Finding Your Purpose

We can all find something that excites us – something that never fails to captivate our attention. It may be a small activity or a particular subject that you frequently bring up in dialogue. These experiences have a way of engaging all of our senses in few moments.

Sometimes, it can be something that others perceive as an individual quirk of yours - or an identifying characteristic that is commonly brought up in conversation.

And, for some reason – a reason we probably don’t care to explain – that 'thing' invigorates us. Or it may merely be the one 'thing' that brings us peace amid a chaotic day. Note: This ‘activity’ is not harmful to us or those around us – nor does it cause any angst in our relationship… but it’s ours! A light house only visible with our eyes.

Other people’s perception may cause us to view these ‘activities’ as insignificant but uncovering and acknowledging our passions are the breadcrumbs to discovering our purpose. The two are inextricably connected, bound together for us – so that in a world of constant distractions, we would always have a light house within ourselves that would lead us back to who we really are.

Many of us are struggling to discover our purpose because we have exalted the concept to a height only the “special” or gifted can attain. But finding your purpose was never intended to be a quest only few could embark. The beginning of this quest rests in acknowledging and valuing all your passions – however small.

"At the intersection where your gifts, talents, and abilities meet a human need; therein you will discover your purpose". – Aristotle

Most would try to convince you that you are only valuable once you attain something – a goal, a degree, or the fruit of these achievements. We have been conditioned to believe that value is found external to ourselves – a tangible object or asset that others can physically observe and validate. But these discernible characteristics are only manifestations of internal value.

Real value is often hidden within. It is a combination of everything that makes you uniquely you. It is an assortment of characteristics that no other human being can emulate.

And if we recognize, cultivate, and protect our internal value, we will begin to identify and pursue the purpose that awaits us.

But life and past relationships have a way of obscuring our vision. And for some, it has left us with a painful self-image and low self-worth. It may take time to recover and dismantle false ideals of self – but your purpose and potential for greatness is based on your ability to heal these wounds and believe in your innate value.

As we begin to change our perspective of self, we can transform our ingrained potential into actualized power.

And that begins with discovering our talents and passions. Although this process is almost never effortless and direct, this journey is beautiful. Passions illuminate the direction of our paths. All your talents and passions are puzzle pieces, that when intentionally utilized together, yields a return that is not only impactful to us – but to potential problems that we can’t yet discern.

Our job is to assemble our passions together and uncover a hidden function. Every individual has one or a collection of talents that contribute to an answer to someone else’s problem.

Finding the exact recipe for making an impact will not come overnight but, through trial and error, will lead you to discovering where you fit in the world. Your talent is meant to solve a problem or provide an answer to someone else’s need.

Finally, ITERATE! Everyone's process is unique and your journey may progress differently than your peers. Maybe after getting to this point, you realize that what you thought was a passion was really a passing interest.

Along the way, you may have discovered some things about yourself that you believe changes your entire course of direction. This pit-stop is to permit changes, course corrections and unexpected realizations. Embrace this step as its essential for powerful self discovery. Learn to enjoy the journey. It will ALWAYS lead you to where you are supposed to be!

Transformative Thinking provides life coaching services to those who are in search of the breadcrumbs to their purpose.