As a motivational speaker, I believe that one of the most powerful motivational tools is having a purpose for what you do. "O.K." you are thinking about now- "no need to read this article any further I already know my purpose"...Stop! Your getting up and going to work each day is not your purpose. Sorry. Some people think that way and it's kind of understandable. It is a detrimental thought process shaped by sociatal norms. I passionately believe this kind of thinking often leads to low morale and a low level of motivation. So let me state again getting up and going to work is not the purpose, it is simply a reason.
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?
So how the heck do you find your purpose anyway? It's actually easy as pie. 1) Go to a temple somewhere in the world 2) Enter the temple 3) Ask for the wise man in the robes 4) Ask " So what is my purpose master?" 5) Wait for it 6) Leave this place right away and apply it . O.K. I am just joking- its not that easy. There are a lot of twists and turns on your journey to finding your purpose. Now the bad news- it's going to require some work and effort and study. After all you are trying to determine your life's work. There are people that discover it by stumbling over it. I find that most folks though just have to work at it. Let me give you some techniques for fiinding it:
The Gift List- Take out some paper and a pen and find a quiet room or space somewhere. Now write down there all the things you have always been good at all your life. ( now a quick note- this is the time for honesty not modesty- no one will see it anyway) Now the list is done sit and look it over and say to yourself "what picture do I see?" Is there any commonality? trends? Looking at that list lets say it lists riding horses, 4H Club, Caring for turtles, artwork, and training dogs. Maybe the path for you is something in the animal world. Maybe your pupose is to serve the anaimal kingdom on some way.
Get Real Carve out some free time and go away to a quiet place. Take a pen and pad, and get ready to write. Take the time to ask your self the following questions: 1) Someday when I am old and gray, what do I want to have accomplished? Why are those things important? What contribution would they have made? 2) What are two or three things that you will regret if you do not do them in your lifetime? What do you think would stand in your way if you don't get them done? Why? 3) Why were you born? Do you think you have specific gifts or talents you were meant to use? Why? Are you using them? If not why not? 4) Fill in the blank; I was meant to ______________________. Why do you think that? 5) What is very important to you? Why? After you have gone through these series of questions some patterns might emerge and you may be closer to uncovering your true purpose.
Ask others Pick 10 people that you either know or have known and take an informal survey. (Okay this one requires some real honest to goodness guts) Ask them what they think you are "meant to do". Ask your Mom, your Grandma, or your crazy Uncle Larry. Ask your golf buddy, a co-worker. Now you are wondering why I am asking you to do this crazy exercise. Sometimes other people can see things in you that you can't. They may give you're a different view. As you get answers from people you have to be willing to sort through and edit the answers. Be careful not to pick people who are negative or critical. This can be very valuable feedback and may lead to a revelation from the person you least expect it from. - 31521
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?
So how the heck do you find your purpose anyway? It's actually easy as pie. 1) Go to a temple somewhere in the world 2) Enter the temple 3) Ask for the wise man in the robes 4) Ask " So what is my purpose master?" 5) Wait for it 6) Leave this place right away and apply it . O.K. I am just joking- its not that easy. There are a lot of twists and turns on your journey to finding your purpose. Now the bad news- it's going to require some work and effort and study. After all you are trying to determine your life's work. There are people that discover it by stumbling over it. I find that most folks though just have to work at it. Let me give you some techniques for fiinding it:
The Gift List- Take out some paper and a pen and find a quiet room or space somewhere. Now write down there all the things you have always been good at all your life. ( now a quick note- this is the time for honesty not modesty- no one will see it anyway) Now the list is done sit and look it over and say to yourself "what picture do I see?" Is there any commonality? trends? Looking at that list lets say it lists riding horses, 4H Club, Caring for turtles, artwork, and training dogs. Maybe the path for you is something in the animal world. Maybe your pupose is to serve the anaimal kingdom on some way.
Get Real Carve out some free time and go away to a quiet place. Take a pen and pad, and get ready to write. Take the time to ask your self the following questions: 1) Someday when I am old and gray, what do I want to have accomplished? Why are those things important? What contribution would they have made? 2) What are two or three things that you will regret if you do not do them in your lifetime? What do you think would stand in your way if you don't get them done? Why? 3) Why were you born? Do you think you have specific gifts or talents you were meant to use? Why? Are you using them? If not why not? 4) Fill in the blank; I was meant to ______________________. Why do you think that? 5) What is very important to you? Why? After you have gone through these series of questions some patterns might emerge and you may be closer to uncovering your true purpose.
Ask others Pick 10 people that you either know or have known and take an informal survey. (Okay this one requires some real honest to goodness guts) Ask them what they think you are "meant to do". Ask your Mom, your Grandma, or your crazy Uncle Larry. Ask your golf buddy, a co-worker. Now you are wondering why I am asking you to do this crazy exercise. Sometimes other people can see things in you that you can't. They may give you're a different view. As you get answers from people you have to be willing to sort through and edit the answers. Be careful not to pick people who are negative or critical. This can be very valuable feedback and may lead to a revelation from the person you least expect it from. - 31521
About the Author:
Shawn Doyle is a nationally 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.
