It’s time to find your GUIDING STAR!
What’s your purpose in life?
I know—it’s a complicated question.
And it’s a question that sometimes causes unnecessary anxiety—as if there’s something wrong or missing if you don’t have everything about life pre-planned and figured out.
I hope to relieve some of that anxiety because finding your purpose in life is much more a journey than a destination.
Last week in introduced the idea of purpose with an inspiring story about Rick and Dick Hoyt. If you missed that one be sure to check it out. It will help set the table for what’s to come.
The ideas that follow might help you uncover your purpose for the first time. But it’s also likely you could rediscover what’s been buried and long forgotten.
It’s even possible that your purpose will find you. That’s what happened to Dick Hoyt. I know people who have dedicated their hearts to a cause, a cure, a solution, a scholarship fund, or a philanthropic foundation, all because of a personal loss or tragedy—or because they were inspired by the sacrifice or generosity of someone else.
Uncovering my purpose took time and patience.
After my Valentine’s Day Miracle, I expected to experience a life-changing epiphany. I knew stories of other people who emerged from near-fatal accidents with a greater sense of purpose, focus, energy, enthusiasm, vitality, and clarity.
For me, it seemed just the opposite. As months ticked by and my physical health improved—my mental health declined. It took time, patience, a complicated struggle with PTSD, a support system, and a great deal of prayer and reflection to uncover my newfound purpose.
Also, keep in mind that people often have a handful of purposes.
Some might focus on faith, family, career, relationships, and more. And they can change over time, just like mine. Our goal is not to uncover all of your purposes at once, but to discover at least one purpose with deep meaning that will help you move forward.
Your Guiding Star
There are many methods for uncovering your purpose. I’ll share one that’s worked for me.
HP founder David Packard gave a famous 1960 speech. Here’s what Packard said about purpose:
“Whereas you might achieve a goal or a complete strategy, you cannot fulfill a purpose; it’s like a guiding star on the horizon—forever pursued but never reached. Yet, although purpose itself does not change, it inspires change.”
My new purpose has become my guiding star.
It began during a dark and difficult time when I found myself fighting an unexpected battle. I was trapped in a hole with no idea how to get out. Over time, I began sharing my story. I was surprised to learn how many other people were trapped while fighting their own battles—just like me.
My new purpose was initially inspired by a short video clip from the TV series The West Wing. The video clip told short story about a man walking down a street who falls into a hole and can’t climb out.
Here’s the epiphanal moment when his friend jumps into the hole to join him.
“Joe—are you STUPID? Now we’re BOTH down here!”
The friend says, “Yeah, but I’ve been down here before, and I know the way out.”
(The West Wing, Season 2, Episode 10)
That story, along with a greater awareness of other people’s struggles, marked the start of uncovering my new purpose. I had a guiding star on my horizon—a purpose that would inspire change. Eventually, my guiding star led me to write a book—LIVE AGAIN!, to write this newsletter, and to speak to audiences who are trapped in holes of their own.
What would it look like for you to live your life with purpose?
At the end of this practice, you will write a first draft of your very own purpose statement. I sometimes hesitate to use the term “statement” because it implies an eloquent manifesto meant for public display. Please know this statement will be personal, private, and just for you. It is intended to help you connect with your guiding star, to inspire change, and to act accordingly.
We’re going to ease into this practice by asking you to reflect on your past. Here are some instructions to get you started.
Reflect on the following questions. Some questions will resonate more than others, and some might seem redundant. Give them all your best effort—and please feel free to add your own.
After taking time to reflect, write down the answer to each question. Please don’t stress about grammar, typos, or messiness. Consider this a brain dump. Just get everything out on paper.
You might have multiple ideas or possibilities for each question. That’s completely fine—create a list. If you struggle with answers to any question, ask yourself, “What COULD it be?”
Take as much time as you need. Memories can take time. They may come to you while you work, drive, shower, or daydream. Memories can also be influenced by many things—your circumstance, your faith, your relationships, and more. Consider repeating or spreading this exercise over several days to make sure you haven’t missed any important experiences.
Reflection Questions:
Recall an experience when you felt you were at your best.
Recall an event or situation that stayed on your mind for days because it either inspired you—or it broke your heart.
Recall a defining moment in your past when you realized you would never be the same.
Recall a time you accomplished something especially difficult, perhaps when the odds were stacked against you.
What do other people appreciate you for, compliment you on, or say you are best at?
Who has had the greatest influence on shaping the person you are today? Why?
Who are the people, past or living, real or fictional, that you most admire or aspire to be like? Why?
Again, take your time with this. If you’re like me memories will come to mind while you’re walking, driving, doing dishes, taking a shower, or something completely unrelated.
Write down or record whatever comes to mind as soon as you’re able.
We’ve got more to unpack next week. For now, please believe me when I tell you that you’re the answer to other people’s prayers. That’s why this journey is so important. Your purpose is much bigger than just you.
Thanks for the time together. I’m praying and cheering for you—and I’m looking forward to continuing the journey.
With gratitude,
John Alan
