Word-Of-the-Week #845: Purpose
October 15, 2020 by Susan Clarke
Purpose – the object toward which one strives; aim or goal.
Is there something you have always wanted to accomplish? Are you making the most of each day? Do you wake up with a feeling of meaning and momentum?
This week features great ideas on creating your purpose from Sam Horn of the Intrigue Agency.
“Can you believe we’re 3/4 of the way through this year? How did that happen?!
When you look back at this year, does it feel like it’s been hijacked by events?
The good news is, it’s not too late to create, contribute, achieve or accomplish something that makes 2020 a good year…despite COVID and everything else that’s happened.
What does that look like for you?
What is an IKIGAI (a Japanese word that means “purpose, a reason to wake up in the morning”) goal that could give your days meaning and momentum?
These steps can help you figure that out so you make the most of the rest of this year.
- Identify a MEANINGFUL PROJECT that lights you up just thinking about it.
Writing a book? Heading up a new project at work? Updating your website? What is something new that would energize you, stretch you and give you something to look forward to?
- What is ONE STEP you can take TODAY to turn this wish into a reality?
Martin Luther King said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.” How will you take action on your idea right now? This first step may only take 5 minutes, however it is the key to turning procrastination into action.
3. Keep your IKIGAI goal in-sight, in-mind.
Have you ever got all fired up about a goal, and then life intervened, you got distracted and your good intentions drifted away? Don’t let that happen this time. Post a picture of what you want to accomplish on your refrigerator to keep it front-and-center, top-of-mind.
- Pick an accountability buddy to share your progress and celebrate your success.
Questlove says, “Community makes the world run.” You’re more likely to succeed when your goal is fun and done with someone. Our POP! community can help hold you accountable and cheer you on. As my Mom said, “Encouragement is oxygen to the soul.”
- Mentally fast-forward to and focus on a happy ending.
Mary Morrissey says, “Hold the vision, not the circumstances.” You will run into challenges along the way. That’s why marathoners picture themselves triumphantly crossing the finish line so they don’t quit when they hit the wall. You do the same. If you’re tempted to give up, imagine how good it will feel to accomplish your Ikigai goal. Then resume. Always resume.
Les Brown says, “Some of us are not living our dreams because we’re living our fears.”
Which are you living?”
This week’s focus is on knowing your purpose. Do you have any meaningful projects that cause you to light up when you think about them? Have you ever had an accountability buddy to share your progress and celebrate success? How would it feel to live your dreams and not your fears?
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