This stage of life is a time when we begin to revisit big questions. Revisit because they are questions we ask ourselves from the time we are children.
Like this: What is my purpose?
As a kid, my purpose ranged from growing up (a pretty simple get there, huh?) to being the greatest trumpet player in the world. That second one drove me to hours of practice and buckets of tears, as my demanding teacher broke me down each week to improve my skills.
My purpose was clear, my efforts were aligned, but alas, my ability or maybe my passion or maybe my willingness to push forward regardless of the pressures didn’t match my purpose. It was, in many ways, a failure that haunts me, still. Would I have been THE best? I am sure not. Could I have been a pretty fair player? Probably.
As a young adult, my purpose shifted to building a career and supporting my young family. It had me in tow six days a week and sometimes seven for stretches at a time.
By the time I opened my own practice, six and seven days a week was the norm. It was something I had to do, was driven to do and I struggled and like many, swam against the tide, not following the easier path. Money was frequently tight, but we got by.
Fast forward to today. My purpose? It’s more intangible and I am OK with that. I ponder ideas around ‘being of service’, ‘making a difference’, ‘maintaining curiosity’. I am working on the how’s, since I already know the why’s.
What about you? How have your thoughts around purpose evolved?
