How to Identify and Know your life purpose

I have been doing a lot of talks at companies these last couple of months that are all relevant to wellness. One slide on my presentation that captivates the audience is on "Knowing your Purpose " and who you are servicing. I am reading the book called Blue Zones that discusses some case studies regarding life lessons from people in the world that have lived the longest. The 4 places in the world that they considered the Blue Zones were: Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica and Loma Linda, California. They interviewed many people, well over the age of 80 and many of them centenarians. The one question they kept asking these folks were:

What do you eat? What do you do physically for workout? and How the heck are you so witty, strong and vivacious well into the 90's? After collaborating much data they realized one commonality amongst all of these people:

They all ate foods they enjoy in moderation (fava beans and wine were rated high, along with goats milk)
They socialized plenty with neighbors, family and friends three to four days a week
Most of the physical activity they did involved walking to work, farming, cooking and moving their bodies through normal day to day activities.
But the one thing that each person mentioned over and over again was they all knew their purpose and they equated that heavily on the longevity and happiness of their life.

Why is this so important?

Your goal may not be to become a centenarian but it is great to hear secrets from people who have already applied these disciplines.

This month I encourage you to think about your purpose: It doesn't need to be a long drawn out 10 page document - unless you want it to be. Just jot down what you believe is your purpose for your life. Keep in mind it must be meaningful to you.


If you don't know where to start


Tips to find your life purpose ( from page 247 Blue Zones book)

Craft a Personal mission statement:
Why do you wake up in the morning?
How do you make a difference in the world?
Consider what you are passionate about
How you enjoy using your talents and what is truly important to you

One thing I realize about purpose is that it is always the driving force in what we do each day unless we are denying our selves our truth. My purpose is to empower people to follow their heart and what makes them happy. Everything I do in my coaching practice must align with my purpose or else I do not do it. I take on clients, speaking engagements etc that are all aligned with my purpose. It keeps me focused and on track with what matters most to me.

What I know for sure about Purpose
Always gives you inspiration
Sometimes comes in the form of a hobby or job
Gives you natural energy without using will power
Feels good
Never feels like work
Feels like you are connected with your higher self
Feels like you are making a difference in the world
Is your personal choice
Feels like freedom
Opens your heart
Connected to love
Changes over time
Is a feeling more than a destination

Please post you "Personal Mission Statement" in the comment field or email me with it - we would love to hear from you even if you want to remain anonymous. I may post in the next newsletter.