More often than not, we look at ourselves and conclude that there is nothing to us, that we are nothing but just another strand of DNA walking the face of the earth but I beg to differ.
Every person, however ordinary , has something unique to them. Yes, there could be 10 people with this quality; already however, you are still unique. Beyond being a doctor or a lawyer or an engineer, there is something much more for every individual. Maybe it’s that dream you had when you were 4, that dream that was told off “it’ll never work” they said, maybe that is what makes you unique.
What is Purpose?
Purpose is the reason why you get up in the morning, the driving force behind your goals and aspirations. It’s the intersection of your values, passions, and strengths, guiding you towards a life of significance and impact.
Purpose can be understood in a few different ways:
1. The Reason for Something:
In this sense, purpose refers to the why behind something’s existence. For example, the purpose of a chair is to provide a place to sit.
On a larger scale, it can refer to the reason an event happens or why something was created.
2. A Goal or Aim:
Purpose can also describe a desired outcome or objective.
You might set a purpose for yourself, like “My purpose today is to finish this project.”
Organizations and businesses also have purposes, like “The purpose of this company is to provide clean energy solutions.”
3. A Feeling of Meaning or Fulfillment:
Perhaps the most personal understanding of purpose is the feeling of having a reason for being, a sense that your life matters.
This purpose can come from various sources, like your relationships, career, creative pursuits, or helping others.
Maybe you haven’t discovered that spark yet, your purpose. That’s okay, it could be the way you make people laugh until their sides ache, the quiet strength you bring to a difficult situation, or the analytical mind that untangles complex problems. Don’t listen to voices that tell you your dreams are unrealistic. That childhood passion you held onto? It might be the very flame that ignites your purpose.
Ready to find your spark? Here’s how.
Break the stereotype:
The world needs your unique perspective. Forget about stereotypes and societal expectations. Embrace the unconventional path that lights you up.
For example; Are you a lawyer who has a thing for coding? Don’t let the expectations for lawyers stop you from pursuing your dream. Maybe you’re a lecturer who loves photography, go ahead and pursue that dream, break the stereotype and harness your purpose.
Unveil Your Strengths:
What makes you tick? What are you naturally good at? What activities leave you feeling energized and fulfilled? Journaling or taking a personality assessment can be a roadmap to self-discovery.
For example; Do you often find yourself settling disputes between your friends or acting as a mediator? You can build on this strength and go into counseling.
Define passion:
What truly sets your soul on fire? When you discover what you love, it becomes the fuel that propels you towards your purpose. Align your daily habits and goals with these passions and you’ll find that your purpose is not far behind.
For example; You’re tagged a fashionista, you can put two pieces of clothing together to make a stunning masterpiece, maybe your purpose lies in the fashion industry.
Become a Lifelong Learner:
The world is a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be explored. Take a class, devour a book, or try a skill that piques your curiosity. Expanding your horizons can spark new ideas and illuminate your purpose further.
For example; Instead of just settling for the bare minimum, you can delve deeper into things that interest you by taking a course or two, either physical or virtual.
Build your community:
In the quest to finding your purpose, surrounding yourself with like minded persons will give you the drive you need . It has been established that by surrounding yourself with like minded persons, you help yourself grow. Hence if you have interests in business, surrounding yourself with entrepreneurs and business minded persons, you can find and fulfill your purpose.
Finding your purpose is an incredible adventure, not a race to a finish line. Embrace the journey of self-discovery, and remember, your unique spark has the power to light up the world.
As Ladye D. Lindsey said in her book, The Purpose Journey:
