I'm sure you've seen a depiction or a cartoon of the wise old man of the mountaintop. He's seen as having the secret to happiness or longevity or to the age old question of“why”. Why are we here? These days, the question of "why" is pretty prolific.There’s been a huge push, a movement toward, mission/vision and purpose, (the "why") which is so encouraging. One of the most watched Ted Talks is Simon Sinek's "start with why". Pastor Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" has sold tens of millions of copies. What I love, is that they have helped millions pull away from the What (as in "what we do"), and bring us deeper into “How” we engage with others and into “Why” we are all here anyway. But what if you don’t know what your “ why” is? What if you are struggling with finding your true mission or vision or purpose that just truly fits and is aligned with you you are? Or, what if you only THINK you know what your purpose or greater cause isis, so you try it on for size, only to realize it was a fleeting fancy and not really a long-term purpose.. For instance, maybe just love dogs, and feel pulled to help at the humane society. Or you see someone on the side of the on-ramp asking for help, because they don't have a job and have a family to feed. These things can really pull at our heart strings and even make us feel guilty that we aren't giving enough. What I find interesting about Purpose, is that I can really pick a Purpose out of the air or test-drive whether it fits me. For instance, I’m no carpenter, but I can swing a hammer. I’m in decent shape. Strong like bull. Why not go build houses for those in need? Or, I’m a pretty good gardener, why not help out at the Food Bank Garden. Heck, we actually did get our awesome canine at the Humane Society and they were awesome. I know they need help, so maybe I should volunteer. But really, do I have time for that? How do I choose? Am I just trying to fill my time or make myself FEEL relevant by showing I have a Purpose? Am I just doing it to feel good about myself, or the world says I should or church, even though, yes, I’m helping out and DOING good. Well, if they don’t truly fit with with Who I am, How much enthusiasm am I really giving those things? These acts of kindness and noble causes can quickly become fleeting acts of service become a “have to, rather than a “get to.” One "have to's" that I had growing up was my Eagle Scout project. All boys striving for the highest award in Scouts must fill a large need through their Eagle Project. You have to plan and implement the entire process, get other volunteers involved, get donations and more. It's a really amazing "have to" because you learn so much. I chose the rerouting and revitalizing of a creek in my home town of Bellevue, Washington. I got the permits, approvals, plant materials, and the team together to make it happen. It was quite a process, but definitely felt like a "have to" he entire time. And though the cause was small but noble, I now realize how amazing it would have felt if I had chosen a "get to" project that fit more of who I was than Scouting is. I was quite a showman and loved the stage growing up. What if I had instead rehabilitated an aging theater or written a Frank Sinatra/Gene Kelly sketch and entertained retirees or vets. Wow! Now that would have been a "get to" cause that more fitting for me! But, instead, I did what I thought I should do, or that Scouting would approve of, or what the rest of world around me wanted or needed.And I'm probably not the only one who volunteers this way. There hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of volunteers helping those in need across the globe every day. So how do you choose? Pick one that's easy? Convenient?And really, we all only have so much time on our hands, right? We all seem to lead these crazy busy lives. Every minute is precious. So finding a way to honestly serve others easily becomes even more of a "have to."But what if your mission and purpose was totally in synch with who you are? I think you'd be energized and inspired by it.I want to encourage you spend some time discovering your Who BEFORE your Why. Your Who is your core spirit, your inspiration that drives you . Here are two quick activities to start on this path of discovering your who: First, grab a note card or pull up a not on your smartphone and answer these questions in just a paragraph or two. (Yes, a note card is totally old school, but it forces you to only have a small space to write on.) OK. So, Imagine yourself When you are at your best, actually being and doing your best, how would you describe that person. Who are you deep down? Who have you always been? Second Activity:Imagine the legacy you want to leave. This process helps give definition to your "Who", to your identity. Imagine who you want to inspire. Imagine your very own Whoville, like in Dr. Seuss, filled with the lives you will change. What does it look like? What are the needs of those “Who’s”?When you discover your Why based on our Who, Your purpose will become a "get to.”You'll be more inspired, experience more joy. You’ll be more encouraged, more engaged, and make a bigger impact. And be in it for the long run.
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