Navigating for True North
If you believe that we each have a purpose for being here on earth, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to try to figure out just where we are each meant to focus. A sense of purpose lies within each of us and can show us who we are, what is important to us, and can help us to navigate our daily lives.
Ok. So how do we begin? If purpose is like a compass, and can guide us to certain destinations or outcomes, how do we know when we are there? How will you know if you’ve found your True North?
As I work with my coaching clients to help them understand their own sense of purpose, I often begin by asking, “What fills you up or brings you a sense of fulfillment? What are you most passionate about? And if you could spend your time doing anything, what would that be?”
As a coach, a big part of my work centers around helping clients discover their direction and their bigger purpose. This is the stuff that gets us out of the bed in the morning, makes us feel inherently satisfied and clear about the path we are following and the direction we are choosing.
So if finding my purpose is my ultimate goal, how do I make sense of this as I navigate my everyday life and all the responsibilities loaded into it? One thing I have discovered is that it helps to notice where I’m energized and where I lose energy during my day. When do I feel satisfied and when do I feel dissatisfied? I’ve also found that paying attention to my values, or what is ultimately most important to me, can help me live more purposefully.
A few years ago, I decided to join my local volunteer fire department. My interest stemmed from the fact that I wanted to help out in my community, but so much more happened once I started training, going on fire and medical calls, and getting involved with my mountain neighbors.
First, I discovered that I was more energized after going to a training or a call than I was before. Even though I began as a rookie, I was excited to learn new stuff and I liked getting better at stuff. When I reflect back, I noticed that this volunteer experience met some of my personal values, things that are really important to me like-- community service, learning, building relationships, challenging myself, and being outdoors and in nature.
Since I began, I’ve completed hundreds of hours of volunteer training. Even with money off the table, I’m still highly motivated to do this work. Why? Well, it feels good. It is satisfying and challenging. It also requires me to be fully present when I’m doing it. There is no time to worry about anything else. And there is something inherently satisfying about being fully present in my own life. I feel a personal sense of purpose when I do it. And while I didn’t go into this with the idea that it would lead me to my“ BIG” purpose, it is a part of my overall well-being and aligns with some of my values—the stuff that is really important to me.
Maybe it is the small acts, our daily habits, which can actually lead us to our ultimate sense of purpose. What we choose to focus on can guide us to our own internal sense of direction. So notice what grabs your attention. And, begin to ask: What energizes me? What am I most passionate about? What gives me the greatest sense of fulfillment? And where do I come alive?