Whether you want to unearth a personal purpose or a business purpose, the process starts in the same place. It starts with your stories.
Stories of experiences and moments that have meaning to you. Stories that showcase who you naturally are during good times and bad. Living on your natural instincts towards whatever it is you are drawn to and find fulfilling. Stories that have crafted and made you who you are over time.
These stories show you living your true purpose.
The best source of purpose is from your youth. Think about what it is you did when you had no barriers, commitments or obligations as a kid.
What sort of play did you enjoy? How did you interact with others? What activities were you drawn to?
They are all insights into who you are and your ‘why’. You were not inhibited by social norms, peer pressure or opinions.
Same for a business. Why was the business started?
Those formative years of any business are full of hope, ambition and energy.
Unencumbered by the pressures of business operations, it was formed with the freedom and intent of doing something for someone.
Purpose can get lost and covered over with ‘stuff’. We get busy doing, and forget why we are doing what we do. Then we get busy doing ‘stuff’ that doesn’t matter to us, or in a business, the real numbers that matter.
You need to stop and unearth your purpose.
It’s the second key pillar of commitment you make.
It’s also the foundation of which all other commitments are made.
This process of unearthing your purpose is not a solo one. You need someone who will listen carefully and see the blindspots we all have of ourselves. You need a guide.
By sharing those stories, trends will emerge. Your guide will be seeking reflections and stories that come from experiences of deeper emotional attachment and human connection. Moments of meaning.
Next, you and your guide will explore what specific contribution you made to others. The words and actions taken within those moments of meaning.
Lastly, what was the impact your actions had on others? What were they able to go on and be or do because of your contribution?
Working through these three steps, albeit simple in outline but challenging nonetheless, you will form the draft foundations of purpose.
All you need to do is find the right person to be your guide and who understands how to unearth your purpose.
I think I might know someone who can help you!