A recurring theme keeps surfacing in conversations I have with my coaching clients is what do I want to be when I grow up? (aka “life purpose”). I welcome this question with open arms. This big picture thinking opens the door to a much richer discussion. It also tells me the client is committed to their journey of self-discovery and growth as a human being.
I used to struggle with this seemingly insurmountable life purpose mountain of responsibility question. It is very overwhelming to believe we all have a life purpose and not know what it is. I did self-discovery exercise after self-discovery exercise. None of them seemed to yield the response I was looking for. Of course, that assumes I knew what I was looking for. One day it just hit me…it not a singular action, it is a theme to live your life by. It does not need to be overly complicated. Apply the KISS (“Keep it simple stupid”) principle.
I asked a different set of questions with new eyes. What is a common theme in your life? What a pattern continues to repeat itself? Voila! The pattern emerged from the darkness and became clear as day.
I have lived my life trying to learn something new every day while continually challenging myself to grow and expand my abilities. In the simplest pure form, my life purpose is to becoming a better version of myself every day. This declaration freed me from the introspective search burden I was carrying and opened a new world of possibilities.
I now had a foundation to build upon. Every action from here on out can be in conscious support of becoming a better version of myself. Every action I take with my clients can be in support of helping them become a better version of themselves.
Extending this concept from an “I” world into a “We” world opens the door for us to have a common relationship purpose. Help each other to grow and become better versions of ourselves. Adoption of this principle creates fertile ground for relationships of compassion, understanding, and selfless behavior.
Under these conditions, we look forward to investing our time and energy in our relationships. We bring enthusiasm and passion to each interaction. We share in a more open and meaningful way. We allow ourselves to be vulnerable and we feel safe doing so. There is genuine interest and care in our relationships.
I believe we all share this purpose in life. I am committed to becoming a better version of myself every day, and to help those whom I care about to do the same.
What purpose are you committed to?
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