Your Guide to Finding Meaning and Fulfillment
Last week, I viewed an inspiring Masterclass by Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, where she shared a compelling framework for discovering one’s purpose. I couldn’t wait to bring this valuable insight to you all.
Sara’s approach centers around a simple yet profound diagram that encapsulates the essence of finding purpose. At the core lies “purpose” itself, surrounded by interconnected elements: skill, enjoyment, and service. Let’s break this down further.
Purpose as the Core: Think of purpose as the nucleus of your being. It’s the reason behind what you do, the driving force that propels you forward. Your purpose gives meaning and direction to your actions and choices.
Skill: This represents what you are good at. It involves identifying your strengths, talents, and acquired skills over time. Aligning your purpose with your skills ensures that you can excel and make a meaningful impact.
Enjoyment: What brings you joy and fulfillment? This aspect taps into your passions and interests. Finding purpose means engaging in activities that light you up and bring a sense of satisfaction.
Service: Purpose often extends beyond ourselves—it involves contributing positively to others and the world around us. Service is about how your unique gifts and passions can benefit others and make a difference. Sara states who can identify where you should serve by paying attention to “what breaks your heart”
Staying Connected to Your “Why”
Discovering your purpose is one thing, but staying connected to it is equally crucial. Your “why” acts as your North Star, guiding you through challenges and uncertainties. Here’s how you can nurture this connection:
Reflection: Set aside time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Journaling or meditation can be powerful tools for introspection.
Align Your Actions: Ensure that your daily actions align with your purpose. This alignment fosters a sense of fulfillment and authenticity.
Seek Inspiration: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals or mentors who inspire and uplift you on your journey.
Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements that align with your purpose. This reinforces your commitment and motivation.
Practical Tips to Find Your “Why”
Explore Your Passions: What activities make you lose track of time? Pay attention to what ignites your curiosity and enthusiasm.
Identify Impact: Reflect on the impact you wish to create in the world. How do you envision making a difference?
Connect the Dots: Look for patterns in your life experiences. What recurring themes or interests emerge?
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Experimentation can lead to unexpected discoveries about yourself and your purpose.
In summary, finding your calling is a journey of self-discovery rooted in understanding your purpose, leveraging your skills and passions, and serving others. Remember to stay connected to your “why” as it fuels your determination and brings meaning to your endeavors.
For those seeking a quick takeaway:
- Discovering your purpose involves aligning your skills, passions, and desire to serve with a central sense of “why.”
- Stay connected to your purpose through reflection, alignment of actions, seeking inspiration, and celebrating milestones.
- Explore your passions, identify impact, connect life experiences, and don’t shy away from experimentation to uncover your true calling in life.
If you want to stay connected, you can subscribe to my newsletter, where I share some freebies to help you live the life you are called for.
