Do you feel like you're just going through the motions of life without any real purpose? We all go through moments where we don't quite know what our true purpose is, but that doesn't mean it isn't out there. Whether it's something grand like changing the world or something as simple as making someone else happy, having a purpose in life can be incredibly fulfilling.
Living a purpose-driven life is about more than just digging deep and finding our true calling - it's about actively striving towards something that matters to us, something we are passionate about. It could be anything from tackling climate change to creating art for pleasure - what matters is that it brings meaning and joy into your life.
When I was a young high school student I was introduced to the book "A Man's Search For Meaning". It was written by the Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl who in 1942, along with his wife and parents, were driven out of their home in Vienna and deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Over the interminable time that followed the family was separated, and Frankl spent time at Belsen and Auschwitz as well as other labor camps. When the camps were finally liberated only Frankl and his sister survived.
"The last of the human freedoms' Frankl believed, is the ability 'to choose one's own way'. When we are no longer able to change a situation 'we are challenged to change ourselves'.
At different junctures in my life, I have re-read Frankl's book. Doing so helped me in making decisions that determined my change, of course, to ensure I was working toward short-term goals that matched my intended life purpose.
The first step in living a purpose-driven life is doing some self-reflection. Take time to identify what you truly value, what makes you come alive and what excites you. Be honest with yourself as this will help guide your decisions going forward. Ask yourself questions like 'What do I want my legacy to be?', 'How do I want the world to remember me?' and 'What is the one thing I want to accomplish in life?'.
Once you have identified your purpose, it's time to start taking action. Break down your goal into smaller tasks that will eventually lead you where you want to go. Start with something small that you can realistically achieve today - this could be researching a topic or even just making a plan. Taking daily steps towards something meaningful will not only give you a sense of accomplishment but also motivate you to keep going when things get tough.
A purpose-driven life is about more than achieving success; it’s about growth, exploration, and living authentically. Allowing yourself space for reflection and self-improvement means embracing failure as an opportunity for learning and growth. It means not being afraid to ask for help when you need it, connecting with like-minded individuals that share your values, and challenging yourself to come up with creative solutions.
Finally, when it comes to living a purpose-driven life the most important thing is to be kind to yourself. Don't forget to take breaks, reward yourself for small victories and laugh at your mistakes - everyone has off days after all! Learning how to practice self-care can be an incredibly rewarding experience as it helps build resilience and brings more balance into our lives.
Living a purpose-driven life can bring immense joy and fulfillment, but ultimately it's about much more than just achieving success. It's about developing meaningful relationships, exploring our passions, and learning to be kinder to ourselves - it's about finding the courage to take risks, making mistakes, and embracing life for all its uncertainty. So don't be afraid to dream big and take that leap of faith towards a more purposeful life. With enough hard work and dedication, you might just find out what it means to live with true purpose.
I will close with a favorite quote from Chief Tecumseh:
"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide."
"Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision."
"When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home."
Find your purpose and live a truly fulfilling life! You can do it. Good luck!
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