Your Path and Your Purpose Are Peas in a Pod (3 of 3)

2/23/2014

Mistake #3: People are unsure how ‘their life path’ involves purpose.
(Click here to see article 2 of 3)

Often times we end up acting and reacting to life based on what it gives you or what comes up. Life gets busy. We have kids, or take on new projects. When we reach a new level of success we are then faced with opportunities and obstacles related to that new level.

And just as we get something figured out a whole new set of things appear. It’s not that we have to stop the progress we just need to know how to live our path while on purpose. (But first what the heck are path and purpose anyway?)

PURPOSE: What you are meant to do in the world.

You were meant to do something:
·      To impact the world in some way.
·      To learn a lesson or teach a lesson.
·      To inspire or motivate.
·      To lead or to support.

LIFE PATH: The actions you take and the experiences you create in your life make up your life path.

Simply…
Your purpose is what you are meant to do.
Your path is how you do it.

Since the actions you take and the experiences you create in your life make up your life path. The more they are centered around your purpose, the happier you will feel.

If this is so important why do we often miss the mark?
Our path and purpose are thought to be connected to our career. See the previous blog about how this is so untrue.

People have trouble walking their path with purpose for 3 reasons:
1.     It’s a tall order: What we are meant to do can seem even bigger than us. We must have the confidence that we are capable of achieving it or at least building a team to get there. Oprah said that as a child she knew she wanted “to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.” She didn’t realize her path would take her onto TV to reach millions but it did and she found her confidence to inspire in front of the camera. *

2.     You get challenged: People will challenge you. People might mock you or tell you that you are making a bad choice but having belief in the importance of what you want helps you stay connected and stand up for it. You might even not believe in yourself or find the saboteur (inner voice) pipes up and gets in your way. You must believe so deeply it’s something you want and make the necessary steps to get there.

3.     Life gets in the way: You get busy. You have an expected expense, illness or obstacle. Sometimes it may seem simpler to just get a 9-5pm, or to step back and let others do it. Or you start to deviate because you let the priorities of others become more important than your purpose.

You might be wondering…

Can you be sort of living your purpose, but not on the right path?
For sure! And what happens is that you’ll feel good when you are doing it, but not completely fulfilled – like something is missing. Also, you’ll hit a point when you just can’t be growing and expanding anymore. For example, I was meant to teach and inspire, but not in a typical classroom with set curriculum.

Can you be on the right path, but not know your purpose?
Yes again! It can feel so right to be doing something, but you don’t quite know why you love it or how you would continue with it. My great friend got involved with an organization that focused on nature art that inspires conservation of the environment. She knew she loved volunteering with them in any capacity and as time when on (2 years) she became really clear about her purpose to engage others through public education. It was her trust in being on that path that helped her to figure out her purpose.

This Week’s Challenge: MATCH YOUR PATH AND PURPOSE
1.     Get clear on your purpose by creating a Life Purpose Statement. Don’t have your Life Purpose figured out? I’d love to help you craft one. Yes, they can take time. But are totally worth it!
2.     Make your purpose a priority by scheduling time to work on it. In the early stages maybe 3 x 1hour and work up from there.

xo

Diane

P.S. Start asking people cooler questions, “Why do you do what you do?” or “When are you happiest?” and “What legacy do you want to leave?” Just see their eyes widen and the surprise as it changes into a smirk and a smile. #LifePurpose

Photo Credit: a song under the sugar sugar via photopin cc

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