WHAT'S YOUR WHY? PART ONE

Have you slowed down long enough to consider your personal why? We all have many responsibilities and reasons for the things we do. Yet, for people who are skilled in living on purpose, they maintain consistent alignment between their personal why, what they do and how they do it. Focused individuals who value their why are able to walk away from opportunities that do not align. When we understand our why, we are not far at all from understanding our purpose.

As we begin our journey to define our specific purpose, this week, let’s focus on documenting our what. Break out your phone, tablet, or journal and document your answers to the following questions:

• What activities do you spend the most time doing?

  • Be specific. Instead of vague statements like “work”, define your work. If you are a teacher, what do you teach and to whom? If you are a businessman, what is the core of your work contributions each day?

• What do you enjoy doing?

  • What are things that you enjoy doing that nourish you mentally, physically and spiritually?

• What are you really good at?

  • Do not be modest. If you are struggling to come up with items, consider what co-workers, family and friends have mentioned to you as strengths.

  • Often times, a sign that you are good at something is when people entrust you with certain tasks. Does the family insist you make the mac and cheese for Thanksgiving dinner? You can cook! Are people always looping you into complex projects? You are probably very organized and can explain the bigger picture in terms that others can understand.

After you have completed your list, take a look at it. Do you see any themes? Does the sight of something on your list bring you particular joy or energy? Is there something on your list that you wish you spent the most time on each week?

Take some time to write and reflect upon your what this week. Next Monday, be sure to stop by for part two!