WHAT'S YOUR ULTIMATE PURPOSE IN LIFE?

"Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." C.G. Jung

Determining the difference between your goals and your purpose is critical. Many people have goals without a clear purpose. Sometimes, people work for years to achieve certain goals, only to wind up with 'Destination Disease.' Upon attaining their goal, or accomplishing something significant, they feel empty instead of fulfilled, but don't know why. This is because they lack clarity of purpose. 

I learned this myself in a meeting with one of my mentors, the late Ron Willingham, who passed away just last week, (in whose honor I am writing this article). He asked me, "What is your ultimate purpose in life?"

I suddenly realized I didn't really know. I had a lot of goals, but I wasn't actually sure. That question was such an eye opener and it became a defining moment in my life. It really awakened me. I reflected almost constantly for two weeks to figure it out. Finding the answer totally elevated my game and changed my focus from myself to helping others, from not just receiving, but to giving. "The bridge between knowing your goals and knowing your purpose is self-awareness".

Here is how clarity of vision helps you define your ultimate purpose and find fulfillment: A Vision Board is a great tool for increasing your self-awareness and visualizing your purpose.

MY VISION BOARD

To remain focused on my goals, I created a 'vision board.' If you are unfamiliar with this, a vision board is a physical space where you post images and inspirational messages as a tangible way to feed positive, motivational suggestions to your consciousness, to keep you mindful of your goals. It's a great way to keep your eyes on the target and remind yourself constantly of what it takes to achieve your vision.

Many use vision boards with images that focus on getting a dream car, home, vacation, or some form of financial success. My own vision board was like that until I identified how my objectives and values had changed. Where I once measured success by my possessions, I now measured it by comparing who I was with who I want to become. My board transformed from being about success to significance.  Now, it captures the person I want to be, the virtues I want to manifest, and the kind of gentleness and genuine care I want to express. The focus has gone from me to others.

 A Clear Mindset produces clarity, joy, and peace in your life. It produces RESULTS. When your purpose and passion are in alignment, your work becomes your calling, your life becomes your dream, and your mindset becomes 20/20 in clarity. When your vision is clear for your life, goals, and dreams, you begin to live to your full potential. The confidence and assurance gained bring joy and peace.

'Clarity' of vision becomes the fuel and positive energy that propels people toward reaching their goals and achieving their purpose. A clear vision gives you intention. It is the clarity of that intention that drives you to initiate action in a specific direction--and in return, that action generates even more energy that motivates you to persevere. This is what leads you to live your life with purpose, passion, and a clear mind.

Let's sum it up: Knowing your goals is very different than knowing your purpose. Purpose is more deliberate and intentional. You need to reach your goals to achieve your ultimate purpose. But goals are often just steps to getting you there. Achieving your purpose is about the impact you make on something and the legacy you leave behind. Oftentimes, when you are just pursuing your goals, you get burned out or discouraged and you give up. But when you are focused on your purpose, you give it all you've got - you are passionate, enthusiastic, determined. You become unstoppable.

So, when you look at your own core objectives, why not take your vision to a whole new level? Review your perspective and challenge yourself to project that on your board. Visualize the person you want to become -- not just the material things you want to possess -- three, five, or ten years from now. You will likely experience an incredible shift in your outlook and a much clearer vision of your purpose. It is realizing that purpose that leads to real, and lasting fulfillment. You are connected directly to the source of greatness. Success is then a graceful gift.

I would like to leave you with this question - What level of awareness do you have about your ultimate purpose? 

Farshad Asl Top Leaders News Top Leaders Academy