Viktor Frankl



Welcome to the rest of your life.

As each of you read this article, take a moment to reflect on your life. What do you see? Do you see someone who has embraced life to its fullest?

In conversations with friends, colleagues, and new acquaintances, I still come across many who are searching for their personal purpose or life direction. Especially the baby boomers, who, I have observed, want to move from success to significance in their lives. It is not as if their life is traumatized or currently unsatisfactory but clarity around their personal purpose seems to elude them.

These are sharp, intelligent individuals who have acknowledged that something is missing and they are not really sure what it is. Idealistically I thought that after the hundreds and thousands of books written on the subject of purpose, there was no longer a need for more writing on the subject but, alas, I was being na've. In fact, I now believe there has never been a greater necessity for personal-purpose work.

In a discussion with a local University Professor, he believed it was easy for individuals to determine their purpose. That might be true for some, but my 20 years of experience in doing purpose work with others does not hold that premise to be true.

There are two primary reasons for most people's unrest.

* First, they are unclear about their spiritual purpose or design of their life.

* Second, they are not 100% clear about their personal purpose.

In a previous article, I sighted research that confirmed, at least in North America; up to 80% of individuals disliked their work -- from mild irritation all the way up to hatred. In a survey taken just a few months ago, over one-third of individuals said they hated their job. That is hardly "Living on Purpose."

So what do we do about it?

1. Each of you must acknowledge that you have been created for a specific purpose and that your contribution is based on your unique combination of personality, gifts, talents, interests, and desires. There is no one else exactly like you in the world. Pretty amazing, considering there are 6 billion or so individuals to compare you with.

2. You are the only person who can confirm your purpose.

3. You must let go of any previous programming or training and be open to the full discovery process. Many of you grew up and trained in certain fields. Even though you are accomplished in your responsibilities, that does not mean you have found your purpose. In my example, I grew up on a dairy farm, went to college, and earned my technologist diploma in livestock genetics and nutrition. I even owned my own dairy farm for a period of time but that is not my current purpose. I had to release 30 years of history and background to be able to embrace my true purpose. Some of you will need to do the same.

4. Purpose awareness generally does not happen by accident. You are the one who is responsible to go through the discovery, searching, and confirming process.

My purpose is to "help others discover their life purpose and assist them to realize their full potential in a business environment." It is then not surprising that I write on the subject and own a company whose purpose is to "Enrich Peoples' Lives" by helping individuals with their purpose-clarity process.

Purpose invigorates people's lives, bringing them energy and inspiration. Contrary to some teachings, motivation is an inside job. Happiness is not attained through self-gratification but through commitment to a worthy purpose -- your purpose.

Please keep in mind that clarification of the details of your purpose is a process. Don't get anxious over the fact that it takes longer to clarify your purpose than microwaving your lunch. A masterpiece -- your life -- should take thoughtful and reflective consideration based on wise counsel.

If you are one of the few who is clear and inspired by his or her purpose, please encourage others who are on the journey. They need to know through your example that mental and emotional freedom and peace are reasonable and achievable goals.

If you and/or your family members, friends, and colleagues are ready to embark on the journey to purpose, follow the Actions Steps below.

Most important, if you are not 100% clear about your life purpose, make it a priority to quietly and intentionally pursue answers to this question: Are You Living Your Purpose?

Are you clear about your personal purpose in life? If not, include the following in your process.

1. Decide that clarifying your personal purpose is a priority.

2. Start a notepad or journal to record notes on your observations about your responses to life.

3. From your written or mental notes, start to categorize those items that inspire and energize you and also the events that do not.

4. You will have to learn to say no to decisions and activities that are not congruent with your purpose. This is a very important step. Sometimes we do not realize our true purpose because we openly accept less than life has to offer.

5. Seek wise counsel and feedback from people you can trust. Make sure your confidants are open to change and to the purpose process. Too many times, well-intentioned friends and family have hindered individuals from realizing their true purpose.

6. As I mentioned before, utilize the various resources, assessments, and processes that have been created to assist you in achieving clarity.

7. Commit to continuing the process for as long as it takes.

8. Design your life around the inspirational elements. Avoid the rest.

9. Know that your greatest gift to others and yourself is your fulfilling your purpose.

Until next time keep "Living on Purpose,"

Ken Keis