At the cornerstone of meaningful work and life is the search for and use of one’s life purpose. This is can be simply defined as what you see as your reason for existing. It should provide an answer to the big life question ~ Why are you here on earth?
Your life purpose is your intrinsic motivator and driver and for most, the reason they get up in the morning, the compass that guides their decisions, and the force influencing their behaviour and choices.
Purpose looks different for everyone. For some, it is rooted in spirituality or religious beliefs; for others, it lies in responsibilities to family and friends, or in activism addressing human and environmental challenges. For many it is linked to vocation, where doing meaningful and satisfying work is essential.
We have included Life Purpose in this Career Planning Program because we believe in a broader definition of a career, one that goes beyond a job, but to encompass all the roles you play in life and you as a whole person.
Source: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-life-purpose
Purpose and Meaningful Work can be seen as the convergence of four primary elements: passion (what you love), vocation (what you are good at), mission (what the world or society needs) and profession (what you can get paid for.
To develop or identify your life purpose, reflect on the following four questions, represented in the Purpose diagram below:
- PASSION – What do you love? What aspects of your life bring you into your heart and make you feel truly alive? What would you do even if you were not paid for it? Your passions could be many.
- VOCATION – What are you great at? What unique skills come most naturally to you? What talents have you cultivated over time, and what do you excel at even without much effort?
- MISSION – What cause do you believe in? What breaks your heart or pulls at your gut? What change would you most love to see in the world? What would you be willing to dedicate your life to?
- PROFESSION – What do people value and pay you for? What service, product or offering do you provide (or could you provide) that brings real value to others, something people genuinely need and are happy to pay for or exchange value for? Reflect on your knowledge, three core technical skills, three core soft skills, education, qualifications, certifications, and both paid and unpaid experience. Source: https://upliftconnect.com/ikigai-finding-your-reason-for-being/
Bringing it all together:
Once you have your responses for the four areas, create one statement that answers the following questions:
a. Why are you here on earth?
b. What do you exist to do?
c. Who do you exist to serve?
d. Guided by what values and beliefs?
The statement you create, that is your Life Purpose. Over time, as you ‘implement’ it and ‘live it,’ it will come naturally to you.
RESOURCE MATERIALS – For more information, refer to two recommended articles that explore the history and background of Purpose through the Japanese concept of Ikigai “your reason for being.” These resources also provide stories, examples, and videos to bring the concept to life.
- UPLIFT CONNECT – https://upliftconnect.com/ikigai-finding-your-reason-for-being/
- BARBARA BRAY – https://barbarabray.net/2017/11/14/ikigai-your-purpose-and-reason-for-being/
In conclusion – Your personal vision, life purpose, values, and an understanding of your personality and skills are life anchors. They form a core part of Spiritual Wellness and provide the foundation for the “Know Yourself” starting point in career planning.
It is not always easy to discover, develop, and live by these anchors, but they are essential. Invest the time and effort they deserve. And if you need support, feel free to reach out to me through any of the platforms listed below.
The End!
WHAT IS YOUR REASON FOR BEING HERE ON EARTH?
Your life purpose is the foundation that guides your decisions, fuels your passion, and gives meaning to your work and your life.
Take time to reflect on what you love, what you are great at, the causes that move you, and the value you bring to others. Use these insights to craft your unique Life Purpose statement — a compass to navigate your journey.
Don’t leave your purpose to chance. Discover it, embrace it, and live it fully.
Are you ready to begin?
🎯 Join the Coach Ennie & ECLC Career Growth Community
Gain access to tools, tips, and a supportive space to develop your career story—and your career.
👉 Join the WhatsApp Community here:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/CI1MEbdzX2G0zMvsZHNvdq
Once inside, join groups that are tailored for your journey:
1. Career Planning, Development and Management
2. Leadership Development and Team building
3. Wellness-Centred Life Planning and Personal Management
4. NGO Workers: Career Coaching and Advice
5. Job Search and Employability Support
Ennie Chipembere
Coach, NGO Institutional Development Consultant and ECLC Director
E-mail: ennie.chipembere@eclcglobal.com
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ennie-chipembere-chikwema/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EnnieCareerCoach
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