What’s Your Purpose? – Ben Renshaw
“Who is the most purpose-led
person you know and why?”
I was about to take the stage at London Business
Forum and I asked that question to Brendan Barns, the Founder.
He took a moment to think and replied, “Michael Heppell.”
He went on to explain how Michael had a passion to reach 1 million people with the concept of being brilliant and make a real difference in their lives. A big idea for a big purpose.
So last week I reached out to Michael and this week I’m writing for his blog.
What’s your purpose?
If you don’t know…
you’re not alone!
In my experience of working with thousands of people it’s rare to come across anyone who has a clear definition of their purpose.
However, I have yet to meet anyone who
has not eventually found their purpose if they are prepared to be honest, open-minded and willing to learn and grow.
A purpose is a compelling reason for your existence. It is your internal
compass and the meeting point between your passion and talent. When you are on purpose you are in flow.
When you are on purpose you are at your best. As Michael would say, “When you are on
purpose you are brilliant.”
Ultimately a purpose provides the meaning and direction of your life.
There are 3 key steps to finding your purpose:
1. Identify peak moments. Ask yourself, when have you been at your best? Most fulfilled? Happiest? For instance; playing sports, travelling the world, hitting goals.
2. Make meaning. What was it about these events that made them so significant? For example, unleashing passion, learning new things and achieving success.
3. Define your why. Reflect upon why your big themes inspire you and how you would describe your ultimate reason for existence.
My purpose is to ‘enable truth’. In other words, to know what is real.
This applies to all areas of my work and life. As a coach helping others discover what is true for them, as a dad encouraging my children to find out what is real for them, and as a husband supporting my wife to flourish.
