Embracing a Personal Purpose

Do you remember a time when your idealism was at its peak? When you were passionate about pursuing noble goals and principles? Or believed far more was possible than you do now in creating a greater good? I remember times like those in my life. I became involved in several causes du jour. I learned, grew, and became more aware of what I truly believed in. Then reality struck. I discovered it was harder than I thought. Then my life changed. I worked long hours, had a family to support, and valued time with my wife and son.

Through all of this, my idealism remained in my mind, if tempered by greater life experience. My passions and interests matured. They became more focused. Soon I found ways to pursue them in bite size pieces that worked with the other priorities in my life. I began once again to give my idealism wings.
I realize now that my journey to a meaningful personal purpose (which has changed and evolved over time) involved four key steps. In interviewing others who followed their own routes, I learned their journeys followed a similar path.

Passion for life

Each one of us has a purpose. A very specific purpose in life. No two of us have the same purpose. Each of us are here for as unique a reason as the person standing next to you. This I can assure you. But it’s that passion for living that will lead you to your purpose in life. It’s so simple, yet it took me such a long time to fully understand this truth. Passion is what guides us to the very reason we are here. It gently nudges you along the way and when we don’t listen and think we know what’s best, it allows us to veer off course and travel down the path of resistance, struggle and even a little pain and hardship just to prove it’s point. Eventually, it gives us another try and opens the door to opportunity and allows us to peek in. The choice to walk through that door is yours alone. Passion is the key that unlocks the door called “Purpose”.