Everyone has their own perspectives on what it means to find your purpose in life. To me the biggest game changer was not seeking my purpose. But rather, feeling the powerful ways to live a life “on purpose.”
Tons of people these days are pondering “what IS my purpose?” in relation to their job search or life path. The famous navy seal David Goggin’s so brashly says, “So many people keep asking what their purpose is, but news-flash YOU ARE THE PURPOSE.”
I love that.
In my last year of university I was on a bit of a quest in regards to figuring out what my purpose really was.
Was I supposed to be a teacher? accountant? entrepreneur? HR professional? mother? . . . All of the above?
(The struggles of a person with too many interests).
This lead me to go to a meeting with a career counsellor. In this meeting, he set me up with about six different professionals to go interview for myself.
Out of all the interviews, one with a particular professor stood out the most in my memory.
I sat down with the professor and right off the bat he stated “DO NOT become an accountant.” I laughed a little as I had already worked in accounting for a few years and definitely realized it was not for me.
He said, “I don’t know what kind of category you would put accountants in, but if you are not disposed to that line of work – don’t do it.”
This brings me to discuss his insightful and powerful perspectives for finding and feeling ON purpose:
#1 – “If you are not willing, or not VERY curious about doing something – DON’T BOTHER”
He then went on to say “I would rather dig roads than become an accountant.” This was definitely what I felt in most of my previous jobs in between finishing school. There is something to be said about aligning your natural skills and inclinations with work.
But of course, a lot of what feeling on purpose is – is feeling out what it’s not.
#2 – “Don’t choose a path (career or otherwise) simply because of outside pressure”
He had heard of a lot of people throughout his life that he witnessed go into a career because “their parents did it.” Or, simply JUST for the money. And in most cases, they regretted it.
He also stated that there is going to be people (family, friends, acquaintances) that are going to look at what you are doing and NOT understand why you are doing it.
He said, “I now have the mindset that if others have stopped questioning the things I am doing, then I start to wonder if I’m doing something wrong.”
That made me smile.
Some times you project onto others what you think they want for you. A lot of times, you put the pressure on yourself. What do YOU want, regardless of what you believe others’ want for you?
Feeling on purpose, means getting to know your own heart.
#3 – “Try not to get too comfortable in life”
He told me, “Don’t make this mistake. I made this one.”
He emphasized the fact that you need to do something that scares you “just a little bit.” And do that thing at least once a month (if not more). It’s about baby steps, and then before long you are doing things you never thought you would previously do.
A lot of what living on purpose feels like is that middle point between risk taking and security.
#4 – “If you get the opportunity, travel as much as possible”
There is no better way to feel “on purpose” then when you are making memories and getting lost on your travels.
He told me about his stories living and teaching in foreign countries. And fondly, looked back on those times as the most uncomfortable – but yet the most rich.
He told me, “It’s great to get out of your comfort zone and learn someone else’s culture. Because coincidentally, that helps you learn things about your OWN culture.”
Feeling on purpose also means gaining perspective on your own life by witnessing other ways of living.
#5 – “Wisdom comes from experience, not books”
This one is self explanatory – but a significant point nonetheless.
By the way the professor talked about his life experiences. It spoke to me just how important mistakes are.
Books are perfectly curated to give you the exact information you need to know. (Like this blog post). 😉
Experiences are the day in and day out grind of the mundane and exciting journey of life.
Feeling on purpose means that you have gained the confidence from past experiences and lived to tell the tale.
#6 – “Get advice and talk to as many people as you can”
He told me that he was a desperately inquisitive person and has an insatiable thirst for learning. This goes back to point number one about following your curiosities.
I had thought to myself maybe I found a kindred spirit.
One thing that I found that gave me the feeling of being on purpose was speaking to those who inspire me.
#7 – “In the end, your relationships and family are the most valuable part of your purpose”
I had told him that I was struggling with figuring out if you could really do it all. Could I really have a career AND have a family? Of course I think it is possible, but what do you place more importance on being a woman?
He said that he achieved a lot in his life; lofty awards and publishing papers in high status journals. However, as he was approaching retirement he looked back on his life and realized it was all for squat. A lot of that didn’t really matter.
Looking back, what truly mattered to him was his family, friends, and social connections.
Feeling on purpose means being able to share your life (and purpose) with those closest to you.
Final Thoughts on Purpose
This interview was only an hour long, but the information I gathered from it was timeless.
Here is the funny part, I am still constantly asking – “what is my purpose?”
But every day I am finding more ways of feeling ON purpose.
As the professor said, it’s all about baby steps.
This post was inspired by:
Brandon University
Red River College
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