Living Purposefully

In my opinion, one of the biggest questions asked by all of us, at one point or another, is “who am I?” or “why am I here?”. We are so desperate to find an answer to these two questions, that we often look for the answers in wrong places. Too often in a quest to find out the meaning of our lives, do we follow the definitions and prescripts of people and society, that ultimately lead us to even more confusion.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will share some of the tools that helped me come closer to understanding my personal purpose and highlight that when seeking the answer to who we are, we must seek God – our Creator – first.

Week 1 – Your Gifts, Your Past & Your Passions.  

We were created on purpose, for a purpose. God called us by name, gave us gifts and unique abilities, then mapped out our journey, with the knowledge of why our specific and personalized brand was needed on the human assembly line. Its not a mistake that we are here. The real question is why?

 

I have come to understand that as individuals, our purpose is very closely linked to our gifts and passions. The point where our natural gifts and abilities, coincide with our experiences and our passions, is the point where individual purpose is identified. True purpose lies at the centre of these elements. The point where what we are good at, the things we have experienced and the things that light our fires intersect, represents who we are, and what we are meant to be doing with our lives.

I guess it only makes sense then, that our pursuit for purpose must start with answering the following questions:

1. What Am I Good At?

Regardless of what anyone says, we all have a unique skill set – something only, we can do best. It may take some time to fine tune the skills and talents we’re blessed with, but never write yourself off as ‘talentless’. That simply isn’t true. Take time to think of all the things you enjoy doing and believe are good at. Start small, no talent is too small or insignificant. Take some time to think about your edge, you may be surprised what you discover about yourself.

2. What Are My Experiences?

For most of us, our past evokes feelings of regret. We want to keep the memories of past mistakes, experiences and events locked away in a hidden vault. However, we would not be who we are today if it were not for our past experiences. Our character and resolve are often shaped through our various encounters with different people and through the different situations we have found ourselves in (whether from our own choosing or not). Our past (good or bad) forms an important part of who we are. Let us not be too quick to wipe away the canvas of our before. Everything from our past was influential in our now and will be for our tomorrows. Start by embracing your past, not holding onto it, just accepting that through it, you are and can be so much more.

3. What Opportunities Did I Gain Through My Experiences?

Unique opportunities are divinely orchestrated to benefit our journey through life. Opportunities that we were given by chance or planned …. These opportunities have often paved the way for your personal growth and development, and often have lasting benefits for your purpose in life. These opportunities can range from the following:

• Education and schooling
• Career opportunities
• Appearance
• Affiliation
• Surroundings and environment

Nothing that we are given the opportunity to be a part of has been in vain. Nothing has been coincidental.

4. What Am I Passionate About?

Your passion is something that you cannot stop thinking about. Something you would want to do in the place of anything else. When we are passionate about something, you put up with all the little snags and irritations that come with it. The best way to identity your passion is to ask yourself the following question- what would you spend your time doing if you never got paid for doing it? It is not a far-fetched concept, and it really is not that deep. Whatever lights your fire, whatever gets you so excited to be a part of, whatever you love to do, combined with your natural abilities, something you could do with your eyes closed, that is your passion.

The point at which the answers to these questions intersect, will help you identify your purpose. Take the time to answer them. Answering them helped me greatly, I can guarantee you, it will not be a wasted exercise.