Focusing the Power of Purpose

Ever notice how, if left to its own devices, your mind is wired to flit around from thought to thought, pausing on anything that grabs its attention? Random thoughts produce random actionsa bunch of doingness in your life that burns away your energy.

While you cant stop your mind from thinking, you can direct it. With a commitment to a purpose for your life, you can always give your mind somewhere to go.

Its important to have somewhere to go. A 92 year old neighbor, Alice, recently passed away. Atop her desk, her family found a recently drafted list of 85 goals and activities she planned to do in the next few months! Active until the end, Alice had prepared and planted her annual vegetable garden, cooked her weekly meal for the needy family in her church, and had just recently relented to allow someone else to scrub her kitchen floor for her. Her to-do list included a trip to the wine country, tickets to the NASCAR races, and a visit to Egypt.

You need a purpose, and not just any random purpose. What is your purpose in life? Why are you on the planet? Most people, when first asked, describe their purpose in life rather casually as to be a good father or to be a successful businesswoman.

While these are great things to "be", what about YOU and who you are committed to being not only for others, but also for yourself?

Your purpose should be something that challenges you, engages you, inspires you, lights you up, gets you going when you are stopped, keeps you going when you are tired, dont know how, or dont want to.

When your mind focuses on a purpose like that, and you take actions consistent with that purpose, you cant be stopped! You know this is true. Youve seen the power of focusing. Who hasnt started a fire by focusing the suns far-scattered rays with a simple magnifying glass?

Having a purpose doesnt require money or a great deal of time. Its yours for the taking any time you want it. All you need is to commit to "be" your purpose, write it down so you can carry it with you, and choose to be it!

And, by the way, its all right if your laser-like focus gets fuzzy sometimes. Sometimes we need to take a break from making a difference for others and recharge our own batteries. Give yourself permission to laze on the beach now and then.

Its also ok to fail. No one focuses on their purpose 24/7. If you fall away from your purpose, dont beat yourself up. Just get back on track. Recommit and refocus.

Live like Alice, with a life so full you dont even notice youre 92 years old. What would it be like to have a list of goals that isnt anywhere near finished when you pass on? What are you waiting for?

Clay S. Nelson, the founder of Consulting Services Network LLC, and his team are committed to putting fun, family and financial freedom into everyones business and personallives. With over two decades of experience coaching business leaders in creating life balance, building teams, and writing plans, their programs are designed to alter the culturesof companies and families. They make a powerful and lasting difference with each person they meet, every group they speak with, and with every client they serve.

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