Confidence in Your Purpose

At this point each year, I slow down to take stock. I take a good week, and go deep.  I review, assess, then look forward and set a new path.  

It's a yearly ritual, and I find myself leaning into it as soon as December begins. It feels good to to raise my eyes and look out to the horizon.

Taking stock without purpose, though, can be daunting. What, exactly, are you looking for when you look ahead? While your overall purpose should be high level and simple, the purpose involved in taking stock of your periodic progress is targeted, and more specific.

I find many of my clients struggle with this idea of understanding their purpose. They tend to make it big, unwieldy, or permanent. In truth, however, purpose is much less overwhelming.

You see, purpose is NOT a magical or mystical thing!  It CAN be known, right this second.

Your "purpose" is NOT a “one time” figure it out!  It CAN be situational or seasonal.

Your purpose is also NOT set in stone. It CAN be adjusted, augmented and grown.

How?

Simple: ask yourself these three questions.

1. Why do I do what I do? Or Why AM I doing this? 
2. Do others benefit? If so, how? 
3. What direction am I heading? Where's my point on the horizon?

Answering these questions for any situation or circumstance helps put it all in perspective. They apply to the big things AND the small things. Let me give you an example.  

Holiday Decorations: this is a ton of work every year. We have bins, and bins... and... well, you get it. There's the labor of rearranging the house, getting everything out, decorating the tree, getting on a ladder outside, putting all the bins back in the attic... then reversing it all after Epiphany (Jan. 6). So what's the purpose? What's my purpose here? What makes it worth it?

1. Why do I do what I do? I love my family, and I love Christmas. I love creating a festive atmosphere, and building anticipation for the actual Christmas week and Day… and they just make me happy and smile!
2. Do others benefit? How? Yes - my husband and son are then encouraged and swept up in the festive atmosphere. It’s also a way to tell them “I love you.” I’m doing something in our home that will foster a warm, cozy and fun holiday. Then there are the neighbors and those who drive by my house. I'm not on any holiday light tours, but they are a way to bring joy to others.
3. What's my point on the horizon? I want a warm, happy, festive, fun and light filled holiday. All this work, all these decorations help me get there. 

 So my PURPOSE is add to the joy of the season.

Yes, that's a simple (and probably obvious) example, but most of the time, when you’re having a rough time identifying your purpose, it’s because you're not answering all three of these questions.

So as I sit down at the end of the year, I look at all the different areas of my life - work, finance, family, fun, relationships - and ask my questions. Through the process, my purpose (big and small) emerges and clarifies. I can see where I'm doing things out of obligation. I can see where I'd like to spend more of my time. I can see how the work I am pursuing helps (or doesn't help) others, and how to hone in on the important pieces. 

You see, when you understand your purpose, you know why you're doing what you're doing and where you're headed. Even better, as your purpose emerges, that clarity helps identify your expectations and your goals. When your expectations reflect your purpose (in one segment of your life, or overall), they aren't out of proportion. I'm sure you know what it's like to realize you have expectations for yourself that make no sense. 

Dialing in on your purpose brings your expectations and goals into focus. It all works together. 

So - as we coast into the final weeks of the year, I invite you to take a little time and ask your own questions. 

First: Is there an area of your life in which you are struggling to identify your purpose? If so, which of these three questions are you NOT answering?

1. Why do I do what I do? Or Why AM I doing this? 
2. Do others benefit? If so, how? 
3. What direction am I heading? Where's my point on the horizon?

Second: What expectations clearly need adjusting so you can think differently, feel differently and achieve different results?

These questions will give you clarity as you move into the new year, that you may not have had before. Moving forward with confidence in your purpose will open you up to new adventures, bigger opportunities and deeper relationships. Confidence in your purpose fuels your hope and vision. 

Now is the time to settle into the purpose of your next steps. 

Are you ready?

All you have to do is ask.