Do ever just want to take hold of everything that life has to offer? There are so many possibilities for us to fulfill our purpose and really living a meaning existence. Living a life of meaning and purpose is highly related to well-being and life-satisfaction, and when we feel a sense of purpose we know we’re doing the right thing and get a sense of true gratification in our heart. According to psychologist Erik Erickson, there is a couple major identity crisis that occur throughout the lifespan. Once in adolescence when we begin to consider who we are and where we’re headed, and then again in late adulthood as we reflect on our life and how we spent our time. These periods of identity crisis are where we consider what we are meant to do and if we are living out our purpose. Every human being goes through these existential moments and considers what they are here on earth to do. So, what about you? Are you living the life you know you’re meant to live? Are you taking advantage of everything life has to offer? Here are a few considerations to begin living a purpose filled life.
How are you built?
Everyone is born with natural talents and abilities, and living with purpose comes from using these strengths and gifts to the fullest potential. The more you understand your unique abilities and skills the more you can expand and cultivate these. Find what innate strengths and talents you have and embrace these to make you the best person you can be. What makes you feel great about yourself? What are you naturally good at? What have you always felt competent at?
What moves you?
We all have something deep down inside that moves us and raises our energy level, and connecting with your core values in one way to uncover this driving force. Values are something we feel passionate about and believe to be right and vital. This impacts how we treat people, how we view the world, and what we believe our role is. It is this self-knowledge that helps us discover our personal mission and vision for life. It’s our values that lead us to our goals and desires. What are the values that fill you with passion and devotion? What inspires you about others? What activities, places, and people provide this inspiration and uplift?
What makes you happy?
A purpose filled life is one full of people, events, hobbies and projects that offer us joy and fulfillment. Gaining greater understanding of what makes you happy and gratified can add a significant amount of meaning and quality to each and every day. Consider what you can incorporate into your daily life to begin having more moments of gratification. What have been your favorite things to do in the past? What about now? What activities make you lose track of time?
What does success and significance mean to you?
Often, purpose is connected to feeling we are contributing and making a difference in the world or to the life of others whom we care about. This may come from a feeling of success and accomplishment, as well as a sense of significance and meaning with what we do. Make sure you aren’t simply seeking success without significance, but that you have a sense of both accomplishment and meaning. With this in mind, what does success mean to you? This can vary greatly from one point in time to another, so what does success mean to you now? What could provide you a sense of significance and meaning?
Make it Happen
Living a purpose filled life takes a great amount of soul searching and knowing who we are and what we are capable of. It also takes great faith to believe we are created with a purpose and calling in life. Once you connect with your identity and purpose you must make change and begin to live by this mission and personal vision. If we don’t change how we live we’ll fall into the same habits and continue our current patterns of behavior without ever experiencing our purposeful existence. Take the steps necessary to uncover who you are and what your God given purpose is. Photo credit: kelsey_lovefusionphoto
