I remember an adult once telling me when I was young that I needed to try different things in order to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. I remember thinking, “How could I possibly just fall into something I love by chance? Into something I’m meant to become? Is it perhaps a bit more predestined than that?”
I’m certain it’s normal to search for meaning and purpose. It is, after all, our nature as human beings. I was reminded this morning of an uber-successful millennial who struck it rich with a tech startup and become an instant billionaire, only to reach age 30 and realize no one cared about him and he was doing something that left him empty. The point is that everyone wants perfection. Everyone wants financial stability. Everyone wants productivity and some degree of a routine. Everyone wants certainty. Everyone wants to give love and to be loved. The reality is that these things just don’t exist because the perfect version of yourself is constantly changing as you learn and grow! As you expand, your goals expand with you.
Isn’t the search, perhaps, less about attaining the perfect life and more about finding the perfect path?
The Perfection Competition
As you browse through Facebook and Instagram you will see updates and posts of what other people are doing and accomplishing. For me, this has led at times to feelings of jealousy or thoughts that perhaps I’m not accomplishing enough or getting enough out of life. I’ve realized that, when I set concrete goals for myself that are followed-up by smaller goals that help me achieve the big ones, I become more confident. I feel more productive. I feel like I’m on the right path for me. All of a sudden, I can’t identify as much with someone else’s perfect life and I feel more fulfilled with my own. So, I’ll ask you, what are your goals for yourself?
Learn the Signs of Misdirection
Feeling uncertain about your life, your goals, or your purpose is all normal. But what’s not normal is to feel uncertain every minute of every day. If that’s going on, I can say with complete certainty you’re not on the right path. Red flags and alarm bells should be going off all over the place for you right now! Instead, try to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings so you can be prepared to take action. Begin briefly journaling those feelings along with your ideas for what may be causing them. What is the root of it all?
Ask for Help
I know for a fact that I am my own worst enemy. But I have to stop and remind myself that, many times, I’m doing better than I think I am. Thankfully, in my case, I have two trusted people who remind me of that. I can be open and honest with them and they will give me a candid opinion of what I should consider changing. Everyone needs someone in their life that won’t just tell them what they want to hear. Do you have someone like this?
Purpose is Divine
I’m a Christian and it wasn’t until after I turned 30 that I realized when I focus on anything other than my faith and God’s will for my life, I grow unhappy, worried and frustrated. We all have talents. We all have a reason for being here. So instead of trying to figure it out for yourself, try praying about it. Now that I finally feel like I know what path I’m on, I pray daily that God will give me eyes to see Him, ears to hear Him, a hunger to do His will in my life, and that He will help me with each step along my path. For me, He has been faithful and helped me realize that I can’t do this alone. He has called me to be greater and, because of this, he has blessed me with purpose and passion! So are you praying regularly for purpose?
Want help finding your path and purpose? Reach out to me and let’s discuss what your goals are and the best ways to help you achieve them! Click here to view my calendar and schedule a complimentary appointment that is convenient for you!