What Is Your Genuine Purpose?
Are you living a purposeful life? One of the main factors involved in people who are feeling depressed and unhappy is the simple fact that they feel their lives lack meaning and direction. Fortunately, it is simple to give your life meaning and direction. All you need to do is find a purpose for your life. You might find that you have many, big and small, significant and insignificant. I myself believe that we have more than one purpose and that we touch each other's lives in a millions of little ways everyday.
Even if you don’t feel lost, defining your purpose can help you. Knowing who you are and what you want out of life can help you achieve more and be more. It can also help you make better decisions each day.
Finding your purpose may take some time and thought because what you are doing is very important and very meaningful. You are going to create your personal mission statement. Nothing is more important than that mission statement because ultimately it will define what you do and who you are. Try to set aside several hours to focus your energy on this task. If you don't have a large block of time then you can set aside smaller time periods and work through these five steps one at a time.
Look Back- Think about your past, especially the high points and successes. Make a list of all your successes and all the points of pride and accomplishment. Spend time simply thinking about your childhood, school years, and other phases of your life so you can make a list that is as complete as possible. Do you spot any trends among these accomplishments and successes?
Look Inside- Make a list of positive words or attributes that people use to describe you such as hard working, creative, passionate, or determined. Then make a list of words or attributes you use to describe yourself. What are your gifts and talents? Make sure to list the ones that you don't currently use as well as those you currently develop and utilize. After reviewing and comparing these lists make a list of five or six core values that are your top priorities.
Look At Your Dreams- Now take the time to dream a little. If time and money were no object how could you contribute to the world, your family, your career field, your friends, and your community? What are your passions? What moves you, excites you, or angers you?
Look Ahead- Review your notes from Steps One, Two and Three and identify your top goals and priorities. Make a list of these and then number them in order of importance.
Look For Your Mission- Your mission statement can have three levels. The top level should be a simple one-sentence action statement that becomes your personal mission or vision. Simply complete this sentence: My mission is to ...