Why Are You Here?

Last week, I shared that a few years ago, an interviewer asked me a big question, “If people want to reach their full potential, where would they start?” And that my reply was that there are three critical things to start with: knowing who you are, why you’re here, and what you want.

So if I asked you why you’re here, on this planet, at this time, would you have an answer?  Do you know what your life purpose is? Does it guide you?

It’s Bigger Than Goals

Your purpose transcends your goals.  It’s the big picture.  It answers the question, “What are you here to do?” It’s inspiring, engaging and clear.  It creates a passion, a feeling of significance, a focus for your life. Identifying your purpose enables you to choose what to give your time, energy, and attention to rather than being sidetracked by distractions.

I’m embarrassed to say that throughout my childhood and early adulthood, I was famous for my “five minute ideas.” That’s what my friends and my family called them.  I’d get a big idea, a big vision, pursue it briefly with great passion— then I was off to something else that caught my attention and captured my imagination.  My life lacked focus.  I chased bright, shiny objects. I had the attention span of a three year old.

Once I discovered my life purpose, I found the focus my life had been lacking. Suddenly, a lot of my life experiences lined up. They made sense. They were leading me to this realization.

I knew what I was here to do. I learned to say, “no” to things that weren’t aligned with my purpose.

5 Steps to Clarity

You may be wondering, “How the heck do I get clear about my life purpose? That sounds like a huge undertaking!”

It’s not as huge as it sounds. Here’s a process for you.

First, identify your UDQs, your unique, distinctive qualities, such as intelligence,curiosity, exuberance, integrity, commitment.   To get to these, you might think about how you’d describe yourself, or qualities that others have pointed out to you.

If you’re really stuck, ask a few friends what they think your distinctive qualities are.  As part of a planning process I used for this year, I did this. It was quite interesting to see how my friends and colleagues perceived me, and how similar and different they were from my own perceptions.

Second, think of the impact you’d like to have on the world, and on those you interact with. How will people and the world be better off as a result of your having lived your purpose?  Dream about this a little.  Imagine it vividly!

Third, make a list of as many action verbs as you can think of. Try each one on.  Circle those that get you excited, that speak to you.  Then narrow it down to two or three.  Examples of action verbs might be such things as build, motivate, educate, defend, discover, communicate, share, produce, work, explore, and improve.

Fourth, identify who you’re here to impact or help.

Fifth, combine your work in the first four steps into your Life Purpose Statement. Play with the words. Combine them in different ways.  Write down your purpose, go off and leave it for a while, then come back to it.  Is it simple? Clear? Easy to understand? Brief enough to remember?  Does it inspire and excite you?  Does it give you goosebumps?

As an example, here’s mine:

To make a difference by inspiring and empowering people

to live their dreams.

When you have your statement, post it where you will see it.  Carry it in your wallet.

Engage with it each day.  It will provide you with inner guidance, direction, and focus. It will lead you to everything that will support it, and give you the permission to say, “no” to the things that don’t.

I can’t wait to hear what your life purpose is!  Won’t you share it with us in the comments?

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