Purpose


Purpose is a journey, not a destination. It’s not something we work towards, not something we achieve, but it’s the reason we do what we do… it’s like our compass, our north star.

So why is knowing our purpose important? 

I believe that knowing our “purpose” helps guide our decision-making, it can help us stay focused on what’s important (to us), it give us clarity on our goal, helps us prioritise our resources, and align our thoughts and actions towards our goal. Purpose… it’s powerful.

After graduation, I focused on getting a job. When I got a job, I focused on doing well at work, so I could get a fat bonus which allowed me to go on a spending spree and enjoy myself. After all, I worked hard for it, I deserve it! Nothing wrong with that… the question of purpose didn’t really hit me, till I realised that life’s got to be more than just work, paying bills and eventually meeting my maker. Life’s got to be worth more than that… there has to be more meaning to life!

I believe the question of, “What’s my purpose?” or “What am I here for?” is a question many struggle with. Truth is, I don’t think there is an easy answer, and we each go through different journeys to find our purpose and there are some that will inadvertently become lost during that journey.

It took me a while and I’m still working on the finer details of my purpose, but I know it’s bigger than just me. I believe I’m not just on this earth to benefit or gain something from it, but I am also here to give, to benefit others with what I have gained.

For those of us struggling with the question, “What is MY purpose?!” and looking for something to guide the journey, I found the questions shared at the webtorial helpful. We start by asking these questions:

1. Create – what are we naturally good at doing? In what space are we most creative? Or what is it we love creating? In what space do I find myself being most creative? Or can be most creative? Space where I feel most at home, most comfortable, space where I can be myself?

2. Consume – where is my attention and resource consumed? What consumes my time and energy? Where does my interest lie?

3. Calendar – What fills my time/calendar? How do I prioritise my time? Where do I commit my time, focus and attention?

4. Care – who and/or what do I care about? Who and/or What is important to me?

These questions helped me paint a clearer picture of my purpose and I will continue to reflect on them and dig deeper.


“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson


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