Effortless Purpose
If the Blues Brothers (1980 movie) knew their purpose so can you. Jake and Elwood said “We’re on a mission from God.” That mission was to save the orphanage where they were raised.
“The two most important days of a man’s life are the day on which he was born and the day on which he discovers why he was born.” Anonymous
Action disconnected from purpose persecutes your soul.
Purpose provides direction. You chase trivial urgencies to find fulfillment until you narrow your attention to your North Star.
Purpose fuels passion. Don’t follow your passion, follow your reason to live.
Unexpected purpose:
Contribution defines purpose. People miss their purpose because their best contribution feels effortless. It’s natural. Things that are easy feel less important.
I’ve always been surprised at the power of my curiosity. Coaching clients often find clarity and energy when I ask questions. It’s natural for me and beneficial for them.
My reflections back to people often make the lights come on. But I’m not trying to enlighten anyone. I’m just saying what I see. Sometimes I just say, “I hear you saying….” Other times I share something I notice based on the time we’ve spent together. It’s surprisingly useful.
I fulfill my purpose with curiosity and noticing. It’s effortless. Trying too hard blocks my contribution. Struggling to ask the “right” question hinders success.
Purpose is energy.
You have energy to press forward when you follow your contribution.
We have many ways to contribute. Some drain us. Others energize us. Follow your energizing contribution.
Other people reveal your purpose.
Looking inward is distraction to finding purpose. Others show you your contribution. Yes, self-reflection brings clarity about things that energize but begin by exploring your effortless contribution to others.
What’s different when people find purpose?
What prevents people from finding purpose?
Dig deeper: Why Purpose Matters: The 7 Powers of Purpose
Thanks for sharing Dan. Great information as always
Thanks for the good word, Josie.
Curiosity opens doors gracefully.
Nicely said, Michael.
Purpose provides direction! Without it, your life is just a rudderless raft on a sea of strife. Discover your purpose and you will discover your direction.
Wonderful point, Tim. Rudderless living sucks. All we do is chase trivial urgencies.
Dan I really enjoyed today’s Freak. I shared it with my managers and challenged them to answer the question (for themselves) “What is my purpose?” The line about chasing “trivial urgencies” was particularly meaningful to me. But so were several points in this article. “Purpose emerges AS you serve, not before” really is insightful too. Thanks for sharing today.
Thanks for contributing to the conversation today, Gary. It’s a pleasure to read that you shared this post with others.
The idea that purpose finds us when we sit under a tree meditating hinders the discovery of purpose. We learn more when we do stuff than when we don’t.