I started reading this book…

And it’s made me think about some things…

Some things I’ve never thought about…

Or never thought about in this particular way…

So I’m going to share what I’m learning.

I’m reading The Success Principles by Jack Canfield. He’s the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

Success Principle #2:

Be Clear Why You’re Here

Have you ever really thought about your life’s purpose? I mean the big picture–not just the little goals and dreams we have along the way–but the Big Mac Daddy reason we’re here? Our entire life’s purpose.

If you are like me, you’ve certainly thought about your goals. We all have things we want to accomplish in life. I want to be a published writer. I want my books to sell. I want to be able to cut back at the day job and focus more on writing.

“Without purpose as the compass to guide you, your goals and action plans may not ultimately fulfill you. You don’t want to get to the top of the ladder only to find you had it leaning against the wrong wall.”

~Jack Canfield, The Success Principles

I mentioned this concept to a client of mine this week. Immediately, she said, “I already know my life purpose. It’s to raise my son.”

When I pointed out that raising her son and being a good mom was a goal, but it’s not an entire life purpose, she looked at me with shock–as if I’d just dropped the f-bomb during session (which I sometimes do). When I asked her to think bigger and broader, her face crumpled and she began to cry. I asked her to tell me the reason for her tears. She said, “I’m afraid to think that way. I might fail.”

Whoa.

Sometimes a piece of truth just hits you and then sits on you a while before it fully sinks in. “I’m afraid to think that way. I might fail.” Isn’t that the 100% truth? And probably the reason a lot of us haven’t thought about it in this way.

DalaiLamaPurposeQuote

One of the things recommended in the book is to think about your unique personality traits and how you can use them to create your vision of the best version of the world. I love the idea of “my” vision of the best version of the world. Because my vision will be different than yours. My best world would be a place where everyone accepted each other’s differences. Where people supported and helped those less fortunate–animals and humans. And a place where life was peaceful–no wars, no groups of people hating other groups of people.

What’s your vision of the best version of the world?

Any thoughts on what your life purpose is? Hint: I’m pretty sure it’s directly related to your vision of the best version of the world.

Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer, The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be (New York: William Morrow, 2015) 24.

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