The Power of Purpose - Finding Your Mid-Career Why

For the past few weeks I have watched my incredibly strong Mother deteriorate due to illness - not trying to be a Debbie Downer but as I've laughed at her memories and cried with her through her pain I've also had the time to reflect on her life.

This is a woman, who for over 60 years held down various jobs to provide for her family.

I've never known her not to work.

But as soon as she went into late retirement, her demeanor and who was changed. You see, outside of work and her family, she had no other real interests. Her identity (even as blue collar as some of her jobs were) was intertwined with her work and when she didn't have that she was at a loss as to what to do.

Other than her work and family she had no other interests and when they were gone well…..?

She had lost her purpose.

My mother's experience has reinforced for me the importance of having a sense of purpose and its positive impact on life. I also discovered some practical strategies and exercises for rediscovering purpose in midlife, such as exploring personal values, strengths, and interests, and seeking out new opportunities for growth and connection.?

Read on to find out more;?

The importance of discovering YOUR purpose

Finding your purpose in life can be an important and meaningful pursuit for a number of reasons. It;:

1. Provides Direction: Having a clear sense of purpose can help you stay focused on what you want to achieve in life, and guide you in making decisions that align with your goals and values.
2. Increases Motivation: When you have a strong sense of purpose, you are more likely to be motivated to take action, overcome obstacles, and persist in the face of challenges.
3. Promotes Happiness and Fulfillment: With a sense of purpose, you are more likely to feel a sense of meaning and fulfillment in your life, which can contribute to greater overall happiness and life satisfaction.
4. Helps Prioritize Your Time and Energy: By knowing what matters most to you, you can prioritize your time and energy towards the activities and relationships that are most important to you, rather than getting bogged down by distractions or obligations that don't align with your purpose.
5. Encourages Personal Growth: Pursuing your purpose often involves developing new skills, learning new things, and stepping outside of your comfort zone, which can lead to personal growth and development.

How do you know if you’re suffering from a lack of purpose in your life???

Not having a clear sense of purpose in life shows up in a variety of ways such as:

• A lack of direction: You struggle to know what you want to achieve or where you want to go in life. This in turn can make it challenging to make decisions and take action towards your goals.
• You feel demotivated: It can be difficult to find the motivation to take action and work towards your goals.
• You experience feelings of emptiness: You have a lack of fulfillment, as if you are going through the motions without a clear sense of meaning or purpose.
• Poor mental health: The lack of a clear purpose can contribute to negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and stress, which can impact your overall mental health and well-being.
• You missing opportunities: Not having a clear sense of purpose, may lead to you missing out on opportunities that align with your interests, values, and goals, and that can contribute to a fulfilling and satisfying life.

How can you find your purpose in life?

Feeling like you have no purpose in life can be a difficult and distressing experience, regardless of your age. However, it's not uncommon for women to question their purpose or direction in life as they age, especially if they’re facing retirement or major life changes such as children leaving home or relationship changes.

I found that during the pandemic many women started to question what their purpose in life was and if you’re battling similar feelings it can be confusing when you’re constantly feeling stuck or questioning your “What next”??

So what to do?

Finding your purpose in life is a personal and individual process that requires introspection, self-reflection, and exploration and fortunately there are actions you can take that may help you discover your purpose:

• Reflect on your past accomplishments: Think about the things you've achieved in your life, both big and small. Consider the impact you've had on others, the skills you've developed, and the challenges you've overcome.
• Explore your interests and passions: Ask yourself;

- What do you enjoy doing,?

- What makes you feel fulfilled,?

- What makes you feel energized,

- What brings you a sense of fulfillment.??

- What activities you've always wanted to try.?

This type of reflection can help provide you with clues as to what your purpose might be, or help you to discover new interests or rekindle old ones.

• Consider your values: Reflect on the things that matter most to you, and the values that guide your decisions and actions. Your purpose may align with your values and the impact you want to have in the world.
• Identify your strengths and skills: Consider the things you are naturally good at, and the skills you have developed over time.?
• Find inspiration: Look to others who inspire you, whether it's a role model, mentor, or someone who is making a difference in the world. What is it about them that resonates with you, and how can you apply their example to your own life?
• Experiment and take action: Sometimes, the best way to discover your purpose is through trial and error. Try new things, explore different interests, and take small steps towards what you think might be your purpose. Pay attention to what energizes you and what doesn't, and use that feedback to refine your approach.
• Volunteer or get involved in your community: Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and connection. Look for local organizations or charities that align with your values and interests.
• Set new goals: Whether it's learning a new skill, starting a new career, traveling to a new place, or starting a new hobby, setting goals can give you a sense of direction and purpose.
• Seek professional help: A coach I can help you find your purpose by providing support, guidance, and accountability throughout the process of self-discovery. I can help you:
• Clarify your goals and values: Help you identify and articulate your goals and values, which can provide a framework for discovering your purpose.
• Ask powerful questions: The questions that challenge your assumptions, help you think outside the box, and uncover new insights and perspectives about yourself and your purpose.
• Provide feedback and encouragement: I can offer feedback on your progress, help you identify areas where you can improve, and provide encouragement and support when you face challenges or setbacks.?
• Develop a plan: Working together, I support you in developing a concrete plan of action for pursuing your purpose, and hold you accountable for following through on your commitments.
• Provide tools and resources: As a coach I can provide you with tools and resources for self-discovery, such as assessments, exercises, and reading materials, things that can help you gain clarity and insights about your purpose.

Coaching can be a valuable tool for anyone who is seeking to find their purpose in life, as it provides a structured, supportive, and collaborative approach to self-discovery

Remember that it's never too late to find purpose and meaning in your life. With some reflection and effort, you can discover new ways to make a difference in the world and feel fulfilled in your daily life.

Finding your purpose is a journey, not a destination.

It may take time, and it may evolve and change over time. Be patient and persistent, and trust that the process will lead you to where you're meant to be.

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