Find Your Spark: Embrace Your Purpose and Shine Bright

You Did it on Purpose!

Remember hearing this phrase as a child? Maybe on the playground or during a squabble with siblings? You might have even used it as an adult when someone bumped into you at a concert or in the supermarket.

The phrase "on purpose" sometimes carries a negative connotation, suggesting deliberate wrongdoing. But what if living "on purpose" is exactly what you need to find greater meaning, fulfillment, and contentment in both your personal and professional life?

Too many of us drift through life, responding to its demands without ever questioning our true purpose. We react to life rather than live it. We exist, but we don't truly thrive. Discovering your purpose might be the key to transforming your existence into a life that reflects who you truly are, allowing you to fully utilise your unique skills, talents, and qualities.

Are You Existing or Living?

If you feel like you're merely existing, not living, there are signs that might indicate you're struggling to find your true purpose:

• Chronic Feelings of Emptiness or Lack of Direction: Do you often feel bored or dissatisfied, like you're just going through the motions without any clear direction?
• Procrastination and Avoidance: Are you putting off important decisions or actions because you're unsure of what you really want or fear committing to the wrong path?
• Disengagement from Passions and Interests: Have you lost interest in activities that used to bring you joy? Do you struggle to find hobbies or pursuits that genuinely excite you?
• Negative Self-Talk and Self-Doubt: Do you constantly question your abilities or worth, leading to feelings of inadequacy and confusion about your place in the world?
• Persistent Anxiety or Restlessness: Do you feel anxious or restless, worried that you're wasting time or missing out on opportunities, yet never feeling truly satisfied?

These signs aren't definitive proof of an unfulfilled life, but they could be indicators that you're not living in alignment with your true purpose.

The Wake-Up Call: Reflection During Career Transitions

For many people, a career transition—like being made redundant—serves as a wake-up call. It forces them to reflect on the signs mentioned above, signs they may have previously ignored because of financial pressures or the demands of daily life. They start questioning why they invested so much in a company that could so easily decide their skills are no longer needed.

A brush will illness or something unexpected happening can also provoke these feelings. However, we often do not know what to do with this sense that something is missing from our lives.

Living 'On Purpose'

Simon Sinek, a renowned author and motivational speaker, describes “purpose” as the central motivation that defines who we are, what we stand for, and why we do what we do. It’s the "WHY" that inspires, guides, and fulfills us.

Reflection: When Did You Last Ask Yourself "Why?"

• "Why do I work here?"
• "Why do I do this job?"
• "Why does this matter to me?"
• "Why do I stay in this friendship/ relationship?'
• "Why do I feel so excited to do this?"

Children are naturally curious, constantly asking "why?" as they explore the world around them. But as we grow older, societal expectations, cultural norms, and inherited beliefs often drown out this curiosity. We stop asking "why" and start accepting "just because."

But what if we rekindled that curiosity? What if we asked ourselves, "Why do I do what I do?" Would you feel more aligned with your life or career if you knew you were exactly where you wanted to be?

How Does Knowing Your Purpose Help?

Working with individuals to uncover their true selves and align with their authentic way of being, I’ve seen remarkable transformations. People move on to better roles, stop making decsions based on guilt, create opportunities to bring them joy. They find greater contentment because that missing piece they’ve been sensing finally reveals itself.

I’ve experienced it myself. Focusing on what was important to me—not what a company deemed important—kickstarted my journey into self-employment and coaching. Today, my work feels more meaningful, and I enjoy an increased sense of contentment and fulfillment.

Common Themes When Finding Your Purpose:

• Clarity and Focus: Knowing your purpose brings clarity, helping you prioritize what truly matters and make decisions that align with your long-term goals.
• Better Decision Making: Purpose-driven individuals are more decisive, as their choices are guided by their core values.
• Improved Resilience & Adaptability: With purpose, challenges become opportunities for growth, not setbacks.
• Long-Term Satisfaction & Success: A clear purpose leads to lasting fulfillment, both in your career and personal life.
• Living Authentically: You’ll no longer feel bound by others' expectations, leading to a more authentic life.
• Increased Confidence: Knowing your purpose boosts your confidence, as you're more certain of your path and abilities.

How Do You Uncover Your Purpose?

Steve Chamberlain, author of On Purpose, asks, "What are you really here to do?" He defines purpose as the intersection of our values, strengths, passions, and the areas where we feel most in our element.

Think of people as onions, with layers formed by beliefs, values, ideals, personality traits, and strengths developed over the years. Uncovering your purpose requires peeling back these layers—a process that takes time, reflection, and a willingness to step into the unknown.

But the rewards are worth it. Living on purpose allows you to align your decisions with your core values, maintain focus, navigate challenges, and ultimately achieve long-term satisfaction and success in your career and life.

Purpose as a Guiding Light

Living on purpose isn't just a lofty ideal; it's a practical tool that can transform how you approach your life and career. By uncovering and embracing your true purpose, you can lead a life that not only fulfills you but also brings out the best in you.

So, are you ready to stop merely existing and start truly living? Your best life awaits—when you live it on purpose.

If you would like to explore your purpose book a call with me to discuss what you are thinking about. I'm not here to tell you what to do but I am here to partner with you on your exploration of your inner dialogue,  your behaviours, your ideas and thoughts and the traits that make up who you are. We'll work through what works for you and what doesn't. We explore possibilities and options to assist you to move towards a future more aligned to your happiness and success.

Have a great day,

Joanne