Parlor Talk: Finding Your Purpose
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Providing for your family, establishing generational wealth, or working to inspire millions, living a purposeful life will not only provide you a deep passion to be successful, but will contribute to your overall health. Using your skills and talents for a purpose can be extremely beneficial and in this column, finding your purpose and honing it will be explored.
It's the driving force behind our actions, the reason we get out of bed, the reason we strive to be successful, this sensation is your purpose. Your purpose can motivate you and is essential to your mental health. Many people who end up struggling with mood swings or mental health issues have one trait in common, the lack of any clear goals or purpose. From a 2016 study published in the Journal of Research in Personality, the research suggests that people who feel a sense of purpose earn more money than those who feel a lack of meaning in their lives. In addition to this there's also research showing positive physical health outcomes as well ,such as fewer strokes and heart attacks, better sleep, and a lower risk of dementia and disabilities. The honing in of your purpose elicits endless benefits.
For some the honing of their purpose comes with hardships in their life. If you grew up poor and without much, the internal drive for you to change your life is strong, some may start businesses to fulfill their purpose of never having to live that way again. If you’ve faced injustices in your life, your drive can be to change and address those issues head on, some may pursue criminal justice. One question to explore is to ask yourself “What pain has affected your life so deeply that it drives you”, “What injustices have you experienced or witnessed that you wish to change?” If you can answer these questions, then your purpose has been honed your entire life.Use this to push you through the tough times and fuel you through. If you are still questioning, then there is still room to explore.
Building on top of that deep reflection will be required. You need to ask yourself what your values are and what you care about most. What you do value most is the place to start. It could be personal excellence and legacy building, it could be the work of helping others and helping as many people as you can, the possibilities of the mind are endless, but clearly establishing your values first will help fuel you in making decisions to help you put your purpose into action. Your values should energize you to action. To start gauging out your values, start by simply asking yourself why? Why do you wake up early in the morning for work every day? Why do you push yourself so hard? Why do you want to be successful? Ruminate on these questions and think deeply about your answers beyond the superficial, get down to the core driver fueling you to do the things you do. This core driver is ultimately your purpose.
Once you have your core value and purpose more fleshed out, you can start asking yourself even more questions. Questions like what matters most to you? What is that thing that you are willing to make sacrifices for? Who or what do you want to help? Reflect on these ideas and start researching ways to make that change happen. Let's use the example of a man who ultimately cares about the health of his community at large, he wants to help the youth with advice he never had. There are a myriad of people, cities, and organizations out there doing good, thousands of people who volunteer for their city. Whether its serving at a local soup kitchen or handing out water to the homeless, there are lots of ways to help out, most places are also in need of volunteers so the best time to start is today. The organizations and opportunities to volunteer are endless. Research your main cause and get out there and volunteer, volunteer and try out multiple organizations to find out the cause that energizes you. Doing work serving your purpose should never be draining, it is the driver, the energizing force, if you find yourself drained, move on.
Make sure to surround yourself around positive people, likeminded people with the same goals as you, people who work to lift you up and help you achieve your goals and the group's goals. You can't solve the world's problems alone, so it is essential to meet and cultivate deep connections with positive people who share your same purpose and drive.
One of the most important things you can do in best honing your purpose is finding out what you love to do. In the same way hardships can cultivate a deep sense of purpose in people, a deep sense of love and enjoyment can do just the same. If you enjoy sports, use your knowledge and skills to help coach a youth team. If you are more of a drama person, consider helping the production of your local play. Doing things you love to do can turn into meaningful actions throughout your life when you live with purpose.
Remember that cultivating your purpose can be a lifelong process. Re-evaluating goals and your purpose in life are normal and perfectly fine. When you encounter hardships and bumps along the road, remember your why. Remember your driving force and what it can bring to you. Remember the fulfillment that your purpose can give you, and you will be okay. Living a purposeful life isn't easy, but it’s the hard things in life that can yield you the best benefits.
