What if you knew you could achieve your life purpose? What if you could do it today?
Last Wednesday was my birthday, and it seems like those are coming faster and faster in recent years. My wife asked me if I had been thinking much about getting older. I considered the question, wanting to give an honest (at least mostly) answer, because it had been on my mind.
I told her I felt blessed that I didn’t worry much about past mistakes I made, and I had God’s grace to thank for that. I was glad I wasn’t consumed with daunting goals of future accomplishments I needed to feel worthwhile. But I did confess a concern that had been nagging at me for some time:
Am I devoting time each day to the things that matter the most?
But what matters the most? Because to live with purpose, we have to know our purpose. That’s where having a life plan comes in, to encourage us to address questions such as:
- What do I like to do, and what am I good at?
- Where do I detect God’s involvement in my life?
- What legacy will I leave, and what will be my eulogy?
Begin with the end in mind. (Stephen R. Covey)
Working on a life plan can help us identify our purpose. Then, we can define short-term steps to move in that direction. For example, say that we decide that our primary purpose is to honor God and serve other people. Then, we can use the STEPS as a tool to help lay out daily actions to move toward that vision, for example:
Surrender: On a decision today, pause to ask God for guidance.
Transformation: Identify mistakes we can improve upon.
Empathy: Take time to listen closely to another person.
Progress: Set aside fifteen minutes to pray and meditate.
Service: Do at least one thing to serve someone else.
A journey of a thousands miles begins with a single step. (Lao Tzu)
Life is a journey we take a step at a time. Once we know where we are going, we can move in that direction with small actions we build into our schedule. We aren’t asked to transform our life or save the world in one day, but we can make progress.
We can achieve our life purpose, at least for today, one small step at a time.
Question: What steps can you take today to move toward your life purpose?
Action: Sign up for the STEPS Journey Blog and receive ongoing guidance on living life better.
Photo by Moyan_Brenn 
Photo by lorenkerns Photo by h.koppdelaney
