This week we said farewell to my mother in law, Nancy.
In true Irish tradition Nancy had a glorious send-off, a life celebrated with memories and reflections and encounters.
Nancy was described as a ‘real lady’ with a smile that lit up a room and a witty sense of humor. Nancy didn’t sweat the small stuff, which meant she lived a rich life on purpose, aligned to her core values.
There’s nothing like reflecting on a life to get you thinking about your own.
The world today is very different from the world Nancy grew up in.
She never owned a smartphone or laptop.
What else is different? She didn’t have a social media account.
Today’s world is busy and fast-paced.
A technology-filled world where we’re constantly distracted, pulled in so many different directions.
In this world, finding true purpose feels more important than ever.
Nancy didn’t overthink things. But unlike Nancy many people spend their lives reacting to situations instead of being proactive about what they want their life to be – the needs and values that drive them.
While you may think you know your purpose, you may be mistaking it with a short-term goal.
Life purpose doesn’t have to be complicated
The truth is, we exist on Earth for an undetermined period of time.
During our time on this beautiful planet we do things.
Some of these things are important. Some of them less so.
The important things give our life meaning, happiness and a true sense of fulfilment. Often these are the things we’re remembered for, the legacy we leave behind us.
The unimportant things we do pass time.
Two things that may be preventing you from finding purpose
�� Certainty is the closing of the mind
The need for stability and predictability is one of the deepest human needs. Routines and staying in your comfort zone can keep you feeling safe. But it also prevents growth and progress. Stopping you from finding your purpose.
��Being in your own way
The stories you tell yourself about who you are can either hold you back or propel you towards fulfilment. Believing you have no limitations gives you the confidence to find your purpose.
When you get out of your own way you can reconnect with your true self and the bigger vision of what you want your life to be.
You can change your life.
You can do, have and be exactly what you desire.
Believe that and your purpose will follow, I promise.
Start by considering what limiting beliefs are getting in your way.
✨ Benefits of knowing your purpose ✨
Research shows that finding your purpose is linked to living longer.
It’s also essential for happiness and fulfilment.
Purpose is not a short term goal. Achieving goals may not help you find the purpose of life, but knowing your purpose can help you achieve your goals.
When you truly know your purpose, you’ll feel passionate, driven and focused. A clarity to connect with what you want to achieve to reach your ultimate fulfilment.
You’ll stop battling with the past and the future and start living in the present moment, which is the greatest gift you can give yourself.
There are many benefits of knowing your purpose but where do you start to figure it out?
How to find your purpose in life ��
- Look Inside ��
You can never truly understand your purpose by listening to others’ opinions and seeking outside approval.
Everything you need is inside you.
The only thing getting in your way is you. Your own limiting beliefs. With each limiting belief you identify, replace it with an empowering belief. With greater self-awareness you become more in control of your emotions and your life.
- Think of the Bigger Picture ��
Put purpose before individual goals. When you set a goal, ask yourself:
❔ How will this help me feel more fulfilled?
❔ How does this relate back to my purpose?
Use a journal to ensure you always keep your purpose in your mind.
- Is your glass half full or half empty? ��
Focus on what you have and develop an abundance mind-set. This is like opening your eyes to life. You’ll start to see wonder and beauty everywhere.
When you focus on what you have, fear disappears and abundance appears.
You’ll be like velcro for attracting positivity and joy. Finding your purpose becomes an exciting journey, rather than a stressful goal.
- Own it ��
True fulfilment comes from designing your own life.
You must decide what’s truly right, and know it in your heart and soul.
To truly take ownership, you must stop playing the victim.
When you take responsibility for finding your purpose instead of blaming others, fulfilment follows.
- What lights you up? ��
Look back and reflect on your life and identify the highlights – those times when you felt the most joy.
When you reflect on what lights you up and your abilities, you usually discover where your passions lie.
- Write your very own life dream statement ✍
Creating a life dream statement identifies what your life would look like if you were living up to your fullest potential. This will help you develop a roadmap to guide you in the right direction.
- Discover your true needs ��
Humans have six basic needs – certainty, significance, variety, love/connection, growth or contribution, these affect every decision you make.
Lack of awareness about your own needs can leave you with a false sense of purpose – one that is actually based on others’ expectations.
Fulfilment begins with your innermost needs. The inside out work is always the most important.
- Journal – Your Story ��
Journaling helps organise our thoughts and uncover new ones we may not even know we had. It’s proven to help people reach goals, improve memory and decrease stress, which are all essential when you’re learning how to find your purpose.
When you journal you’ll begin to see patterns, helping you discover your purpose.
- YOU time ��♀
Sit quietly and reconnect with yourself. Make sure you schedule enough personal time to reduce the noise and demands of the outer world and focus on what you want.
Take time for self-care, whether that’s a walk or reading a book in the park. It’s by looking inside that you’re able to identify your values and the beliefs you hold most dear as a guiding force in life.
Identifying your core values brings you back to your centre.
Values remind you who you are and who you’re meant to be in the world.
When you develop your core values and stop seeking external affirmation, you’ll find that the question of purpose is much easier to answer.
To find your purpose, you first have to take a step back and relax!
- Acceptance ��
Practice self-compassion while building self-awareness, this is the key to finding the meaning you’re seeking. Be patient and gentle with yourself.
- Find your tribe ����������
Discover where you fit in. What people feel like home?
Where do you feel relaxed and at ease to be yourself?
Your tribe can often help you discover your purpose, or to live your purpose once you’ve found it.
- Be flexible ��
Out with the old and in with the new….
Change can be scary but it’s time to let go of old identities and interests that no longer serve you.
Listen to your inner wants and needs.
Finding your purpose is a lifelong journey. Being flexible lets you grow in integrity while being true to yourself.
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Your Quest: Here are 12 questions to help you figure out your life purpose
❔ When you ask yourself the big question: “What is my purpose in life?”
What you’re really actually asking yourself is:
�� What can I do with my time on Earth that is important?
�� How can I be happy?
�� What does progress mean?
�� What does a true sense of fulfilment look like?
��What feels truly important to me?
��Who am I at my core?
�� What would I like to be acknowledged for in my life?
�� What would I like my legacy to be?
�� If I had six months to live how would I spend that time?
�� If I had 5 years to live, how would I spend that time?
��How do I want my life to be celebrated when I’m gone?
Fulfilment isn’t a luxury or leisure activity – it’s a necessity.
Life is too short and precious not to step back and reflect on your life purpose.
Today I invite your to step back, Pause – Reflect – Repeat.
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Inspired by Nancy and a Tony Robbins article on life purpose
