Slow Down, Simplify, Be Kind

What’s your life’s purpose?

Having a one sentence purpose statement can give you clarity to live each day.

Follow these 5 simple steps to craft your statement:

1. Sit

Sit in a quiet place and allow your mind to open up for spiritual guidance. Ask, pray, and meditate on the question, “What is my unique purpose?” Write down any words, images, phrases or sentences that come to your awareness. Some people may get clarity in one sitting while others will need to do this exercise for several weeks.

2. Write

Write down two of your most dominant unique personal qualities. For example, words like creative, giving, courageous, empowering, etc. If you are stuck, try these two techniques. Ask three people who know you best to summarize the top two strengths or qualities you have.

Take the Strengths Finder 2.0 online assessment and discover your top five strengths.

3. State

Write down two ways you enjoy expressing these personal qualities when interacting with people. My purpose statement uses the words speaking, coaching and creative resources. Other ideas could be singing, writing, praying, giving, volunteering, etc.

4. Perfect

Write in present tense what a perfect world would look like to you. Some examples are families would communicate deeply, businesses would donate 10% of their income, teenagers would find their perfect career, etc.

5. Combine

Combine all of these steps into a written single statement starting with, “My purpose is…

Here are some examples from well know people.

Naomi Judd: “Slow down. Simplify. Be kind.”
Mary Kay Cosmetics: “To give unlimited opportunity to women.”
Mahatma Gandhi: “I shall not fear anyone on earth. I shall fear only God. I shall not bear ill toward anyone. I shall not submit to injustice from anyone. I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.”
Wal-Mart: “To give ordinary folk the chance to buy the same things as rich people.”
Walt Disney: “To make people happy.”

Coaching Points: