The first thing that I ask a client who wants to create an extraordinary life is “What’s your purpose? That is, why are you here on this planet?” Some of them will tell me that they’re here to make a difference, to love, to be a healing force, or to help others. Most of them simply don’t know. Her
e’s the thing – if you aren’t sure why you’re here and where you’re going, you’re never going to create an amazing life….plain and simple. Without a vision for your life, it’s like driving with your eyes closed: you’re never sure if and when you’ll arrive at your destination and you’re certainly going to get banged up along the way.
Nobody’s got the key to why you are here, except you. Sure, some of your loved ones may think that they know where you should be heading and what’s best for you. You’ll get plenty of feedback on what you should be, especially from mass media. You’re probably already getting way too many messages from TV, the movies, radio, internet, magazines, etc. AHHHH – thanks, but no thanks!
If you really want to tap into your life’s purpose, it’s very very simple, if not easy: think about what you love to do most. Your passions point to your purpose and are its rocket fuel. Ask yourself, “What do I love to do so much that I lose track of time…literally lose myself?” Most people can come up with at least one or two areas. If you’re stuck, try a technique that Ellen Whitehurst, founder of The Empowered Lifestyle, suggests: remember what you loved to do as a child. Me? I loved reading, writing, and listening to my friends. These passions underlay my purpose of being an inspirational coach.
Your purpose is the key to a fulfilling life. So it’s worth your investing at least one hour a week to reflect upon and clarify it. Try journaling about it, using the visioning tool that I learned from Rev. Michael Beckwith: Ask yourself these kinds of questions: “What’s the highest and best for my life? What does it look like, feel like, sound like, smell like, even taste like?” Take time to allow the answers to come forth, freely and uncensored. Consider forming a visioning team that conducts this inquiry as a group. This is powerful stuff!
One of my clients confidently told me that she certainly did have a vision for her life, thank you very much! “Can you describe it?” I asked. She actually could not, except to say that it involves her having more time and money. I suggested that she purchase a journal and spend at least one hour each week describing her higher purpose. Vision boards and treasure mapping are other tools to help clarify your purpose.
These resources, coupled with the many many excellent books, videos, movies, and articles, leave you with absolutely….no valid excuses to not clarify what you want to create in your life. It’s been said that the people perish without a vision (Proverbs). You may not die without a vision, but here’s what I do know – your life will be much fuller and satisfying when you get clear on your purpose and when you keep it front and center.
Here are some of my favorite books on the subject:
Marsha Sinetar’s Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow: Discovering Your Right Livelihood
Bob Griffith’s Do What You Love for the Rest of Your Life
Barbara Sher’s Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Love
Henriette Anne Klauser’s Write It Down, Make It Happen: Knowing What You Want And Getting It
Your 3-part challenge for this month:
- Create a 1-2 sentence summary of your life’s vision.
- Spend 1 hour each week creatively expressing this vision (e.g., journaling, painting, singing, etc.).
- Share your vision with at least 3 people whom you trust.
Leigh is equal parts horse whisperer, professional therapist & spiritual guide. Her psychotherapy practice and educational workshops incorporate horses to guide clients in search of self-awareness and better relationship skills. Leigh’s practice attracts clients interested in personal growth, psychological, spiritual and energy work. 
