Have the holy heavens finally opened up, sending down an assembly of Angels to your doorstep with a sacred message telling you what your purpose in life is? And with them a list of personal development tasks that you’re to complete in order to take on your destined role in life.
Are you still waiting for some sign to tell you what exactly you’re to do with your life, where to go, what to focus on and even where to start? I’m not here to question your belief about pre-determined destiny or your belief in a higher power.
Certainly there is a part of me that wonders if there is such a thing as pre-determined destiny. However, one thing that I believe to the core of my being is that no one was created and placed on this incredible planet to sit idly by with some sense of entitlement, waiting for the world to hand deliver their deepest desires, dreams and goals without them having to lift a finger.
Each of us is entitled to anything that we want out of this world as long as we are willing to give back in value, service and performance to society, leaving it better for us being a part of it. This may sound a bit overly dramatic, but for some reason, one of the top questions is
“How do I know if I am living my purpose?”
I truly wish that I had a magic wand that I can wave over a person’s head, or at them over the phone so they can have some kind of magical epiphany, giving them a sense of clarity in what they are supposed to do with their lives.
What I can offer up is some grounded suggestions. First, stop waiting for a burning bush and start taking action in your current business. Take action in creating the relationships that you desire in your life instead of waiting for Mr. or Mrs. Right.
If you’re not happy with the way your business is going, ask yourself, “Am I just doing the same things over and over again expecting a different result?” If you are, then stop and start implementing new activities that will give you the results that you want. That goes the same for your personal relationships.
Your purpose in life is to be distinctively YOU, no one else. Sure we can all improve certain aspects of our lives through personal development work. But ultimately who we are as individuals is what enriches the world.
The only shame you should feel is from living your life in a small way and depriving the world of the gifts, talents and uniqueness that you have to offer. But even that can be changed in one day by making a decision to pursue your passion and purpose.
Your purpose is to do what is most aligned with who you are, and uses your natural talents, gifts and abilities to their fullest potential. You’re the only one that can say what that is precisely, and you may not have the foggiest clue right now and that’s ok, you just need to begin finding out what it is by trying different activities. If you already know what has you feeling inspired, passionate and purposeful, do it more often.
Ashley, I couldn't agree more – everyone does have a purpose on this earth, and more importantly, they were given the raw materials they need to achieve that purpose. Finding your purpose starts with evaluating what temperament you have, what gifts you've been given, what your skills and interests are, and what passions are in your heart (although sometimes we have to dig deep, as those dreams and passions get buried) So many people seem to be sitting around waiting for their life purpose to drop into their laps, fully developed and waiting for them to walk into it. It actually takes a bit of hard work, self-evaluation, and the willingness to try new things so we can uncover interests and abilities we may never have known we were good at.
Have a purposeful day!
Susanne
Susanne,
Very well said. My favorite part was; "So many people seem to be sitting around waiting for their life purpose to drop into their laps, fully developed and waiting for them to walk into it.". As if our destiny could grow legs
Thanks,
Ashley
Such a wonderful post as well as a great comment by Susanne.
I think so many people fall into the trap of trying to do things to please other people, such as their parents, spouses, or friends, that they never take the time to figure out what is truly important to them. But we each have to find what makes us happy and fulfills our lives. We can only live our lives, not someone else’s.
As a parent, I feel my job in trying to raise my children is to help them to find their purpose and to guide them on that path. I may have my own hopes and aspirations for them. But I must set those aside so that I can allow them to grow into who they want to become. If more parents would do this, then they could learn to be happy for the choices their children make rather than be disappointed in who they become simply because their child chooses a different path than the parent would have chosen for them.
Again, great post!
Grady Pruitt@Raise Your Confidence´s last [type] ..Raise Your Confidence and Build Self Esteem!