Want to Live a Life With More Purpose? Start Here.
Values. That’s where you start.
If you want to know what your life’s purpose is then you need to understand what it is you value in your life. Is it family? Or is it money? Ambition? Maybe it’s fun? Or knowledge? Volunteering?
Once you get clear about your values, you have a clearer path toward knowing and understanding what may bring you a life of purpose. Say, for example, one of your top values is family. You are offered a great career opportunity in a city halfway across the country. The benefits are great and you are excited that you have made it to this point in your career.
When you weigh the pros and cons of moving with your family to this new city, and basically, starting over, go back to the basics: “What is my purpose here?” If you aren’t sure, then go to your values. Family is in your top five in your list of values. You currently live in a suburb that is close to your parents, and a couple siblings and siblings-in-law. You value the time you spend with your extended family for yourself, your spouse, and your kids.
If you move, then you may see them two to four times a year. Will you be ok with that? Maybe not right away, but eventually? Will you be ok making friends in a new community? What is your personality style (extrovert vs introvert)? How about knowing that you will not be “home” for Sunday night dinners? Or maybe that is something you don’t care about and don’t do with extended family anyway.
This is a quick example and just a few questions that come up in a coaching session around the big topic of Purpose. (This can get dicey when we have competing values pop up in a particular situation. That’s when coaching becomes even more valuable and helpful).
We look at your values and then break it down from there. This really is a valuable conversation and one that clients love! It helps you get clarity about what you care about; really drilling down into what is meaningful to you in this life. And therein lies Purpose! (This is also a great exercise for families to do together-take the quiz and write down your family’s values)
Once you know your purpose and values, they can help you in understanding how you want to live your life.
Here are some helpful links to get you started on knowing your values:
https://www.valuescentre.com/tools-assessments/pva/
Download the Values Card Sort App.
Check your values every six months as they can change over time.
Need help figuring out your purpose and values? Reach out to me HERE.