“I want to define my purpose.”
At some point in our lives, each one of us will land in this spot. There’s got to be something more, and I want to figure out what that means to me. Why do I exist, and what am I meant to do with my time here on earth? What’s my mission? Pursuing the answers to questions like these can feel exciting and daunting at the same time.
Before we go any further, let’s define “purpose.”
The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” According to the University of Minnesota, “Your life purpose consists of the central motivating aims of your life—the reasons you get up in the morning.” An article in the Harvard Business Review captures it this way, “Purpose can be defined as an overarching intention that is personally meaningful to you and of consequence to the world beyond yourself.”
Taking those three definitions, here are some quick takeaways on purpose:
- It’s what you’re created for and why you exist.
- It’s what gets you out of bed in the morning.
- It is personally meaningful and impacts others.
This captures very quickly why defining your purpose is so important. Many of us spend our whole lives wondering why we exist, wandering aimlessly. With no idea why we exist, being excited to get out of bed each day can feel challenging. We want to do something meaningful and creates a positive impact, but we have no idea what that is… That’s why we’re left thinking, “There has to be something more.”
There is. It’s your purpose.
There are plenty of resources online to help you define your purpose. YouTube is full of videos that define purpose and strategies for finding your purpose. I’ve shared tools on this blog that help you define your personal mission statement, including a popular version for couples. With so much content out there, it can be challenging to know where to start, which is why people explore coaching.
That leads us to this question… If you work with a coach to define your purpose, what are some of the things you should have in place to ensure your success?
Here’s where you should start:
- Clear Intentions – The first thing to get clear on is why you’re seeking coaching. First things first, what does “defining purpose” mean to you. Once you and your coach align on that, there needs to be clarity on where you’re at today, where you want to go, and what challenges and aspirations are on that path.
- Goals for the Coaching Relationship – What do you want to achieve through coaching, and how will you know when you’ve achieved it successfully? They say to begin with the end in mind, and knowing what your goals are is essential when working with a coach. Both you and your coach need to be aligned on the destination you’re moving toward.
- A Readiness for Introspection – Finding your purpose requires some exploration and digging inside. If you’re not prepared to tap into your awareness, challenge some paradigms, and get a little messy along the way, you shouldn’t hire a coach. Be ready to explore your values, passions, strengths, and past experiences. Vulnerability and authenticity are non-negotiables in relationships like these.
- An Open Mind – The purpose you land on may not be the purpose you expect. When working with a coach to define your purpose, you need to enter each conversation with an open mind, ready to learn about yourself and what really makes you tick. The insights and questions that an outside coach brings to the conversation will challenge you. Be willing to challenge assumptions about yourself or the life you’ve been living.
- A Commitment to Being Fully Engaged – When working with a coach, they will ask you to invest in yourself. If your approach to coaching is not all-in, you will not get “all-in” results. Just like going to the gym requires you to put in an effort to achieve the reward, getting coached on defining your purpose will require the same. Commit to the sessions and any homework or exercises.
- A Desire to Take Ownership – Defining your purpose is only the beginning. Once you’ve defined it, knowing your purpose will push you to align your actions with that purpose. This is where the real work comes in: when we take ownership of our actions and we begin living in alignment with our purpose, changing old habits, and trying new things.
- Accountability – Your coach should help you create a plan for staying in alignment. Often, we make a change in life and then drift back to old habits and patterns. Accountability is necessary to stay on track and live your life truly on purpose.
When you decide to work with a coach to define your purpose, these are the guardrails you need to have in place. Do this right, investing in the process, and it can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. Skip anything from the list above, and your results will show.
How do I know?
Every day, I spend time coaching individuals to find their purpose. They’re getting clear on their personal mission in life and unlocking why they exist. Then, with that in mind, they’re creating fulfilling lives that are purpose-full. (I know, it’s spelled purposeful, but this way adds more emphasis on what I mean!) It’s amazing work to do, and on the other side of this work, I am watching the individuals I work with tap into their full potential.
You can experience the same. Talk to some coaches, get clear on your intentions, and when you find the right fit, begin defining your purpose. Knowing why you exist and living with that as your focus will change everything.
Curious about coaching? Connect with me here!
John
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