The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said,

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how”.

Here’s my take on that; If you have a meaningful life-purpose, you won’t quit no matter how tough the journey becomes. Purpose gives us meaning and inspires our emotions. When our emotions are roused, we generate laser-guided energy to propel us toward our goals.

Sometimes our fears, doubts, and anxieties slow us down, even derail us completely and leave us in dark places. Yet, from the darkness we can often create something new and exceptional if are able to learn how to accept and work with it.

Here’s a related Nietzsche thought,

“One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star”.

Chaos might be difficult for some to accept so how about we replace it with ‘purpose’ and ‘passion’? If we have those, we can indeed give birth to dancing stars.

Have you ever asked yourself; What Is Your Why? Knowing the answer to this essential question identifies our purpose. I’m not talking about the money, we all need that, but here I’m asking you to consider your deeper life-purpose. Clue; It’s bigger than you, it’s about your connection to something you are passionate about that influences you in ways that nothing else can. It’s harmonious with who you are and what you care about.

What floats your boat, flies your airplane, drives your car?

Purpose

A few years ago, there was a situation in my life that brought considerable physical and mental anguish. I managed to turn it around because my purpose was so powerful, I found ways to tap-in to energy, determination and courage I didn’t realize I had. I learned to walk again after an expert said I wouldn’t. My mission and goal were compelling, my guidance system was laser powered but the fuel was far more than wanting to walk again.

I’m not going to share those specific details of purpose here but that clear sense of purpose enabled me to focus my efforts on what mattered most. Purpose compelled me to take risks and push forward regardless of the odds or hurdles that often stood in the way on that particular journey.

Ability

We all have abilities although I must note that the limiting beliefs, we’ve collected through life, often stop us from fully recognizing or even lead us to ignore our abilities completely. There is a free strengths survey here that might help remind you or identify some abilities you weren’t conscious of.

In his best-selling book, The Element, Sir Ken Robinson talks about natural talent and skill meeting personal passion. Getting into your element enhances productivity, adds value to your life and others and develops personal and professional fulfillment.

“Finding Your Element comes at a critical time as concerns about the economy, education and the environment continue to grow. The need to connect to our personal talents and passions has never been greater”. (Sir Ken Robinson)

Beliefs

Ask Yourself Some Questions; but don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. There’s not much value in doing something that you’re good at if you don’t enjoy it. That’s not the way to happiness.

• What are the things you’ve always been good at?
• Do you see patterns and opportunities amid complexity?
• Are you creative and skillful at producing ‘outside the box’ results?
• Are you a rebel with an ability to identify where the status quo needs attention?
• Are you great with the details and good at executing projects with precision that some find tiresome?
• Are you a naturally gifted communicator, ambassador, networker, leader, problem solver or agent of change?

Passions

Knowing your passions leads to your greatest strengths and where you can add the most value to life and business. Through the application of your Talent and Knowledge collected from formal and informal education, skills, and experience you can focus on the opportunities where you are most likely to succeed and discover fulfilling accomplishment.

We all have strengths, skills and expertise developed over time and focusing on these can lead to often unexpected success.

• What do you really enjoy?

• What problems do you feel passionate about solving?

Focus on what you’re good at; challenging your weaknesses is potential passion trashing. If you’re running on clear purpose, not much can stop you.

Comments and Questions

Yours are always welcome and the only bad question is the one that’s never asked. Prompt responses are guaranteed.

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Discover Your Purpose

Live Life On Purpose

Steve