Purpose is a very important aspect in our energy and motivation.  We derive meaning from our sense of purpose.  Without it, we feel pretty rudderless.

Interestingly enough, no one else can define our purpose for us.  Let me rephrase: No one else can define YOUR purpose for you.

What I mean is that, all too often, we get stuck waiting for situations to unfold and people to step-in to provide the “right” direction that enables us to take action.  We wait for the right person, the right decision, the right circumstances, the right…

The right “fill-in-the-blank” isn’t going to just come along.

It’s up to you.  You create your purpose each moment.  It doesn’t need to be about your overall mission in life, at all times (although the clearer your life purpose, the more energy you’re likely to have at all times).  It can be about creating a purpose in the moment.

Whether the project doesn’t go as planned, the conversation didn’t go quite so well, you’re stuck in the details — it won’t matter as much as seeing the “meaning” you can take away from it, or the purpose that these events served for you.  The more you see that purpose, the more you’ll put that purpose into the next conversation or project.  You’ll notice you’re proactive in creating meaning and purpose in all that you do, and you’ll find many more things you can do that fit that purpose, so that you’re no longer left wondering, after the fact, what more you could have done.

So, you can reflect on a recent situation and ask “What’s the purpose?” OR you can start planning now.  Consider the next project, position, or conversation that you’re about to launch into and ask “What’s my purpose”?  And then, consider how you’re going to infuse that purpose throughout what you’re doing.

Live on Fire!

D. Luke Iorio, CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
President & CEO
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)