- First, think about what lights you up… what do you love? What could you talk about all day? Finding a passion is a good place to start if you are feeling lost or disconnected from your purpose. Then, consider how you can use that passion to be of service. What could you do with that passion or skill? Be creative and maybe write down lots of ideas, this process can take as long as is needed, days/weeks/months, whatever it takes so that you start to gain a sense of clarity and the thoughts that come up for you are repetitive, then you know they are suitable for the long term. Take your time on this, it can be really fun when approached with a positive mindset.
- Ask yourself what you are really good at. What comes easily to you? Maybe consider what would your friends and family say in response to this question. Many people have a lifetime of information and learned skills, but rarely take time to enquire as to how to perhaps use all that knowledge and skill in a different way, a way that may be more beneficial to themselves and those around them. Think about it like your gift to the world – you have one (or many!) I promise you.
- Don’t be afraid to explore your deepest beliefs and values. This can be more difficult to uncover alone, so some self-exploration may be required in order to learn the truth behind everything you’ve ever known to be true. This takes time, so be patient, but, once you know more about yourself, you are in a better place to think about taking a new direction. Going off course. The concept might seem silly – getting to know yourself, but ask yourself do you REALLY know yourself? There’s always work to be done, and you only have this one life.
- Remind and empower yourself with the knowledge that everything is a choice, how you spend your time, who you spend it with, where you spend your time, and more importantly, that your response to all these can be entirely your own, unique to you. It doesn’t have to be conventional. You can choose your own way, always, it maybe just doesn’t appear like it. So, challenge your thoughts, and don’t settle for things that you know are not good for you, people, jobs, or anything in fact. You deserve more, just by being alive you have the chance to have more.
- Ask yourself how could I help? This could be something small, maybe within your own family, a charity or organisation, your own workplace, a friend in need, a stranger, anything that is serving other people. Serving others is the way you can find that deep sense of satisfaction, meaning, and purpose that you might be searching for, see if you can weave this into your life alongside other commitments. Start small, and let it build organically. See how it makes you feel. I bet it’s more like the REAL you.
