That is the point of this month's Action Mail - Purpose. What is it? How do you know you have found it? And, how can you stay focused on it when you are being pulled in many directions? Purpose is, after all, what makes it possible to be "Off Balance," yet peaceful and productive. Purpose is the catalyst that inspires others and ignites infinite possibilities.

You'll recall we are in the middle of a series, learning to live Off Balance On Purpose (OBOP). OBOP is not only a philosophy for living, but also a repeating process with five steps. They are:

1. Own Your Reality (Click to see last month's message.)
2. Seek Your Purpose
3. Lean Forward
4. Leverage Your Resources
5. Follow Through

The great thing about this process is that you can apply it to the big questions in your life, as well as specific and practical circumstances you experience from day to day. Let's continue the journey with step two.

Step Two: Seek Your Purpose

We've established that "life balance" is an illusion. There is no such thing as a balanced life.

I believe when we express our desire for "balance" we are actually identifying a need for greater "alignment" with purpose. Deep down, we want to live in alignment with what we deem to be valuable, meaningful, and truthful. When we are out of alignment (as you've no doubt experienced firsthand with your automobile) making confident progress and negotiating the "curves" before you can be unnerving or, in some cases, downright dangerous.

Does purpose come from you or through you? I think both.

I believe that we are all given gifts. Some of these gifts we are born with, and they present themselves as unique talents, interests, and abilities. These are clues to your God-given purpose, the very reason you are here, and the work you are meant to be doing.

But we also choose a purpose every day. We plan our actions. We set our goals. We make conscious choices about how we are going to spend our time. Then, we choose whether or not we are going to stick to the plan, or pick a different route entirely.

When the purpose that comes from you is in alignment with the purpose that flows through you, then your life takes on joy and significance that is otherwise impossible to experience.

Finding your purpose is a lifelong process, but you will routinely get glimpses and clues if you ask the simple question, “Why?” Why do you get up in the morning? Why do you go to work? Why is it important that you make certain changes in your life?

Also ask “Why?” before you start a meeting, engage someone in conversation, or plan an important project. Asking that simple question forces you to frame your experiences in a context that is connected to purpose. That perspective will enable you to more easily identify your values, formulate life principles, and set meaningful goals. Each of these elements plays an important part in the purpose equation.

Here’s one more hint about your life purpose: it is not about you. Your purpose is somehow related to serving others and providing care, comfort, and value. You will know you have found your purpose (or, at least, are getting darn close) when you find yourself becoming excited, frightened, focused, and validated by external forces. In that sense, it’s a lot like falling in love.

Into Action

1. What are you truly good at doing? What skills come naturally to you? What activities sweep you away, causing you to lose track of time and become completely immersed in the experience?

2. You've just identified part of your purpose. Do you bring these interests or skills into your daily experience? Do you share your gifts with others?

3. Identify one thing you can do to improve your alignment. In other words, how can you order your daily life so that it reflects your uniqueness, your passions, and the joy you can share with others. It may be as big as a new career move or just a subtle shift of focus. Get clear on your alignment adjustment, then DO IT!

I don't think life was meant to be inherently difficult, frustrating, or painful. We certainly can make it that way by insisting on choices that steer us from our purpose. Sadly, we can persist on this path to the point of self destruction.

In every situation, no matter how challenging, there is a purpose to be discovered. Seek it! Ask the brave question that will take you closer. Why?

Purpose is yours. Find it. Seize it. Own it!

As always, I invite you to share your insights and questions with me. I promise I will respond personally. We are, after all, going through this process together. Next month we are going to "Lean Forward" and initiate some exciting changes that will deliver results!

Until then, live boldly with purpose!

With encouragement always,

Dan

Need some help finding your purpose? This book will help!

Click here for more information and a special offer for Action Mail Subscribers.

Success in Action

The Direct Path to your Higher Potential

by Dan Thurmon

Action Press, Hardcover, 272 pages