What are some common myths or misconceptions about finding your purpose?
Finding your purpose is a common goal for many people who want to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. However, there are also many myths and misconceptions about what purpose is and how to discover it. In this article, we will explore some of the common myths and misconceptions about finding your purpose, and offer some practical tips and exercises to help you find your own.
One of the most prevalent myths about finding your purpose is that it is something you are born with, and that you just need to uncover it or remember it. However, this is not true. Purpose is not a fixed or innate trait that you have or don't have. Rather, purpose is something you create and cultivate through your choices, actions, and experiences. Purpose is not something you find, but something you make.
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I'm afraid I have to disagree. Myth #1 is actually that everyone knows or discovered their purpose. The truth is, most people don’t know what they want to do when they grow up. It’s ok, don’t feel this self-inflicted pressure to know your purpose.
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While it is true that someone needs to find their own purpose in life, but often times one of two things happen that have a profound impact on finding one's purpose. 1. There environment, family structure, and role models have a profound effect on your outlook on life and potential. 2. An event happens that triggers a purpose that you were ment to have, but never was aware of it because it wasn't the right time. Thanks for sharing. Chris
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There is one stance that every person that has been born in this world was born for a purpose. They were born with specific instructions embedded within them. Each is unique, special and your life is valuable. You were born to make a difference is. Then it is our journey in our lives to find and discover that purpose as we navigate the life we are given.
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It is okay👌if you are not sure❓about your purpose. In a hustle bustle world 🌎 there can be so much noise that you are unsure about your purpose. Take tbe time to pause and reflect by thinking about these questions: ✔️ What brings me joy in life? ✔️What am I always complimented for by other people? ✔️When I am doing ______ time flies by.
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I think that there are people who definitely have a life purpose they were born with. I am a healer. I have known from an early age that my purpose is to help others along their journey. It was not talked about or supported so I put it on the back burner but my actions still spoke to that calling. There is a feeling that came over me once I started to live my purpose that can not be described. There are people who may feel they have a purpose/calling but not have talent at it. Does that mean it isn't there calling? I would say that people can accomplish anything they want with enough time and effort. That goes to the point about others finding their purpose later in life and making it work within their world.
Another common myth about finding your purpose is that it is one thing, or one specific goal or role that you have to pursue or fulfill. However, this is also not true. Purpose is not one thing, but a dynamic and evolving process that can change and adapt over time. Purpose is not a destination, but a journey. You can have multiple purposes, or different purposes for different aspects of your life, such as your work, your relationships, your hobbies, or your values.
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I like the idea that it is not about finding your purpose but it is about being purposeful in everything you do. You have a unique skill set, perspective, experiences, style, and you are influential. Every interaction is an opportunity to be purposeful, to make a difference. Bring purpose to where you are and expand from there.
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One of the most difficult parts of finding your purpose is knowing when to give up one's "dream job" or initial purpose to connect with how you are evolving as a person. This is especially difficult for most people because their networks become more focused and specific over time. In order to get perspective and a modicum of objectivity around purpose, you have to step back. Way back. Sabbaticals are helpful!
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Your purpose can change as you go and grow through life. If you think about it as we grow we learn new things about the world and about ourselves so what we value and what our purpose is changes to match our new perspectives and worldviews. There is nothing wrong with changing. Just take the time to reflect every so often. Every quarter I think about my goals, my values and purpose. It’s a little self-check in!
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As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life. Embrace what comes along your journey. What you are good at might not be your purpose so be open to what the universe puts in your path.
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I discovered this in my career and teach this to my coaching clients. We don't just climb one mountain in our lives. We fall in love and climb one mountain, then we set our sights on another and so it goes. Your purpose today is the mountain you're climbing now. In a couple of years, it will be something new, an evolution of your vision. And just like in mountaineering, we don't climb mountains for the 2 minutes we spend on the summit, we do it for the experience and memories from the journey that last a lifetime!
A third common myth about finding your purpose is that it is always clear and obvious, and that you will know it when you see it or feel it. However, this is also not true. Purpose is not always clear and obvious, but often vague and ambiguous. Purpose is not something you know, but something you explore and discover. You may not have a clear or definitive answer to the question of what your purpose is, but you can have a sense of direction, curiosity, and passion.
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I believe that once you find your purpose, it does feel very clear and obvious. When you're doing what you're supposed to be doing, you feel it in every bone in your body. However, the path to getting to that point is not always clear and obvious. You have to try a lot of different things and live your life to get to that place.
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In my experience, a lack of clarity stems from not having articulated your highest values and not being able to connect with your own inner wisdom. Once you can find the stillness to connect with your own desires and turn up the volume on your own inner voice, your purpose will become clear.
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I wish! Instead, the most clear paths are often OTHER peoples' purpose, or the more commonly trod path, more generally. What are the odds that your career and life are supposed to look like someone else's? Reading Joseph Campbell --especially the Power of Myth interview series-- gave me courage to step off the regular path and go on a journey to figure out what I should do with the next phase of my life. David Brooks calls this the "second mountain," and it's the more authentic, less externally-validated phase of your life's journey. Highly recommend a sabbatical to test out ideas for what to do next with your life!
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In my experience, being deliberate, intentional or purposeful (pick a label) in a variety of areas helps one find their true purpose. Once you find it, get really good at it and the passion for it grows from both the successes and failures of the pursuit. Dabbling early in life often yields more opportunities to explore than a focus in one area.
One of the practical tips to help you find your purpose is to reflect on your strengths and values. Your strengths are the things you are good at, enjoy doing, and feel confident about. Your values are the things that matter to you, motivate you, and guide your decisions. By reflecting on your strengths and values, you can identify what you have to offer to the world, and what you want to contribute to it. You can also align your purpose with your strengths and values, and find ways to use them in meaningful and fulfilling ways.
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“The meaning of life is to give life meaning.” Viktor E. Frankl I agree that finding (and being honest with yourself about) your strengths and values can help point you in a direction of living the life you desire. As far as having a purpose, I think there are some that have a calling and find ways to reflect that in their world. You do not have to have a "purpose" to live your most fulfilling life. I think you can give meaning to your life doing those things that you are passionate about.
Another practical tip to help you find your purpose is to experiment and try new things. Experimenting and trying new things can help you expand your horizons, discover new interests, and learn new skills. By experimenting and trying new things, you can also test your assumptions, challenge your beliefs, and overcome your fears. You can also find new opportunities, connections, and insights that can lead you to your purpose, or help you refine it.
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One of the biggest aspects of leadership and thought leadership is the idea that you need to learn, grow, and evolve over time both within your industry and beyond. So you have to keep learning, keep trying new things, keep meeting new people. The more you add diversity into your life, the more you get to challenge yourself and get better as a person.
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There is no better way to learn about yourself than to experiment. You can feel like a new person in a different environment and setting. Discover what your strengths are and what you like in a different setting can help you refine your purpose.
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Growth many times exists outside of our comfort zones. What are some things you have wanted to explore that you have not yet taken the time to experience?
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There are two things that I always share with people when they are looking to find their most desired life. Be curious and have a flexible mindset. Being open to new things may allow you to find a path that was hidden from you before. When we look at our beliefs we have an opportunity to discover where they came from and see if they are true to who we are or did they come from someone else's truth. Being open to try, and maybe even fail at, new things is a wonderful place to start your journey of finding your path.
A third practical tip to help you find your purpose is to seek feedback and support. Seeking feedback and support can help you gain perspective, clarity, and validation. By seeking feedback and support, you can also learn from others, get inspired by their stories, and find mentors and role models. You can also find people who share your purpose, or who can help you achieve it, and build a community and network that can support you along the way.
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Find community where you can have engaging and curiosity driven conversations. Are there any groups or clubs that exist in the area where you have interests? It’s okay if there aren’t any. Perhaps you could be the initiator and create a community that others will find valuable because they too share your purpose!
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