Unlocking Your Purpose: A Personal Guide

So many of us are searching for more direction and meaning.

Getting clear on your purpose can be a helpful tool to guide you toward what truly matters. If you're up for gaining more clarity for yourself but don’t know where to start, here are five steps to help you:

[FYI if you missed Part 1 of this series, go back for compelling evidence as to why getting clear on your purpose matters!]

Step 1: Draft Your Purpose

Taking a stab at your purpose statement is the first step. Although it can be overwhelming if you don't know where to start, begin with simple language and the below structure, focusing on what you want to achieve (the "What") and how you'll do it (the "How").

·?????? Start with an action verb (the “What”) AND

·?????? Include the word THROUGH (the “How”)

Remember, it's your first draft and you will continue to work on it.

Here's my example: "I want to empower people to live the lives they want to live (What) THROUGH role modelling, coaching and writing (How)."

Step 2: Review Your Purpose Ingredients

Your purpose is a blend of your strengths, values, and connections. Reflect on what you excel at, what truly matters to you, and who you want to impact.

Here's how mine shaped up:

• Strengths: Building trust, problem-solving, and strategic thinking
• My values: Connection, growth, and health
• Who I want to serve: My family, my local community, and those seeking more out of life

How are these reflected in your purpose statement? Do you need to make any edits based on these inputs?

Step 3: Break It Down

If the idea of one big purpose feels overwhelming, break it into smaller, manageable parts. Consider your personal life, your work, and your community involvement.

Here's my example:

• Personal: To become the best version of myself, to better support my family and my loved ones
• Work: To empower individuals to reach their full potential through coaching and writing
• Community: To have a positive impact on the causes that matter most to me

Step 4: Ask Yourself 2 Big Questions

To continue to dig deep, ponder these two profound questions from Dr Arthur Brooks, professor at Harvard Business School:

1. What am I here on this earth to do?
2. What matters to me so deeply that I'd be willing to sacrifice anything for it?

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?Here's how I wrestled with them:

?1.???? To inspire and help others to live authentically and pursue their dreams

2.???? My family's well-being, and causes that I am deeply passionate about

Step 5: Test and iterate

Finding your purpose is an evolving journey. Commit to the process of testing and iterating, knowing that your purpose statement will grow and evolve with you.

Rewrite your purpose statement a few times, share with those who you trust and who you value their feedback. Also Chat GPT can be a super helpful tool for you to iterate with the specific wording!

Keep refining it until it resonates deeply with who you are and what you stand for.

(I’m still in this phase!)

Lastly:

As you embark on this journey, remember that it's not about reaching a final destination. Enjoy the ride, celebrate your progress, and trust that your purpose will help guide you towards more meaning and fulfillment.

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In Part 3 of this series I’ll talk about what it means to “Live your purpose” once you have your working draft. What does it actually mean and what are the implications of living your purpose?