When we look forward and consider moments in the future and what people might say about us at a high school reunion, a retirement party, or even a funeral, we begin to see what legacy is about. Legacy is about the people we positively impact in our life. Have you ever considered how future you will impact others? What about current you? If you get excited about this as the measure of your life, then we should strive to be and try our best. This includes being your best in the use of your talents – a continuous pursuit of mastery, in making the best choices in using your resources of time, talent, and treasure – Freedom, and establishing a purpose that is aligned to your values – Legacy.
Let’s get started by discussing what your values are.
Values
Values are the beliefs, ideals, motivators, and characteristics that are uniquely important to us. They are our non-negotiables and personal decision-making tools that are sometimes so ingrained in our minds and hearts that we don’t even realize their impact on our perception or behavior. While our prioritized goals typically shift every three to seven years, our deep-rooted values generally don’t change. It’s important to periodically check in on both our values and your prioritized goals which you established in your Personal & Professional Inventories to make sure you are living in alignment with both – the more alignment we as individuals have, the more successful we feel.
Another benefit to knowing your values is to be better able to identify what triggers you. If and when you find yourself in a situation that has you deeply bothered, consider which of your values might be not honored in that moment.
After completing your Values work in the following activities of this milestone, you should have a better idea of the things you stand for – the values that make you who you are as a person and a professional. Remember to be thoughtful and honest in your selections – the more truthful you are, the more effective and helpful the information will be to you now and in the future. When our values are consistently not being honored, we feel something is off.
Our inherent values inform our purpose in life. If you value Peace, perhaps you are to help others find peace as well. If you value Connection, maybe your purpose involves creating community wherever you go. If you value Joy, your purpose could include helping others live more lightly in a heavy world. If you value Learning, your purpose could involve enabling growth in others. If you value Rationality, your purpose lived out could look like providing clear headed logic in high-risk situations. These are a few examples of how Values and Purpose can correlate. Next, we will take a closer look at Purpose.
Purpose
Purpose is the central motivating aim of your life. It can guide life decisions, shape goals, and influence behavior. Purpose fuels motivation, giving your life meaning and direction and in turn inspires us to make a significant contribution to the world. It’s the main driver that helps us work towards our legacy, the mark we will make on this world that benefits others.
True purpose in life is when we are thinking beyond ourselves and working towards the good of another. Without considering others in our life’s pursuit, serving only oneself will eventually result in isolation, lack of meaning, and an endless pursuit of fulfillment that will never come. Our purpose is to use our gifts in service.
There can be a lot of pressure associated with “finding one’s purpose”. When we’re not clear on our purpose, we are unsure of the direction we want to take our life. The pressure to “get it right” can be stifling and causes us to ruminate and get stuck.
No one’s purpose is handed to them in a sealed envelope as they are given their diploma and embark on “real life” – wouldn’t that be nice! Rather, we gain clarity through taking action. When deciding to live a life of purpose versus finding perfect purpose, we actually start making a difference now and living our days full of intent. To begin, let’s look at creating a Purpose Statement. A Purpose Statement is a short statement that clearly, succinctly, and specifically shares your mission. It serves as a charter which points you in a direction day by day and season by season.
Since we are dynamic individuals with continually developing circumstances, desires and abilities, these Purpose Statements are allowed to evolve over time. For now, write one that feels appropriate and compelling for this season, and call it good. There’s permission to revisit it as time goes on.
A Purpose Statement that actually works is one that you reach for when:
- You have a decision to make
- You need to ground yourself on your Why
- You need perspective
- You need a reminder of your higher self
- You want to design your life instead of it being designed for you