Defining Your Purpose

Today I am sharing a new column that will be published next month. 

Inventing Your Life

“Defining Your Purpose”

By

Rob Claudio

According to world renowned author, Dr. Wayne Dyer, passion is; "the inner excitement of being on the right path".  It would be amazing if everyone could experience this feeling and live their life so that their internal compass was always pointed in the direction of where there passion lies.  However, a good majority of people struggle with what they feel they are supposed to do in life and are caught in a place where breaking out of the routine and enacting change may be a daunting or monumental task.  Some people may think that if you are younger and without lots of long term responsibilities, it is easier to change career paths, relationships or other defined life roles.  The question that should ultimately define the direction in which you are headed is, “are you really happy with where you are at right now”?  If the answer is remotely close to being a no, then there is an opportunity to be able to change some things, so that you are heading down the path that feels less like a chore and more like a passionate walk.  The truth is that until one's life is over, there is always the possibility to make adjustments no matter what stage you happen to be in.  When you see others filled with happiness when they describe what they do, that is an example of the passion that can drive a person to realize that they are fulfilling their own life's purpose.  There are many examples of why people can't, however, what comes out of a person's mouth should only speak to the possibility that exists if you can change your thinking to say, "I can".  The circle of people around you, if they are your true friends, confidants, family or supporters, will be the first to encourage you to change if that is truly what you seek.  Don't get lost in the words of those that impose doubt or simply put your dreams down, because at the end of the day your dreams belong to you and nobody else. Whether you are passionate about changing a small aspect of your life or a rather large one, honor yourself by addressing those things that you want to see change.  If the first half of your life started out less than optimal, then plan forward to a better second half of doing the things that truly make you happy.  One can redefine where they are or where they are going at any given time and never feel guilty if you do things that honor this in you.  Also, remember to not look back so much at your past, as what happened previously in your life has nothing new to show you.   Your future can ultimately be filled with infinite possibilities, when you decide that doing what you love is the defining character of who you were meant to be.  

Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.

-John F. Kennedy