What Is Your Life Purpose?
April 19 - This Week's Quote:
“The purpose of your life is to be you.” – Kathy Atkinson
This is a great quote from my friend and colleague, Kathy Atkinson at www.8keystosuccess.com. It’s simple, yet it really says it all.
She says that so many people are struggling to discover their life purpose and are waiting for some light bulb to go off. But all they really need to do is just be who they are and do the things that make them happy.
I can’t agree more. However, I do understand the struggle and the “mystique” that can surround this subject – “life purpose.”
Many years ago I struggled with how to figure out the answer to what seemed to be an impossibly illusive question: What is my purpose in life?
It had that feeling of being stuck in an unending circle – like when I was in 9th grade, getting ready for my first “date” – my 9th grade social studies class was going to see the movie “Dr Zhivago” – and my boyfriend was in the class. This “date” stuff was all new territory to me and I was really nervous! What do I do? How do I act? And mom said, “Just be yourself,” to which I immediately thought, “Which self?”
Over the years, though, I’ve realized that understanding our purpose, our reason for being here, is much like trying to catch a butterfly. If you run after it, it will evade you. But if you sit still and quiet, it will come and land on your shoulder.
Basically, as Kathy says, your purpose is to be you – to be who you are. Your purpose is to use your gifts and talents and strengths. Your purpose is to do the things you’re good at, the things you love doing, the things that you are passionate about.
There is no one else like you, with your combination of skills, experience, talents, and strengths. If you don’t stand up to the plate and be you, then who will?
If you’re unclear what your purpose is or you’d like to ponder the question a little deeper, here are some things to think about this week. I encourage you to write down your answers when you get some quiet time alone. Writing your answers will help give you more clarity.
1. List your gifts, talents, strengths, and all the things you are good at that you enjoy doing.
2. What really ignites your passion? What do you do that makes you loose track of time?
3. Look back at any struggles that you have overcome in your life that you are really proud of, or that give you a sense of inner strength.
4. What do you want to be remembered for? What do you want people to say about you when you are gone?
5. Look back at your answers to these questions and circle or highlight any reoccurring words. Are there any themes that seem to emerge? Or that naturally sort into categories?
6. Using what you have revealed through your answers here, complete this sentence: The purpose of my life is to…
What is your life purpose? Your purpose here is to be you – to be the real you doing the things that fill your heart with passion. It’s really that simple. The harder question is, do you have the courage to be the real you?
Blessings!
Becky
“The purpose of your life is to be you.” – Kathy Atkinson
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This is a great quote from my friend and colleague, Kathy Atkinson at www.8keystosuccess.com. It’s simple, yet it really says it all.
She says that so many people are struggling to discover their life purpose and are waiting for some light bulb to go off. But all they really need to do is just be who they are and do the things that make them happy.
I can’t agree more. However, I do understand the struggle and the “mystique” that can surround this subject – “life purpose.”
Many years ago I struggled with how to figure out the answer to what seemed to be an impossibly illusive question: What is my purpose in life?
It had that feeling of being stuck in an unending circle – like when I was in 9th grade, getting ready for my first “date” – my 9th grade social studies class was going to see the movie “Dr Zhivago” – and my boyfriend was in the class. This “date” stuff was all new territory to me and I was really nervous! What do I do? How do I act? And mom said, “Just be yourself,” to which I immediately thought, “Which self?”
Over the years, though, I’ve realized that understanding our purpose, our reason for being here, is much like trying to catch a butterfly. If you run after it, it will evade you. But if you sit still and quiet, it will come and land on your shoulder.
Basically, as Kathy says, your purpose is to be you – to be who you are. Your purpose is to use your gifts and talents and strengths. Your purpose is to do the things you’re good at, the things you love doing, the things that you are passionate about.
There is no one else like you, with your combination of skills, experience, talents, and strengths. If you don’t stand up to the plate and be you, then who will?
If you’re unclear what your purpose is or you’d like to ponder the question a little deeper, here are some things to think about this week. I encourage you to write down your answers when you get some quiet time alone. Writing your answers will help give you more clarity.
1. List your gifts, talents, strengths, and all the things you are good at that you enjoy doing.
2. What really ignites your passion? What do you do that makes you loose track of time?
3. Look back at any struggles that you have overcome in your life that you are really proud of, or that give you a sense of inner strength.
4. What do you want to be remembered for? What do you want people to say about you when you are gone?
5. Look back at your answers to these questions and circle or highlight any reoccurring words. Are there any themes that seem to emerge? Or that naturally sort into categories?
6. Using what you have revealed through your answers here, complete this sentence: The purpose of my life is to…
What is your life purpose? Your purpose here is to be you – to be the real you doing the things that fill your heart with passion. It’s really that simple. The harder question is, do you have the courage to be the real you?
Blessings!
Becky
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