In my life’s work, I come across a lot of people who are searching for their purpose. In fact, almost everyone I come across is, in one way or another, struggling to find or fulfill their life’s purpose. And when I meet someone who is lost in addiction or unhealthy relationships, it often seems like they are trying to manipulate the world around them in an attempt to fulfill their undiscovered purpose. I’ve read many pieces within the last year that are calling for people everywhere to stop ‘wasting’ their time searching for their purpose. The argument is made that searching for one's purpose is a self-serving endeavor and adds no real value to the world. I believe those people are simply cynics, searching for something to write that grabs the attention of the populace. Those folks couldn’t be more wrong, in my opinion. There is something profound that happens to a person when they realize and discover what it was they were made for. But a fundamental part of our purpose, I believe, is to add value to the lives of those we come in contact with. An integral part of our purpose and ‘calling’ is to add value to this world in only the way that we can.
Living into our life’s purpose can’t only be about us. It must be about how it makes the world a better place. Think of all the great musicians whose music adds to the lives of those who connect with it. The artist, whose work moves the people in the deepest ways. The author who writes because if she doesn’t, something within her will die. She writes for herself, but by living into her purpose, her words move us in the most profound ways. The mechanic, who is gifted, offers his services to those of us who aren’t, and in fulfilling his life’s purpose, he adds value to ours.
Giving from the depths of our lives to someone else is sacred. What could be more holy than adding value to someone’s life? Interestingly enough, it seems that those who do live into their purpose and simultaneously add value to the lives of others are rewarded the most. Whether it be fiscally, spiritually, or emotionally. You see we don’t give of ourselves to be compensated. We give of ourselves because in so doing, we honor the Divine, others, and ourselves. It is sacred. It is holy. But in knowing and recognizing that we are fulfilling what we were made for, we are already rewarded.
If you’re having a difficult time discovering your purpose, we should talk. If you’ve discovered your purpose, but are wondering how it adds value to the lives of others, look deeper. I guarantee you if it is truly your life’s calling, it will involve you giving to others to some degree. Here are some questions that may help you in this process.
-Does living into my purpose add value in any way to others?
-Does me fulfilling my purpose move people to a higher place?
-Am I focusing too much on how I’ll be compensated instead of how I can give more of myself?
-Am I afraid to be compensated for what I do because I feel I don’t deserve it?
-In what ways might I intentionally add value to this world with my work?
Finally, if you're still having a difficult time wondering if your work adds to the lives of others, don't simply assume it doesn't. Think more of yourself than that. Find someone you ABSOLUTELY trust and ask them the ways you think your life's work makes the world a better place.
If you would like help with any of this, please email me and ask. I'd be happy to walk you through it.
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"When I chased after money, I never had enough. When I got my life on purpose and focused on giving of myself and everything that arrived into my life, then I was prosperous." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another." - Charles Dickens
"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill
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