Woman Frenzy

As a motivational speaker, I believe that one of the most powerful motivational tools is having a purpose for what you do. “O.K.” you are thinking about now- “no need to read this article any further I already know my purpose”…Stop! Your getting up and going to work each day is not your purpose. Sorry. Some people think that way and it’s kind of understandable. It is a detrimental thought process shaped by sociatal norms. I passionately believe this kind of thinking often leads to low morale and a low level of motivation. So let me state again getting up and going to work is not the purpose, it is simply a reason.

Let’s talk about the definition of purpose. The way I define purpose is the reason you are on the planet. So what are you on the planet anyway?

So how the heck do you find your purpose anyway? It’s actually easy as pie. 1) Go to a temple somewhere in the world 2) Enter the temple 3) Ask for the wise man in the robes 4) Ask ” So what is my purpose master?” 5) Wait for it 6) Leave this place right away and apply it . O.K. I am just joking- its not that easy. There are a lot of twists and turns on your journey to finding your purpose. Now the bad news- it’s going to require some work and effort and study. After all you are trying to determine your life’s work. There are people that discover it by stumbling over it. I find that most folks though just have to work at it. Let me give you some techniques for fiinding it:

The Sheet- Take out a pen and some paper ( your choice as to what kind) The more colorful and vibrant the better. Write down a list of all of your strengths. (Come on now dont be shy- it is just a list.) People have said to you at times ” boy you are really good at that.” Those are called your strengths. Now we have a page filled with a list of strengths gifts and talents. Stare at it. So do any patterns emerge? Any themes? Looking at the list let’s say it is filled with things like tools, motors, hardware, maps, slide rulers, or welders. Maybe the theme for you is you are a builder of some kind and your purpose is to build something.

Get Real Carve out some free time and go away to a quiet place. Take a pen and pad, and get ready to write. Take the time to ask your self the following questions: 1) Someday when I am old and gray, what do I want to have accomplished? Why are those things important? What contribution would they have made? 2) What are two or three things that you will regret if you do not do them in your lifetime? What do you think would stand in your way if you don’t get them done? Why? 3) Why were you born? Do you think you have specific gifts or talents you were meant to use? Why? Are you using them? If not why not? 4) Fill in the blank; I was meant to ______________________. Why do you think that? 5) What is very important to you? Why? After you have gone through these series of questions some patterns might emerge and you may be closer to uncovering your true purpose.

Take 10 Talk to 10 people that you really trust, and take yourself a little survey. ( Ok no cold feet- this takes some courage) The first question is “what do they think you were meant to do?” Ask cousin Freddy, the girlfriend, your Mom or crazy Uncle Lou. Ask a school buddy, a co worker. So why, oh why am I asking you to do this nutty activity? Becasue other people can see you in a different light. They can provide a different perpective. As the answers come flowing in you will have to evauate them and even edit them. As a word of caution try not to pick negative people. This process can help you get valuable information and be one step closer to your purpose.

One of the most well received experts on motivation Shawn Doyle is a Motivational Speaker He is the author of 10 books. For a free copy of Shawn’s fantastic book The 10 Foundations of Motivation, go to http://sldoyle.com.