The Importance of Purpose │ What’s the Point?

Whether you’re focused on your business or your own personal and professional goals, understanding your ‘why’ is key to success.

Your ‘why’ is your purpose. The goals and aims that motivate you to get up and out of bed each day.

When you live with purpose, you live with authenticity and clarity. Without it you might struggle to stay focused or motivated and may often feel unfulfilled.  

What Shapes Your Purpose?

Purpose is derived from your personal strengths and values, the fundamental elements of your makeup that drive your decisions, goals and behaviour. It’s also shaped by what gives you meaning in life.

For many of us, purpose is realised through our career or vocation, but it could also be found in the commitments you make to family, friends or your local community, the passion and enjoyment you get from a particular hobby or living your life according to a set of spiritual beliefs.

Purpose is not a static concept. It will change as you get older, have new experiences and gain new priorities. What matters is that you’re able to recognise what gives you purpose, even when things change.

Why is Purpose Important?

1. Resilience

When things go wrong, a clear sense of purpose helps you keep perspective and provides the clarity and focus you need to move forward. Purpose often encourages you to think in the long-term, meaning you’re better able to see a way through the ups and downs of everyday life.

Your purpose is your motivation to keep going when things get tough.

2. Fulfillment

With a clear sense of purpose you’re better able to prioritise, plan and take positive steps towards clear goals. You’re also likely to have a sharper awareness of the impact of your contribution. This engenders a sense of belonging and satisfaction that’s crucial to your overall happiness, as well as being a key driver of productivity and achievement.

3. Connection

When you live with purpose, you’re more likely to be engaged with the people and world around you, fostering stronger relationships. Connections like this are a fundamental part of your overall wellbeing and sense of belonging.

Live a Purpose Driven Life

Finding what gives you purpose starts with identifying what’s important to you.

Try asking yourself the following questions:

• How does a good day feel? What does it look like?
• How does a bad day feel? What does it look like?
• Aside from being able to pay the bills, what does success feel and look like for you?
• What does failure feel and look like?
• How do you want to feel about your impact on the world?

When you’re caught up in the routine of day-to-day living, it can be difficult to find the time and space to think clearly about these questions. This is where coaching can help.

Coaching gives you the opportunity to talk openly about your goals, hopes, fears and dreams with someone impartial and objective. Someone with no other agenda than to listen, help you identify your true values, strengths and priorities and put them into practice. Coaching can help you get back to you, so you can live a purpose driven life.

Read more about the process and benefits of coaching or take the first step and book a free 30 minute phone consultation to find out more.

What gives you a sense of purpose? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.