“I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.“ – Lily Tomlin
Who am I and What am I Doing Here? Countless people have asked themselves if the career path they’ve taken was actually what they were meant to be doing. Have you ever wondered if you were designed for something different? Have you ever given serious thought to perhaps you are gifted and talented to accomplish something more significant?
Do you dread going to work on most mornings? Do your days, weeks, and months run into each other with no apparent purpose or direction in sight? These questions are originating from deep within you, and come from your innate sense of purpose.
Searching For Success Many people work hard for a good education in the hope it will bring them success. Many holding a Masters or Doctorate are currently unemployed or underpaid in an unfulfilling career. Education doesn’t necessarily bring success or provide fulfillment.
The world doesn’t step aside because you’re educated, it does however make room for your gifts; if you know why you have them and how to use them. Yes, I’m saying your gifts and talents are the key to your success and fulfillment in life.
“A person’s gifting will open doors for them to stand in places of prominence” - JSP
Everyone has gifts and talents unique to them, so do you. If developed and utilized, they will bring you to the place of fulfilling your life’s purpose. There is no getting around this fact; the desire to fulfill your life’s purpose is irrepressible. Your heart will not be quiet until the purpose you were born for is realized and fulfilled.
By default you will always approach life and solve problems in keeping with your giftedness, because that is how you’re wired. Once you discover your gifts, integrating them in your lifestyle, you become more passionate about all you do.
Your gifts and talents are designed for you, and functioning in them will make you successful. You can never be satisfied with anything less than you living in line with who you really are on the inside.
There is a monetary benefit that comes with functioning in your giftedness. When you’re passionate about using your gifts, you will always want to provide more than what you’re paid for; that in turn, will always cause people to pay you to give them more.
Dr. Myles Munroe has said “If you’re a young person in high school or college who is planning your career, don’t do what people say will make you a lot of money. Do what you were born to do, because that is where you will make your money. No matter how big the world is, there’s a place for you in it when you discover and manifest your gift.”
It’s Never Too Late If you are older don’t be discouraged, it’s never too late to begin again. When you start later in life you simply have less options than you would have when you were younger. Before you begin, be clear on what your heart’s desire is, and where you want be in five years.
When it comes to discovering your purpose in life John C. Maxwell asks: What keeps you up with excitement at night? What sets your soul on fire? What makes you cry? What would you do if your days were numbered? (1)
Now Take the Next Step:
What are Your Natural Gifts and Talents? What are you naturally good at? Your gifts and talents are the best indicators for what your life purpose is. They are what you’re most passionate about. Take some time and ask yourself
What do you love doing most?
What comes easiest to you?
I highly recommend taking a personal assessment, even if you’re in the right career it will help you fill in the “why” behind all you do.
After answering those basic questions and reviewing the results of your assessment; Start aligning your goals and objectives with your purpose. Have a five year plan, a three year plan, and yearly objectives that point you to where you want to be in five years. Have quarterly goals each year to keep you on track.
It’s absolutely energizing to organize all of your activities around your life purpose. Make everything you do personally at home (family, recreation) and at work be an expression of your life purpose.
(1) 3 Questions That Helped Me Discover My True Purpose by Matt Mayberry https://goo.gl/YPNCc1
*** This article was authored by John Picarello, Chief Leadership Officer at Lions Pride Leadership Co.***