Carpe Diem.
Even though its a Latin phrase it still has a ring of excitement about
it. It means "Seize the
Day." It's an exhortation to live
life to the fullest-to get the most out of each day. That's what we all want! We want to "go for the gusto" and
squeeze the life out of life. Too bad we
get caught floundering around with the daily chores of our existence. We
don't think that we have time to "Seize the Day."
How do we squeeze the life out of life? That's the question that has prompted this
publication. This chapter will address
the one central element that makes truly successful living a . What is that element? It is the discovery of a worthwhile PURPOSE
for our lives.
Studying and trying to emulate those who
live joyful and successful lives, learned that that each possess one universal trait. They have discovered a worthwhile purpose for their
life. They know why they exist. This is true not only for successful
individuals, but also for successful churches, , civic organizations,
and clubs. They all know WHY they exist.
Consider the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
:-( While certainly not a fan of the
agency, one thing is certain: THEY KNOW
THEIR PURPOSE. The 1976 IRS handbook
states: "During a state of national emergency resulting from enemy attack,
the essential functions of the Service will be as follows: assessing,
collecting, and recording taxes." The
bombs might be flying, but the folks down at the IRS will be doing what they've
always done-taking our money. They know their purpose.
HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE
What is the chief, central, primary purpose
for your life? I'm not asking what roles
you fill or obligations you must satisfy.
We all need to be good parents, faithful spouses, and ethical business
people. I am asking about something
deeper. As you fulfill you daily
responsibilities what is the overarching purpose of your life?
Not sure?
Here's some questions to get you thinking?
1) WHAT GIVE YOU PASSION?
Napoleon Hill has said: "Cherish your visions and your dreams as
they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate
achievements."
Take some time to examine your hopes,
dreams, and aspirations. What are those
things in life that when accomplished give you greater strength instead of
shear exhaustion? What things renew you
rather than drain you? What are you
involved with that gives you the feeling that you are contributing something of
value to the world? By exploring your
PASSIONS you will begin to uncover your PURPOSE.
Orison SwettMarden said "There's no
grander sight in the world than that of a person fired with a great purpose,
dominated by one unwavering aim." If this statement could describe any of
us, then we would certainly be learning to "seize the day."
2)
WHAT ARE YOUR RESOURCES-YOUR
POTENTIAL?
Listen to some of the "great"
motivational experts and you'll hear them say that your potential is
unlimited. Hogwash! At this point in my life there are certain
things that are beyond my reach. For
example, no matter how hard I work or how much I train, I don't have the
potential to play basketball in the NBA.
It's simply beyond my potential.
Nevertheless I do have some pretty terrific
potential. So do you! The trick is to discover that potential. That's a key to discerning you our life's
purpose. To begin identifying your potential
start by asking yourself these questions.
Record your answers in your journal.
What experiences have provided you with
special wisdom?
What skills have you developed in you
business or profession?
3) WHAT ARE THE NEEDS AROUND ME?
The most successful person in modern history was
a Catholic Nun named Mother Theresa.
That sounds strange when you consider her lifestyle. She was a
rather plain looking individual of small stature-not some leggy
super-model. She was a poor in a world
that values wealth--living in a one-room apartment with only a few pieces of
furniture. Though she didn't fit any of our "success" stereotypes, I
doubt that few would deny the achievements and value of her life. She was one of the most successful people to ever live.
Leadership expert John Maxwell has
written:
"God's gift to me is my potential. My gift to God is what I do with that
potential. I believe great leaders sense
a 'higher calling'--one that lifts them above themselves. What a terrible waste of life to be climbing
the ladder of success only to find when you reach the top that you were leaning
against the wrong building."
Mother Theresa's ladder was leaning against
the right building. That's what made
her successful. She looked around. She saw the tremendous need that existed in Calcutta
PUTTING
IT ALL TOGETHER
What gives you passion? What are your resources-your potential? What are the needs of the people around
you? Answer these questions. Find out how each response intersect. When you do you will be on your way to
discovering a worthwhile purpose for your life.
______________
0 facebook:
Post a Comment