One of the most powerful sources of motivation is to have a purpose for what you do. At this point, you are probably saying, “Okay, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to understand that I have a purpose. I get up and go to work to make money. That is my purpose.” I can understand thinking that and it seems to be a logical way to think. However, it is the wrong way to think and a thought process conditioned by society. I believe this thought process often leads to lack of motivation. Going to work to make money is not a purpose; it is a reason to go to work. Let me repeat for emphasis, it is not a purpose.
So what is the absolute stone cold definition of purpose? As a motivational speaker the way I define purpose is the reason you are on here on the earth. Hmmm… deep!
So how the heck do you find your purpose anyway? It’s actually easy as pie. 1) Go to a temple somewhere in the world 2) Enter the temple 3) Ask for the wise man in the robes 4) Ask ” So what is my purpose master?” 5) Wait for it 6) Leave this place right away and apply it . O.K. I am just joking- its not that easy. There are a lot of twists and turns on your journey to finding your purpose. Now the bad news- it’s going to require some work and effort and study. After all you are trying to determine your life’s work. There are people that discover it by stumbling over it. I find that most folks though just have to work at it. Let me give you some techniques for fiinding it:
One sheet exercise- Take out a blank piece of paper. On that piece of paper, write down a list of all the things you are really good at and have been good at all your life. (This is not the time to be modest) You either know or have been told what you are good at all of your life. Once you have filled the page with talents or gifts, take a look at the page. Does anything stand out to you? Any common things? Let’s say your list is filled with things like writing, art, brainstorming, or painting. Maybe the central theme around the page is creativity and your purpose is to create as your contribution to the world.
Q…A Today Get some paper and a pen and go to your favorite quiet room. Ask yourself the following questions: 1 ) Someday when I am older what the heck do I want to have accomplished? Why are those things important to me ? 2) What are 2-3 things that you will regret if you do not do them in your lifetime? 3) Why were you born? Do you think you have specific gifts or talents you were meant to use? Why? 4) Fill in the blank; I was meant to be a ______________________. Why do you think that? 5) What is very important to you in your life? Why?
Ten With No Spin Now you are going to go to your panel of 10 advisors. Your objective is to do a little Q…A with each of them. This exercise also takes a little confidence. Ask each person “what do you think my strengths are? Ask Uncle Benny, your Mom, and close buddy. Ask your personal trainer and a co worker. I am sure your curiosity is wondering “Why?. Well it is actually interesting what other people may see in you that you dont. They may provide a whole new perspective. Now as the answers come in you have to sort and edit and decide which to listen to and which not. One caveat- don’t have negative people do the survey. This information can be a wonderful tool to help discover your purpose.
Shawn Doyle is an expert Motivational Speaker and author of 10 books. For a free copy of Shawn’s book The 10 Foundations of Motivation, go to http://sldoyle.com.
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