When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, what response do you get? He or she is likely to respond with big dreams and adventurous ideas such as becoming a sports star, ballerina, or astronaut. Childhood is a time of innocence where any dream is possible, and there are no preconceptions, practical notions, or pressures creeping in to cause feelings of worry or doubt. If a person could approach their entire life with this mentality, it would help free them from constraints, both real and imaginary, that guide their paths and allow them to experience the wonder of what might be. As we age, learn, and grow from life’s lessons, the pursuit of purpose and passion gets lost amidst expectations and responsibility.
Blue Zones researchers have found that people who have a clear sense of purpose in life tend to live about seven years longer than those who do not. Yet only around 25 percent of Americans adults report having a clear sense of purpose about what makes their lives meaningful, according to one analysis of the subject in The New York Times, while 40 percent either claim neutrality on the subject, or say they don't. Another survey found that fewer than 50 percent of Americans find meaning at work. Perhaps pressures or expectations caused them to settle for something they knew they were good at, rather than discovering and pursuing how they could be great.
If you take a moment, step back, and think about your life, what would you do differently? When retirees (65+) answered this question, a majority said they would:
- Hit the “pause button” to reflect on their lives and make the most of the time they had.
- Take more risks to pursue their dreams and life priorities.
- Find their purpose earlier in life.
The truth is, we all want our lives to have purpose, to matter. There’s no time like the present to get started! Spend some time exploring your gifts, letting them guide your passions, and uncover your unique purpose.
You can start today by taking this quick purpose assessment, developed by purpose expert, Richard Leider.
Sources:
Butler, R. (2010). The longevity revolution. New York: PublicAffairs.
Khullar D. Finding Purpose for a Good Life. But Also a Healthy One. The New York Times. The Upshot. Jan. 1, 2018:1. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/01/upshot/finding-purpose-for-a-good-life-but-also-a-healthy-one.html
Amortegui, J. (2014, June 26). Why Finding Meaning At Work Is More Important Than Feeling Happy. Fast Company. Retrieved from https://www.fastcompany.com/3032126/how-to-find-meaning-during-your-pursuit-ofhappiness-at-work
