A common question these days – What is your purpose in life? Many people are on a quest to define it and achieve it.
This week had me ponder purpose and success in a whole new light.
Last Wednesday, my husband Matt’s granddaddy, Henry Watkins made his transition. He was 88 years old and very ready to be reunited with his family and God. This is something he has waited for his entire life.
As I listened to many talk about Henry, one thing came clear to me – Henry’s definition of success was what he could do to serve God. He was a member of his church for 71 years and played every role from Sunday school teacher to being the custodian of his place of worship. He touched many people’s lives as he lived his purpose.
This had me contemplate my commitment to my purpose of helping people to live a flourishing life. What came clear to me is I often complicate the process of living my purpose. I am sure I am the only one that does that – right?
A lot of people are going through their own version of transition—wanting to leave a part of their life behind and begin anew. If you are in this place and want to create change for yourself, try these steps, inspired by the late Henry Watkins.
His perspective on life was quite simple – know your purpose and do it every day, no matter what.
- Gain clarity about what your purpose is in life. If you do not know what it is, then try what you think it is. If it doesn’t feed your spirit – try something else. You will know you are aligned with your purpose when the majority of your life you are more grateful for what you have, than always wishing that things were different.
- Once you align with your purpose, start living it simply and clearly. So many people complicate their lives and careers, thinking that things have to be harder than they need to be. If your purpose is to be a healer, then start healing. If your purpose is to be a teacher, then begin teaching. The process is simple, we make the execution challenging.
- Roll with the punches. Life is guaranteed to hand us some things that are hard. This is where perspective comes in to the picture. You can choose how you look at the challenges in life. Is failure a problem or an opportunity to learn and grow? Your perspective on this will allow you to create the actions that will move you forward or keep you stuck – you choose.
- Move forward each day towards your purpose. It does not always have to be full steam ahead. One small item each day will help you to achieve the goals you want to achieve. If you want to build a successful business, one client at a time will get you there. If you want to build the next Apple computer, then working on it a little bit each day will get you farther than just thinking about what you are going to do. If you want your golf score to be under 80, swing the club regularly. Action begets action—keep moving.
- Last but not least, find a teacher or mentor to support you. We are all students in the School of Life. Papa’s teacher was God. Find someone who can support you in creating a life filled with purpose, fulfillment and joy.
If not now…..when?
There is something about losing someone close to you that has you reexamine what is important to you in life, what success is, what fulfillment is.
I invite you to benefit from my family’s loss by checking in and making sure your life is aligned with your purpose. And that you are using your mindset and inspired actions to support you in getting there.
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