purpose, follow these easy steps: 1) Find a large mountain 2) Climb it. 3) Locate the guru in the long flowing white robe 4) Ask him “Master what is my purpose?” 5) Wait for answer 6) Leave mountain immediately and apply! I wish it were that easy. There are many steps in finding your purpose and it requires study, work and some very hard soul searching to determine what you want your life to stand for and be about. Some people are lucky and this happens to them by accident. Most people, however have to work to find it. Here are some ideas and techniques for finding your purpose:
One sheet exercise- Take out a blank piece of paper. On that piece of paper, write down a list of all the things you are really good at and have been good at all your life. (This is not the time to be modest) You either know or have been told what you are good at all of your life. Once you have filled the page with talents or gifts, take a look at the page. Does anything stand out to you? Any common things? Let’s say your list is filled with things like writing, art, brainstorming, or painting. Maybe the central theme around the page is creativity and your purpose is to create as your contribution to the world.
Q…A Today Get some paper and a pen and go to your favorite quiet room. Ask yourself the following questions: 1 ) Someday when I am older what the heck do I want to have accomplished? Why are those things important to me ? 2) What are 2-3 things that you will regret if you do not do them in your lifetime? 3) Why were you born? Do you think you have specific gifts or talents you were meant to use? Why? 4) Fill in the blank; I was meant to be a ______________________. Why do you think that? 5) What is very important to you in your life? Why?
Take 10 Talk to 10 people that you really trust, and take yourself a little survey. ( Ok no cold feet- this takes some courage) The first question is “what do they think you were meant to do?” Ask cousin Freddy, the girlfriend, your Mom or crazy Uncle Lou. Ask a school buddy, a co worker. So why, oh why am I asking you to do this nutty activity? Becasue other people can see you in a different light. They can provide a different perpective. As the answers come flowing in you will have to evauate them and even edit them. As a word of caution try not to pick negative people. This process can help you get valuable information and be one step closer to your purpose.
Shawn Doyle is a well known 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.