Setting the Destination: The Power of Clarity
“The soul which has no fixed purpose in life is lost; to be everywhere, is to be nowhere.” — Michel de Montaigne.
In a recent article I wrote titled Transform Your Life by Facing the 5 Brutal Truths About Purpose Most People Avoid, I explored five harsh truths about purpose that most people avoid because they challenge our need for comfort. But once we’ve confronted those truths, what comes next? This article explores the next step: creating clarity around our purpose and how it can empower us to live with confidence and direction.
You may have noticed that when we get clear about our direction in life, our motivation and self-confidence increase because we have a goal or aim to work towards. This is empowering on many levels, the least of which means we are motivated to make decisions that serve our highest purpose and core values. In other words, if we are not clear on our direction, we are less likely to get there because we don’t have a defined plan. In addition, if obstacles and challenges arise, we are less likely to give up but use our setbacks to achieve our purpose.
So, it’s clear that setting definable personal and professional goals allows us to track our performance and keep moving forward despite our challenges. For instance, reflect on a significant individual or professional goal in the last 12 months. Contemplate the obstacles or challenges that have arisen during this period.
- How did you overcome them?
- What lessons or personal growth did you gain from overcoming these challenges?
- How did personal growth contribute to achieving your goal or purpose?
Our difficulties can help us achieve our purpose in the long run. Assuming we are committed to our purpose, and it is aligned with our values and highest intentions, then every difficulty contains the seed of opportunity to help us grow and develop. In other words, clarity gives us the confidence to keep moving toward our purpose and goals, even when things look bleak or hopeless. Clarity is a blueprint for our future, guiding our actions and anchoring our intentions. It begins within us via our thoughts and emotions before manifesting into reality. Even though we may encounter obstacles and setbacks, if our vision is clear and intentional, we mustn’t allow the setbacks to stop us but fuel the fire within to keep going. Can you see how clarity can become your guiding light and serve as a beacon of hope and direction? It is the lighthouse of the mind where intention and action emanate.
From Clarity to Contribution
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Everyone strives to find meaning in their lives and make a positive difference. According to Viktor Frankl, this need is essential for all human beings. I propose that meaning arises by following our purpose and connecting with our core values. When we identify and pursue our passions and how they contribute to the greater good, we are taking part in the betterment of society. The world needs people willing to follow their hearts and pursue their passion, which makes them come alive. This is the essence of the message espoused by the late founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, who delivered a Commencement Speech to Stanford graduates in 2005.
I have outlined the five key points from the speech below:
- Find What You Love: Passion can fuel your direction
- Do Great Work: Excellence comes from loving what you do
- Don’t Settle: Seek alignment with your true purpose
- Follow Your Heart: Intuition can lead the way more than logic
- Connect Passion and Purpose: Real fulfillment from your work serves both yourself and your community
Transforming your passion into service is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and the world, as it brings meaning and fulfillment while serving others. Similarly, we can contribute to society in various ways to discover our purpose. For example, we may want to volunteer for charities within our community. This is an excellent opportunity to align with your values and be of service to others. You may wish to engage in mentorship and education, and share your knowledge and skills with others. This might involve mentoring young people, teaching workshops, or classes within your local community.
As a mentor and life coach, I’ve witnessed how aligning our purpose with service can be transformative for others and our own lives. Other ways to contribute to the betterment of society include community engagement. You might join your local neighborhood association and collaborate with others regarding issues relevant to the area. This is an opportunity to participate locally and engage with like-minded people. Finally, we can contribute through kindness and empathy towards others. Being kind to others means recognizing that everyone has struggles, even if they are not always apparent. We connect through shared compassion instead of giving another person a piece of our mind for doing the wrong thing.
A purpose-driven life is a wonderful way to live because it is filled with meaning and fulfillment. We affect the world one person at a time, and as a result, we experience the satisfaction of serving others. Even though your service to others may be with one person, the gift of giving our time creates a ripple effect within the fabric of society and a springboard for change, so more people engage in altruistic service.
Our contribution becomes more deliberate and impactful when we act clearly through our purpose and align with our values. Living purposefully can be a wonderful measure of integrity in a world that focuses on hustle instead of depth and significance. It means living beyond ourselves through the legacy we leave behind and the lives we touch. Considering this, reflect on where you are right now in your life. Are your actions aligned with your purpose? Are you clear about your direction in life? Take some time to define what matters most to you by clarifying your intentions. Take one step towards living with greater meaning, no matter how small it may seem. Start with an act of service, whether a meaningful conversation or a decision that honors your purpose. Your journey towards purpose begins not with perfection, but with a single clear step. Take it.
If you haven’t read The 5 Brutal Truths About Purpose, I encourage you to do so. Purpose begins with honesty and continues with clarity.
Are You Ready to Transform Your Life with Confidence?
Are you ready to transform your life and unlock your potential? Start your journey with me today! My Life Coaching Program has empowered many to achieve lasting change. Schedule your FREE 30-minute consultation now and take the first step towards a brighter, more confident you.
Tony Fahkry
Expert Life Coach
