The term Purpose means different things to different people.
We each seem to have different perspectives on what Purpose is and how it fits into business and life.
A lot refer to it as their “Big WHY” and some see it as the source of their motivation;
Others see it as having some kind of service that extends beyond your own gain;
And many people see it as the meaning for their existence and everything they do.
No matter what your slant on Purpose, it’s predominantly regarded as a primary motive for creating what you create.
It refers to having a congruent reason for doing what you do, being how you like to be and have what you wish for.
For many people living life, running a business or developing a career aligned with Purpose is a must.
However many shy away from the idea.
They don’t understand the value in it.
Many believe that thinking your business and life has an underlying meaning or theme is an abstract and lofty concept.
Let me give you an example.
A few months ago I spoke to someone who shared with me that they were…
• Feeling demotivated,
• Procrastinating,
• Uncertain of their future,
• Disinterested in their work,
• Indecisive about what direction to take with their career,• And feeling like life had lost its shine.
And that as a result, they were experiencing,
• Low self-confidence,
• Frustration,
• Anxiety,
• Low self-esteem and• Indecision.
They said they were, “In a holding pattern.”
My question was succinct, “For what purpose do you work and live?”
Their answer, “Pffftt, Purpose? Life has no purpose.”
This person mentioned they were someone who considered themselves a ‘go-getter’…
Yet they were lacking a congruent, focused and self-directed motivation…
A singular reason for living, which encompassed their most valued ideals.
I explained that my personal definition for Purpose is simply…
“Knowing yourself and following that knowing to fulfill your true potential.”
Yet the presence of “The P Word” had already triggered something that wasn’t going to budge.
It got me thinking…
That some of the biggest blockers to people finding their own, unique purpose (amongst the plethora of distracting values and ideas imposed upon us in life) is a bunch of misconceptions.
So over the forthcoming weeks, I share with you now what I see often as the 5 Common Misconceptions About Following Purpose (That Hold People Back From Living Impactfully).
Here’s the first one…
MISCONCEPTION NUMBER 1: BELIEVING THAT YOUR LIFE HAS A PURPOSE IS A FATALISTIC HOGWASH
This one is my favorite.
Mainly because unpacking it presents a paradox – you see in part it’s kind of true – but not totally.
It reminds me of a time when I attended a presentation by His Holiness The Dalai Lama.
A little girl from the audience asked, “What’s the meaning of life?”
Killer question!
His answer, “Life has no meaning, it is your job to give it meaning.”
I think the same with Purpose.
Yes, if you see your life existentially as purely your own subjective construct, then yes, life has no Purpose – life just “IS” until you make something of it.
However, if your life IS of your own will and design, can you not give it Purpose?
And doesn’t that then create a sense of Purpose that gives you focus, motivation and a unique reason for being?
By believing in Purpose you bring it into your existence. It’s then essentially permitted to do its thing.
I don’t believe life is cut and dry, in that we have all the answers about it’s meaning or lack thereof.
Fate or no fate.
I believe we all have free will (or at least the experience of it) and it’s a powerful tool.
I also believe that what we choose is often driven by unconscious intentions – what you could call fate in that it was bound to happen.
Choice sets us on a course of action, which is either aligned with what’s truly integral to us, or not.
I like the reference from the first Terminator film, “No fate but what we make”.
I like to add to that,
“…and what we make becomes our fate.”
Think about it.
The purpose will always be a self-directed thing as long as you allow it to be a part of your experience.
If you lack Purpose and want self-direction then you must choose it.
The thread of the some total of your life choices will ultimately show you that you’ve always been choosing it, perhaps just unconsciously though.
When you bring conscious awareness to the values, ideals, and strengths that you’ve developed in life, you’ll see a pattern emerge.
You could call this a “pathway” even.
Like a compass, your experience of life points in a specific direction that if you choose to follow, can see you step fully into your power.
However, if you’re in a holding pattern, you must make the choice to step fully into that Purposeful pathway if you want your business and life to have increased impact for you and others.
Stay tuned for the 2nd Common Misconception About Purpose coming soon…
“You Can’t Have Money and Follow Your Purpose at the Same Time.”
All the best
Heath “Talkin’ Purpose” Myers
PS. Whenever you’re ready…
Here are 4 other ways I can help you live your potential, follow your purpose and amplify your impact in business and life…
1. Read more of my Game-Changing blogs and view my video trainings…
Click here now to check out more
2. Join The Purpose Tribe Facebook Group…
Connect with other purpose-driven entrepreneurs and business peeps excited about exploring human potential.
This growing tribe of pioneers are inspired to profit abundantly doing more of what fulfills them, whilst making a difference in the world.
AND they want to connect!
Click here and apply to join now
3. Work with me personally…
If you’re curious how I can help you find direction and clear that BS that holds you back from doing more of what fulfils you everyday in business and life – let’s chat!
Click here now and book yourself in for Free 10 Minute Chat.
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