The “Tool” that crystalised my Purpose (and grew my Energy)
Remember the correlation between your Energy and your Purpose?
Not only is your energy unique, but it is also ideal for the gifts that you bring to our world.
The word purpose may feel laden with responsibility or shrouded in mystery, so before I share what helped me get clearer on my purpose, let’s first debunk a few common “purpose myths”:
`Your purpose is not about needing “to do anything”.
It’s about being fully yourself and becoming the “strongest flavour” of yourself.
“There is nothing specific to do or achieve. You are here to be the fullest expression of yourself!” Neale Donald Walsh
There is not only “one purpose” in your life.
There can be many expressions of you. You can chose as many as you like.
Purpose is not an end result.
There will always be higher expressions of ourselves. We never “arrive”.
Why do you want to live with purpose?
Your energy will flow more freely, you will feel more fulfilled, and you are more likely to make a positive difference to others by fully being yourself.
Ten years ago, a friend send me a diagram, which intrigued me.
It depicted the Japanese concept of “Ikigai”, which translates as “a reason for being”. (If you know it already – I have an easy practical adaptation for you).
Your Ikigai can be super simple. It could be related to your family, lover or spouse, your work or vocation, a goal you are devoted to achieving, your religious or spiritual beliefs, a hobby you love etc.
At first, I just stared at the diagram below which seemed “complicated”. But essentially, you are just looking for anything that will meet four criteria. No need to dwell on the diagram now. See what I did instead to make it simpler (below the graphic).
I got out a notepad and made four columns next to each other (see my example below) below. I freely jotted down anything that came to me in the first column (without overthinking), then I wrote in the 2nd column and so on (your columns do not have to align or match up).
I included my past work & know-how in the respective columns and began to look for overlaps and patterns.
After looking at my columns for a while, suddenly something clicked. It became clear to me that I needed to train in a form of Ecotherapy, so that I could command a fee (what I can get paid for) and combine my love of nature, energy & wellbeing (what I love) with my skills of guiding and teaching (what I’m good at) to help others with relaxation, nervous system regulation and energy renewal (what the world needs).
I reflected back on my various careers which were all primarily led by what I loved (the first puzzle piece) and tried to help others (the second piece) but I didn’t consider enough what I could get paid for or what I was naturally good at.
The Ikigai Model showed me that I needed to pivot and get qualified in a very specific area (Nature-based Wellbeing). After teaching dance for 10 years, I took the plunge, trained as a Forest Bathing Guide and never looked back.
Below is a short overview of the 4 columns with my actual careers. Only the last 3 were meeting all 4 Ikigai criteria, with the last (and current) one being the most fulfilling and energising.
Your 16 Minute-Challenge (that’s only 4 minutes per column ;-))
It’s your turn to play with the Ikigai Model!
Set your timer to 4 mins for the first column. 4 mins for the 2nd and so on.
Fill in your columns freely without thinking for long.
Then take 5 more minutes to spot overlaps and patterns.
Tips:
Be honest with yourself when thinking about your passions, skills, and values.
Remember past joyful experiences and activities which were meaningful to you.
Later, you can also ask a trusted friend or family member what they think your strengths and passions are. (They are often better at spotting your talent blind spots)
When you follow your Ikigai, which is closely linked to your Energy Purpose, you are on your path to an energised, fulfilling and balanced life, where personal satisfaction aligns with societal contribution and professional success.
May you continue to grow into the most energised and fullest expression of yourself.
Sus x
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