WE ALL HAVE PERIODS in life that return us to the question of “What’s my purpose?” After dealing with the minutia of everyday life, it becomes easy to lose sight of what lights our inner fire. As our passion fades, so too can our connection to our larger purpose.
We have to remember that purpose is not a singular task, job, or goal. Our purpose is ever evolving and our path to discovery will be non-linear. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American worker will hold 11 jobs before the age of 45. We expect our careers to grow and transform and we should expect the same of our purpose.
Purpose is something we have to continually refine and redefine. Just as your worldview today differs from your worldview at 18, so will your understanding and interpretation of living with purpose. Your purpose is larger than your career, but it’s important to infuse purpose into what you spend 40+ hours per week doing.
Below are four ways to realign with your purpose when you’re feeling stuck or lack passion.
Focus On The Positive
What are your strengths? What do you do well? What do you like about your job? What impact are you having? Asking these types of questions reframes your mindset and shifts your attention to the positive. You unlock the power of positive thinking by focusing on what is working. The more we focus on positive situations and outcomes, the more likely we are to experience them.
Find Your Why
Why are you doing the job you’re doing? Why are you involved in the organizations you’ve chosen? What motivates you? What values underwrite your life? As cliché as it sounds, the first step to rediscovering your purpose involves connecting with your “Why.” An honest assessment and inventory of your internal motivators will help you gain clarity. Armed with this motivation, a roadmap begins to take form.
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Create Meaning Today
You don’t have to quit your job and move to the Caribbean for a fresh start. You can infuse purpose into where you are currently. Ask yourself: “How can I be of service? How can I have a better attitude?” A daily check-in coupled with focused action can produce a shift in a short amount of time. Working on your purpose in the present is a surefire way to feel re-inspired.
Go Easy on Yourself
Rome wasn’t built in a day. As hard-driving high achievers, many of us also have an internal voice that correctly channeled, pushes us to excel. Conversely, the negative expression of that voice can manifest as a tough inner critic that is impossible to please. As you navigate changes and shift seasons in your life, be kind to yourself. A huge part of the work I do as a yoga teacher focuses on cultivating self-compassion. Allow yourself periods of transition as you redefine your purpose. Celebrate the peaks, but also relax while you’re on your journey.
It’s important to understand that we all get out of alignment from time to time, but you don’t have to stay there. Create time to reassess your purpose, take small intentional steps in the right direction, and cut yourself some slack!