I’m always amazed by those people who just seem to have their career and purpose, all figured out.

Or those who are able to choose one career path and stay committed to it for decades.

Some people just know what they’re here to do in this life, while others take more time to get a clear picture.

And if you’re anything like me, you like variety, new challenges, and leaving your options open to create space for curiosity, creativity, and doing more of what you love.

Therefore, a typical 9-5 in a company, might not cut it or suit the lifestyle you desire – especially if it doesn’t offer flexibility, work-life balance, or something that lights you up inside.

What amazes me even more is when those who desire a change because they’ve outgrown a certain position or career, don’t take action towards better things.

Instead, they choose to remain stuck in the same position and routine for a long time. Sometimes, choosing to stick it out for their entire working life.

I’ve heard people say:

– But this is all I’ve ever known
– I can’t imagine doing anything else
– It pays the bills (yes that’s important, but is it a position that you enjoy giving your energy to? If not, is it really worth it? There’s always a solution to make things better.)

Often, the decision to stay where we’re at, can stem from a fear of the unknown or failure. Or, we choose to stay just to keep others happy instead of doing what’s in the best interest of ourselves and our own wellbeing. 

But why is this purpose stuff so important?

Because it gives us another reason to wake up each day.

We’re all put here for a reason. We all have something to offer the world.

Something to enjoy doing on a regular basis, that expresses who we really are and our natural talents.

Purpose doesn’t necessarily have to be focused around career and how you make money. It can also be where you choose to put your energy outside of the other roles that you already play.

For example: a hobby that makes you happy, or volunteering for a cause that you care about.

But a lot of the time it’s about money, because we spend most of our days making money in order to live.

And because we spend so much of our time and energy, working, if we don’t have a purpose that means something to us, or lights us up inside (whether part-time or full-time), then what are really living for? It can’t only be to pay the bills.

Your wellbeing needs to be considered here too.

Yes, we have other areas in life that need our attention and that provide a sense of purpose, such as being a parent, partner/spouse, friend, etc., but it’s important to have an outlet to share our creativity, passion, natural abilities, and skills.

You should (not that I want to ‘should’ all over you 😅) be wanting to put yourself in a position where you can show up in the world as your true self and feel happy about it.

You deserve to experience this.

That is the real meaning of stepping into a purpose that is authentic and fulfilling.

The Japanese term, ‘Ikigai’ means, ‘reason for being’, and invites us to consider the following when thinking about our true purpose and what we’re here to do:

– What you love
– What you’re good at
– What the world needs
– What you could be paid for

I drew the Ikigai diagram for you to have a look (and added flowers just for fun 😍) – See below!

Perhaps it’s something for you to reflect on if you’ve resonated with today’s message and are considering a change.