Finding Purpose in the Chaos

All this time in pandemic has many of us thinking “what now?”

Some business owners have decided to close their businesses. Others are pivoting in a new direction (maybe one they didn’t choose), and yet others are feeling a little lost and uncertain about what to do next.

Essentially we are all in transition.

And sometimes transition breeds uncertainty and lack of purpose.

Discovering your purpose is not an easy process. You don’t magically wake up one day with a clear vision of what your purpose is and exactly how it is going to take shape (unless you are extremely lucky). However, discovering your unique gifts and talents and doing what you love can add so much more joy to your life.  It doesn’t have to be someday . . . you can start today!

Grab your journal, answer the following questions, and take some time to truly reflect on what matters most now.

1. What did you do for fun as a kid?

Children are naturally drawn to what resonates with them on a deep level. They are not riddled with responsibility or sidelined by fear as we are as adults. Remember how joyful it felt to do something just for the fun of it?  And, here is the key thing to know.  It’s not the specific activity you loved that is most important, it is more about the energy surrounding that activity.  Did you love playing sports?  The energy was active and social and competitive.  Did you love spending time outside in nature? The energy was peaceful and independent and explorative.  Were you a young artist, singer, or actor? The energy was creative and expressive and imaginative. Chances are that as you moved deeper into adulthood you lost some of that youthful energy that made you so happy as a kid and it’s time to get it back!

2. What people, places or activities make you feel most alive?

When is the last time you were so engaged and excited you lost all track of time? What were you doing, where were you doing it and who were you with? Paying close attention to the people, places and activities that truly resonate with you will give you big clues about your passions and purpose.  Often we hesitate to dedicate too much time to hobbies or things that don’t seem professionally productive. We ignore our intuition or our resonant energy because we are too caught up in all of our should-do’s and we don’t prioritize the things that make us feel passionate and excited. However, if you are seeking a happy and fulfilled life you must find what brings you joy and commit to it – not just occasionally but regularly.

3. What are your core values and beliefs?

Core values are a moral code that is deeply imbedded in our souls. They signify our unique, individual spirit and help guide us through our life journey. Our values provide a foundation from which we can stand strong and proclaim – THIS IS ME! When we honor our personal core values consistently, we are more likely to experience fulfillment.  When we get out of touch with the deepest and truest part of ourselves, we are more apt to follow societal norms and what media deems as important or meaningful – and in time this takes a huge toll on our mental, emotional, and physical health.  Understanding our core values is an essential part of discovering our purpose.

4. If money were of no consequence what would you do as your life’s work?

So many of us make career decisions based on external markers of success - specifically how much money we make and what that money esoterically affords us. However, money doesn’t equal fulfillment – so if you are sacrificing happiness doing something you don’t like to chase down a paycheck, you will always be running and never truly be happy. When we tear down that money roadblock we begin to clear the way for our big dreams.  If you could wake up every day and do what you are most inspired and eager to do it won’t feel like work. And, yes we know you have to pay your bills.  We are not recommending that you quit your day job quite yet, but explore other opportunities and envision yourself doing what you love in any form, in any small steps, in any way you can.

5. What do you want your legacy to be?

At times we all get caught up in parts of our lives that in the grand scheme of things aren’t truly meaningful.  We may worry that our home isn’t big enough or our body isn’t beach-ready, or our lives aren’t as perfectly put together as our FB friends’ lives.  However, at the end of your life – will any of this really matter? Have you ever thought about the impact you want to have on your family, your friends, your community, and the world? We all leave legacy. Our very existence has an influence on the world around us. So, how would you like to be remembered?  

Now you're on your way to making significant changes in your life.  A new journey has begun!  Living with purpose may start small but it can grow exponentially as you begin to feel the effects it has on you and those around you. You only need to nurture it by living intentionally and taking small, consistent action steps down this path of new growth. You will be amazed at the doors that start to open for you as you go!

How are you doing? We'd love to hear how you are faring during the pandemic and what's coming up for you now.