This is something that I talk to my clients about every week in my career coaching sessions.
When people are feeling lost in their career, all too often it is because they are not living their why – their purpose.
I’ve heard many times that people have fallen into a job in their 20’s and now after many years, they realise that it is not for them. Or perhaps they had little direction when they finished school, so decided to do what a family member did as a job, as they felt that this was a safe and secure path.
These people often come to me after years in the one profession and wonder why they are not satisfied, I then encourage them to identify their ‘why’.
Without a ‘why’, people stumble through life without living their purpose.
I am currently reading Lisa Messenger’s book on Purpose. In Lisa’s book, she talks about the following:
Many people spend time searching, seeking, trying to create the life of their dreams without fully understanding their why.
Your ‘why’ is a feeling, you can’t think your why, it must be felt.
Your ‘why’ has to reflect you.
Think beyond your job title, beyond your past, and feel the feeling that comes from doing what you love.
Remember that finding your why is a journey. Nothing you’ve done in your past was wrong. None of it. It’s been a lifetime of enrolment in the greatest lessons. Every skill you’ve learned has served you in every job you’ve done and every challenge you’ve faced.
Don’t stress and overthink your why. There is no short cut or quick fix. Like anything worthy and real, it’s a process.
What do you do that comes naturally, unconsciously, effortlessly that people compliment you for?
Through asking questions, learning, seeking, discovering who we are, is the key to unlocking our why.
Covid has taught us that things sneak up on us, and in the blink of an eye the world can change. We don’t know what’s around the corner, so finding your why and living your purpose is the most important thing in your life. And it’s never too late, you are never too old.
Two words – Captain Tom. 99 Years old and he still found a purpose in his life.
The truth is, there will always be a good excuse not to live your purpose. It will never be the perfect time, the stars will never be in the perfect alignment, and what you’re already doing is often ‘good enough.’
So tonight, on your drive home from work, take a moment to think about all of the things that you enjoyed most about your day, and what it is that truly gives you that feeling of satisfaction in what you do.
Sometimes it is easy to stay where you are. In your comfort zone.
But remember:
If we’re not learning, were not growing.
If we’re not growing, we’re not living.
If we’re not living, we’re existing.
Disclaimer: The material contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It is not, nor is intended to be, legal advice. If you wish to act based on the content of this publication, we recommend that you seek professional advice.
