It is interesting to observe animal’s behavior. I saw a monkey who was fanatically trying to reach a fruit at the end of a soft branch. Each time he tried to reach the fruit, he falls and need to grab hold of another branch to stabilize him from falling to the ground. He tried numerous times and an interesting event took place. He came down from the tree, stares at the fruit for a while, re-focuses his objective, and seems like working out a strategy. Suddenly, he runs up a tree next to the ‘fruit’ tree, climbs to a higher level, took aim at the fruit, sprung down to the soft branch; grab the fruit; and lands at the lower branches of the ‘fruit’ tree. Finally, he is enjoying the fruit of his effort. Boy! You can definitely sense his proud achievement.
This is Peter Ng. Welcome to my motivation series ‘Awakening The Power Within You’ – A Purpose in Life can Change Your Destiny.
We live in an affluent society and enjoy a high standard of living. Yet, many people feel a void. They are unhappy with their work, their marriages, their incomes, or even themselves. Such people lack direction.
A strong sense of purpose is essential in life. It’s like having an anchor which will prevent you from drifting aimlessly with the winds of change.
Studies of high achievers comprising prominent industrialists, sportsmen and politicians have shown that they began with a commitment to a meaningful purpose. It provides them energy and discipline to overcome obstacles along the way.
When asked in an interview on secret of success, I replied “You have to love what you do, then decide how to be the best, because that is the only way to have staying power. And, you need perseverance because there are endless reasons people will tell you why you will fail.”
Purpose and Goal-setting
“Isn’t purpose the same as goal-setting?” a young lady asked me in one of my motivation seminars.
I believe Purpose is the total object of what you want to be, whereas Goal-setting is concerned with achieving the stages of progress that lead to the accomplishment of the Purpose.
Goal-setting tends to be more of an external motivation such as getting that degree, meeting at least three prospects a day, etc. But your ultimate purpose is to be the Best Salesperson in your industry.
If you do not have a clear, well-defined purpose in life, you cannot measure any progress and will not feel any sense of accomplishment. There are two factors to remember:
Decide exactly what it is you want
This is the starting point. This is where most people fail. They never decide what it is they really want. Most people wander through life wanting a great many things but not wanting any one thing obsessively more than the rest. They end up settling for far less than what could be theirs. I know of many working professionals in their forties, who are frustrated with their jobs and facing mid-career crisis. They are just accepting whatever that comes along without a Purpose. It’s impossible to get anywhere without a Purpose. And it’s never too late to re-focus your Life!
Determine the price you have to pay
Decide what price you are willing to pay and pay that price. Everything that comes your way comes with a price, whether you act on it or let it go. Many people who get pass the first factor never get to the second. They do not realize there is a price you have to pay for success.
What is your Purpose in Life? Ask yourself these questions:
- What specific things do I want out of life?
- Do I have an action plan to get these things?
- Am I in the process of actively implementing my plan?
Do not leave the development of your full potential to chance. Form a vision and express it through a Purpose Statement. As you develop your plan, remember that your present circumstances do not control your options. They merely establish a starting point. Keep you mind focused on the future – where you want to be – instead of on the past – where you’ve been. Set your Purpose in Life today!
