“The Purpose that ignites”

An advertisement on National Geographic had this photographer- sharing his own search for excellence of how capturing great moments with animals and taking them to the world, made him bring to world the plight of animals – an inner call which helped him connect with his Purpose in the world. One could just see the energy, passion with which he served the reason why he existed on this planet. 

Resonated with me- how energizing it is to discover a sense of purpose- and in words of Late Prof. Ghoshal- also the spirit of Volition (which was above or like discretionary energy)

A few days later- a friend popped the question “Do you have a purpose in life ?” – I took a moment to respond- Did I really have a purpose? After some thought I said “ May be” ..

Just sharing my own reflections on this., perhaps it helps trigger your own discoveries.

It was somewhere last year in my journey to be coach, which enabled a lot of self-reflection of what are truly my own values and what is my purpose in life.

Was I functioning without one?..Honestly I don’t know! I must admit- I have had tremendous moments of anxiety.. wandering actually- and perhaps passing through activities.. I did love perfection., what it didn't give was this inner energy!

What I can share is once I knew what anchors of that purpose were- I felt good, I felt energized- I felt a very different spirit come alive in me and that made the journey worthwhile.

So few reflections in this journey...

What is Purpose of Life really about?

The best part is YOU judge it, and no one else. Whether you want to choose something which sounds good- of something which is “ deep” well- that’s entirely upto you!.

“ Tu hi tera nigeheban” as they say in Urdu. You are your own judge!.

The questions to ask yourself- How does it feel?., Are you able to relate to it?- Does this purpose give you a deep strength or energy which makes you sleep well end of the day? – If the answer is yes, well- that’s it.

Was reading a lovely article posted by Prof. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi posted a few days ago on finding your own purpose and how energizing it can be – you can check it at - https://www.cbc.ca/life/wellness/what-is-purpose-and-why-does-it-make-us-healthier-a-professor-of-philosophy-psychiatry-helps-us-find-out-1.4491747

I could completely relate to it, as our own clarity becomes the biggest source of energy., and power. The day I found that my purpose in life was to live authentically and add value to people around me- all actions which supported this- were very clear. This was deeply rooted in what I valued, It gave me strength to see clearly and make decisions of what truly made me happy.

Is a purpose permanent?

 Let your own journey be the guide.

My reflection says one’s purpose has a balance of different values and needs which underlie it. Perhaps your own discovery may reveal whether it may shift. In the same breath I also feel- if one truly finds something so powerful- that it just keeps the energy to continue, then it stays no matter what … Like those mountaineers who want to reach the top, or that national geographic photographer who just goes that extra mile to get the right shot!

Is Purpose philosophical?

Anything which gives meaning and goes beyond the day to day existence – may feel philosophical. And each of us could have different layers or meanings to it. There is no judgement attached to what I feel I am born for. One of my purposes is to give my son a meaningful life and ensure he becomes a good human being.. it gives me energy to do all I can to fulfill it. There is no higher ground in what you find meaningful.. it is yours so stay with it., and enjoy it.

How do I enable living life with purpose.

I am hopeful that we will create such spaces. It is collective realization which makes change happen- and I trust that.

Lot of research seems to indicate with different generations regardless of age- and more so- younger generation seems to connect with a purpose. One may have differing opinions whether each generation has wherewithal to continue contributing to it. In different leadership discussions or advising companies – whether it was on behavior or performance management – it keeps coming up that superior performance management also addresses a deeper thread whether people have goals or objectives where they feel they are adding value or contributing to a cause. Yet not much work really happens on enabling the space where people truly discover the purpose or feel they are connected.

Lot of work seems to be happening on creating engaged atmosphere- largely focused on external motivators – than truly igniting that inner fire power of purpose. Deeper question lies on what can we do to truly create an environment or mechanisms which makes us feel connected and those around us feel that inner energy.

Hope my own sharing creates reflection and triggers your own journey of finding meaning. and your purpose!

Let peace and joy be with you.. 

Dhanashree