“Don’t be a spectator on this trip.
There’s no death worse than just waiting around.
Set your heart on the hero’s gold …
And, go.” – Rumi (5th century Persian Poet)
What is my purpose or what is gold for me? I have had clients struggle with this question and I have had my own struggle with it since I know that having a clear destination is an important part of thriving with my internalGPS. The struggle comes from not being sure or wanting to get it right or feeling like it is just not clear at all. I have found that letting go of the need for clarity and letting my purpose find me is sometimes the best way to discover it. This does not mean doing nothing and “waiting around” as Rumi said. It takes some study, reflection and experimentation to let it unfold and then making those little decisions every day that align my actions with who I am and who I want to be. I love reading different authors on the topic that may shift my thinking or open up new ideas on how I can discover my purpose. Here are a couple that I recommend:
Dan Baker, “What Happy People Know” He asks four powerful questions:
- What brings vitality to your life?
- What do you want to be known as?
- What’s your proudest achievement?
- What does your life stand for?
Clay Christensen with James Allworth & Karen Dillon, “How Will You Measure Your Life” (Article in HBR.org that led to the book linked)
He asks,
“How can I be sure that:
I will be successful and happy in my career?
My relationships with my spouse, my children, and my extended family and close friends become an enduring source of happiness?
I live a life of integrity- and stay out of jail?”
He explains that the last question may sound humorous but one of his prior classmates was Jeff Skilling who was full of promise and a good guy. But then as the President of Enron he went to jail; he clearly took some wrong turns in his life.
I suggest that “going for gold” in your work and life is aligning who you are with what you do and how you are being. If you take a little time to review and reflect then your internalGPS will take you there.
Thanks for sharing this Paula: ” I have found that letting go of the need for clarity and letting my purpose find me is sometimes the best way to discover it. This does not mean doing nothing and “waiting around” as Rumi said. It takes some study, reflection and experimentation to let it unfold and then making those little decisions every day that align my actions with who I am and who I want to be. ”
It’s such a perfect way to put it, making little decisions everyday. I’m also trying to do just that and even more so enjoy the journey!
Your blogs are so inspirational, thanks for being you & sharing:-)