Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash
“I used to define success as being able to produce any result you wanted, whether it was a relationship, weight-loss, being a millionaire, impacting the culture, changing society, whatever it might be - it might be homelessness, whatever - and lately, I've redefined success as 'fulfilling your soul's purpose.'”
-Jack Canfield
“What is your purpose?” For Jane, the answer to this simple question was one that had always seemed to elude her. She’d been working in marketing for years, and her career was nothing short of impressive, one success after another. She was, for the most part, happy, except for a small, nagging sense that, for all her success, something seemed to be missing.
It wasn’t until Jane attended her niece’s cello recital, that she felt something spark to life deep within her. She watched the parade of young musicians that night, each performance a sweet reminder of her own childhood piano recitals. She was struck with the realization that those piano lessons had not only given her a life-long appreciation for music, but had taught her the value of hard work and perseverance, a lesson that had equipped her for her adult success.
Upon learning that the music program at her niece’s school was in danger of being cut unless independent funding could be found, Jane sprang into action, using her professional skills to organize fundraising efforts. Months later, the program was alive and thriving thanks to Jane’s work, and Jane had found a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in her life that she had never before felt. In helping children have access to music, Jane had found her purpose.
Discovering one’s purpose in life is like finding that critical piece of a puzzle. All the other pieces begin to align and the picture suddenly begins to take shape and makes sense.
Have you discovered your purpose?