Becoming Fully Engaged
Part 2: Defining Purpose
What’s it really all about, anyway?
© 2004 Patsi Krakoff, Psy. D., CBC
A brief synopsis
One of the most powerful sources of energy is passion. When we connect to our most important values and purpose in life, our passion and energy seem boundless. The most compelling source of purpose is spiritual, when energy is derived from deeply held values and a purpose beyond one’s self-interest.
What is meant by spiritual in the context of this article about energy is a higher order of thinking that includes ethical and moral reasoning and connection to purpose beyond oneself. When we define purpose to include those values and motivations that are more than self-serving we tap into a very strong source of energy.
However, it is never easy to discover what exactly our higher purpose is. Although we have a sense of our values, it is usually only after middle age or a life-shattering crisis that we become intensely interested in discovering what is really important for us. This requires the sort of exploration and questioning best done with a trusted coach or mentor.
The Quest for Meaning
In any case, there comes a point in most people’s adult development when they ask themselves, “What’s it really all about, anyway?” Few of us are satisfied to be ordinary. The drive to achieve is a means of escaping mediocrity and boredom. We want to be the best we can be. Yet if we are to be the best we can be, we must narrow the field a bit.
Tapping into Unlimited Energy
Purpose is a unique source of energy and power. It fuels focus, direction, passion and perseverance. It becomes more powerful as it moves from being negative to positive, external to intrinsic, and from self to other. Knowing your purpose grounds you when storms challenge.
Discovering What Really Matters
Clarifying purpose takes time and reflection. A coach can guide you through questions to arrive at what is really most important to you. Values have intrinsic worth in that they provide a source of inspiration and meaning that cannot be taken away from us.
"All men should strive to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why.”—James Thurber
The full 1,000 word article discusses the following concepts:
The Quest for Meaning
Tapping into Unlimited Energy
Discovering What Really Matters
Universal Values & Virtues
Questions to Ask to Define Purpose
Resources
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