***Purpose of Life – An Introduction

The state of the economy has challenged many to examine their professional lives as they lose jobs they thought would be there until retirement. Losing a job that you thought you really wanted or needed does something to your perspective. Suddenly things don’t look the same anymore. A woman woke up one morning, went about her usual routine only to realize that something had changed. She no longer felt the same zest she had before perhaps because she was sitting at the kitchen table alone. Her youngest had started college a few weeks ago, her husband was off to his job and there she was. Alone! A man who had invested 20 years in one company questions his next move. Recently offered a job that he has waited for his entire career, suddenly he is not so sure its what he wants. He sits in his office and remembers the first day on this job; he was so excited and eager to learn everything. Now he barely makes it to work on time each morning, noticing that it takes him longer to get motivated each day. He begins to question what he would do if he did not take this job. Is there something more meaningful for him? Self Revelation The people mentioned above have entered into some level of self-revelation as they ponder their current life choices and whether they are still meeting the same level of fulfillment in their lives. Prior to identifying your life purpose you must first know who you are and what it will take to fulfill you. There are many ways to go about this task, but the biggest step is realizing that a change is necessary, then taking steps to learn more about who you are and what things interest you. This journey can be challenging especially if you have not spent much time with yourself. As the lady in the second scenario probably hasn’t because as a full-time mother she has made her children her focus thus not paying close attention to her own interests. Work vs. Fulfillment Many are now on the search for fulfillment in their lives. Not just satisfied with making a big paycheck or finding a job with a good company people have begun to wonder if their lives have meaning. If so, should the work they do have meaning as well? Was I created for a purpose? That is the question they ask themselves. The American dream consists of finding a good job, paying your bills, buying a home and raising your family. Most never thought that there should be more in life. But there are some who don’t follow this path. They devote their lives to service such as becoming a nun, a priest, a minister, volunteering or creating organizations that help serve a community. These people are usually not the norm but the exception. Surely their lives have meaning right? One can achieve fulfillment in work without devoting their entire life to service as listed above. There are many people re-evaluating their career choices and choosing careers that bring them fulfillment rather than just a paycheck. The Next Step Finding one’s purpose in life is rapidly becoming more popular. 41% of consumer requests submitted to Noomii.com for life coaching were related to discovering purpose in one’s life or career. Where do you stand on this question? Are you living your life purpose or just existing? To learn more about discovering your purpose, there are many resources and entry points available. Choosing one that fits you depends upon who you are. There are Christian based programs that help people discover God’s plan for their lives, one of which is the bestseller The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Another spiritual based approach is A New Earth Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle. Working with a Life Coach is an excellent way to discover your purpose in life as well. Whatever avenue you choose, it is a spiritual journey that begins with YOU. Knowing that you are connected to a higher power that has purposed you to be here for a specific reason fuels the journey towards purpose and brings forth peace and clarity.