It is easy to feel as though life is simply happening to us. Days blur into weeks, weeks into years, and before we know it, we may find ourselves wondering where the time has gone. But there is an antidote to this aimlessness: leading an on-purpose life.
Living on purpose is about making deliberate choices that align with your values, passions, and goals. It is about understanding who you are, what you stand for, and how you want to show up in the world. Rather than being carried along by the current, leading an on-purpose life allows you become the captain of your own ship, steering your life with intention and clarity.
Living on-purpose, the process of leading an on-purpose life, is not about perfection or having every aspect of life figured out. Instead, it is about:
• Clarity: Knowing what matters most to you.
• Alignment: Ensuring your actions reflect your core values.
• Intention: Making choices with awareness and focus.
• Fulfillment: Finding meaning in your journey, not just the destination.
When you live on-purpose, your daily activities, relationships, and goals are aligned with what truly matters to you. This alignment creates a sense of fulfillment, even amidst life’s inevitable challenges.
Living an on-purpose life brings numerous benefits into your life, your actions, to others you encounter, and to the world around you, including:
Greater Fulfillment: You find joy and meaning in your actions because they align with your values.
Increased Resilience: Knowing your purpose helps you navigate challenges with strength and clarity.
Improved Relationships: Intentional living fosters deeper connections with others as you prioritize authenticity and shared values.
Enhanced Focus: Purpose acts as a compass, helping you say “yes” to what matters and “no” to distractions.
A Legacy of Impact: Living on-purpose allows you to make a positive difference in the lives of others, leaving a lasting mark.
1. Discover Your Life's Purpose
The first step to living on-purpose is understanding what drives you. Purpose is deeply personal—it is shaped by your values, experiences, and aspirations. To discover your purpose in leading an on-purpose life, reflect on the following questions:
• What brings me the most joy?
• What challenges have shaped me, and what have I learned from them?
• How do I want to contribute to the world?
• What legacy do I want to leave behind?
Exercise: Write a personal mission statement. This is a concise declaration of what matters most to you and how you intend to live your life.
2. Identify Your Core Values
Your values are the foundation of an on-purpose life. They guide your decisions and help you stay true to yourself. Common values include integrity, compassion, growth, creativity, and family.
Exercise: List your top five values. Reflect on how these values show up in your daily life. Are there areas where your actions do not align with your values? If so, consider what changes you can make to live more authentically.
3. Set Intentional Goals
Goals give your purpose direction. However, not all goals are created equal. To live on-purpose, your goals should reflect your values and long-term vision.
Below are three tips to help you with setting intentional goals as you create the framework for leading an on-purpose life:
Prioritize Alignment: Choose goals that resonate with your purpose, rather than what others expect of you.
Focus on Meaning: Aim for goals that contribute to your personal growth and the well-being of others.
Stay Flexible: Be open to adjusting your goals as your purpose evolves.
4. Practice Mindful Decision-Making
Living on-purpose requires mindfulness in your choices. Before saying “yes” to something, ask yourself:
• Does this align with my values and goals?
• Will this bring me closer to living my purpose?
• Is this the best use of my time and energy?
By making conscious decisions, you ensure your actions are intentional and purposeful.
5. Build Purposeful Habits
Habits are the building blocks of an on-purpose life. Small, consistent actions can have a profound impact over time.
Examples of Purposeful Habits:
• Start each day by reflecting on your goals and intentions.
• Practice gratitude to stay grounded in what matters.
• Set aside time for activities that align with your purpose.
These could involve such activities as journaling, creating a to-do list, thanking others for the little things they do, volunteering, pursuing a passion, or connecting with loved ones.
6. Embrace the Journey
Living on-purpose is not about reaching a final destination; it is about finding meaning in the journey. Embrace the ups and downs, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Mindset Shift: Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, embrace the good feelings in the progress you make and the lessons you learn along the way. Celebrate each achievement, no matter how small it might be.
1. Fear of Failure
The fear of making mistakes can hold you back from pursuing your purpose.
Solution: Remember, failure is not the opposite of success—it is part of the process. Each setback teaches you something valuable.
2. Overwhelm
Living on-purpose can feel daunting, especially if you have multiple priorities.
Solution: Focus on one area of your life at a time. Small, intentional changes add up to significant progress.
3. External Expectations
Pressure to meet societal or family expectations can create tension between your purpose and others’ demands.
Solution: Stay true to yourself. Communicate your values and goals with honesty and confidence.
Example 1: Sarah’s Story After years in a high-stress corporate job, Sarah realized she was unfulfilled and disconnected from what truly mattered to her. Determined to make a change, she left her position to start a nonprofit supporting underprivileged children. The transition was challenging, requiring her to step outside her comfort zone and embrace uncertainty, but it also brought her a profound sense of purpose. Sarah found immense joy and meaning in aligning her work with her core values of compassion, service, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others, by leading an on-purpose life.
Example 2: Tom’s Story Tom, a father of three, longed to be more present for his family and recognized the need for a shift in priorities. He set a goal to work fewer hours, deliberately carving out time to focus on meaningful connections and shared experiences with his children. This decision required careful planning and some sacrifices, but the rewards were immeasurable. By living on-purpose and aligning his actions with his values, Tom not only strengthened his relationships but also created lasting memories that brought joy and fulfillment to his family, by leading an on-purpose life.
Living on-purpose not only transforms your life but also impacts those around you. When you live with intention, you inspire others to do the same. Your actions create a ripple effect, fostering positivity, connection, and growth in your community.
The journey to leading an on-purpose life begins with a single step. Start by reflecting on what matters most to you and how you can align your actions with your values. Remember, it is never too late to live with intention and create a life that feels meaningful.
Take a moment today to:
• Write down your top values and goals.
• Identify one small change you can make to align your life with your purpose.
• Commit to taking that first step.
Living on-purpose is not about perfection; it is about progress. As you embrace your unique journey, you will discover the joy, fulfillment, and connection that come from leading an intentional life. Your next step toward leading an on-purpose life is to Transformational Life Coach Tamara Lea Patrick today.
