Why Do I Exist?
Have you ever asked yourself this important question? If so, you may have been dealing with a moment of crises, a time of self-reflection, or a moment when you were feeling insignificant in the world. I think everyone has asked this question, or one like it, sometime in their lives. Another related question might be “what do I want to be known for” at the end of my life?
You have, perhaps, been trying to define your purpose. Purpose?can be defined?as something that is meaningful to you and, you believe, may be of consequence to the world beyond. Your purpose can help you organize your life, give you a clear direction, and?motivate you?— especially when you encounter life’s?inevitable setbacks and disappointments.
But how do you go about defining your purpose? There is no magic button. You are the magic button, and you must discover it for yourself. Here are, however, a few things you might want to consider that could help:
First, what do you care about most. My list is lengthy, but there are a few things that top it by far. My faith is number one, my belief in God, the sacrifice of His Son Jesus for me, and the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit. I have had just too much evidence in my life to believe in anything else.
Next is my Family. Not just my immediate family, but a community of others who have supported me, prayed for me, helped me through difficult times, celebrated with me, and have been there for me when needed.
If you are reading this on my LinkedIn Newsletter you also know that TRUTH is very important to me also. I have been seeking TRUTH and utilizing the TRUTH I have found to shape and guide me through life. I have shared what I have found with the hope that it can impact your life also.
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Second, take an honest assessment of what you are good at, and what you may not be as good at. Take an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses. What do others recognize in you? What achievements and successes have you had? These all lead you to purpose.
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Third, what do you enjoy doing the most, especially outside your profession. Where you volunteer and what you are doing says a great deal about your purpose. What emotions do they bring forth when doing these things? What are you passionate about?
Who do you admire most and what are the characteristics that set them apart? These are the people that inspire you and give you a model for what your purpose might be. They also become mentors and advisors as you implement your discovered purpose. Discuss your life goals and gather feedback
Finally, what impact do you want to have in life. What actions are you willing to take and at what cost? You will need to take action to fulfill your purpose, and there will be a cost to pay. Are you willing and able? If not, it is just a wish and not a purpose.
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So why do I exist? I believe that...My Purpose is to serve God, Impact the lives of others, and help to make the world a little better! Related, I have established my vision for OneTRUTH Leadership, my mission now, as Discovering Truth – Changing Lives!
OneTRUTH Leadership is designed to equip leaders and individuals with the information and tools to discern TRUTH for themselves, and to use this TRUTH to make better decisions. ??It will also help to determine future trends and directions based upon a better understanding of the TRUTH of the world and what is really happening.
I wish you the best in finding your purpose, if you have not yet done so, or in living out and achieving the purpose you have identified. I offer my help at any level of this and encourage you to share your purpose with me. Impact is multiplied by community!
Igniting organizational excellence through leader/follower synergies
4 个月Bob, this is such a powerful piece. May we all put Testing for Truth at the top of our list! In today's noisy and futile world, it ensures we stay on point, of the highest use to God and of the highest value to others. I love that you listed what you enjoy outside of your vocation. Serving with joy is often the foundation for where God is leading. And may all who read this article be blessed to find themselves in a position where vocation and joy are inextricably linked.
Dynamic Connector & Relationship Builder. I help organizations achieve ambitious growth goals.
4 个月Bob & Karl! I was going to suggest that the two of you may enjoy grabbing coffee together, but it looks like the two of you are already acquainted. Bob... Very insightful article. I especially liked the simple questions you proposed to further ponder. Karl, I love your follow up questions. Bypass all of the things that don't really matter and get right to what's that "one thing." Well done gentlemen!
Speaker, Author, Coach of Coaches & Award Winning Business Coach for Kingdom Business Leaders who care about Building a Lasting Legacy
5 个月Hi Bob! Love your post here! I'd like to add a thought for our readers to ponder. I think Legacy is a word that we must look at when we discuss purpose. Because let's be honest, our lives are just a mere blink of the eye. But if we can leave a legacy, then we can impact the future generations. I often ask people when I walk through through our Life Purpose Program "What is the one thing you want people to say about you when they walk past your casket?" And then our follow up question is: "How many years after you leave this earth do you want them to remember that one thing about you?" You see our purpose has to include our legacy if we are going to have an honest look at purpose!