Motivation: What Should I Do With My Life?
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” Dalai Lama
Motivation: What Should I Do With My Life? Serve with your special gifts
What Should I Do With My Life? Use Your Gifts to Serve Others: Why am I here? What is my life’s purpose? What motivates my actions? Most of us go through life unsure of where we stand or what we are supposed to do. One day, we are a dancer, the next a dealer. On and on, we go through life experimenting, but not quite sure what we should do. We forget that life is a dance and it requires specific movements from each of us. Even if we know what our purpose is, sometimes we find ourselves vacillating between choices; overwhelmed by our desire to do everything. It is not surprising that Rick Warren’s international best selling book, The Purpose Driven Life, gained much traction when it came out in 2002 and remains popular today. Although we know intuitively that service to others is key to our collective survival, we still ask this seemingly challenging question: What Should I Do With My Life?
Why is this such a challenging question? Why do people feel challenged by this fundamental question about our life’s purpose? Because we expect the answer to be complex and expansive. While finding and focusing on our life’s purpose is an important raison d’être for most of us, we tend to forget that when we were born, we came with our own special brand of skills and gifts; what is often called the gifts of the spirit.
If we think back to our childhood days, we might get an inkling of what motivated our actions and kept our interests. I might fancy myself as a NASA Astronaut but I’ll never be one. What I can become is the best at my skill set – my gifts of the spirit. We are given gifts to be healers, teachers, servers, writers, leaders and the whole spectrum of skills/abilities because each of us has an important role to play on earth. Until we tap into our OWN gifts and maximize them for the service of mankind – the upliftment of others – we will remain unsure.
“True happiness… is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” Helen Keller
Motivation: What Should I Do With My Life? Focus on your unique Apple and stay motivated
What Should I Do With My Life? Focus on your Unique Apple and stay motivated: Unfortunately, many of us have interpreted the following line incorrectly: “You can Be Anything You Want to Become.” The line isn’t about becoming everything; the classic Jack of all trade and master of none. It is more about becoming the best at your natural talents and abilities, and putting your best effort forward to achieve your dreams in those particular fields. I will use Apples as an analogy. Did you know that there are 7500 known cultivars or types of apples? Did you know that of all those varieties, each has a distinct flavor, look and cultivating needs? By the same token, we are like those apples, we are unique, in need of special cultivation, and we can grow to our fullest if watered properly. So why would you want to be a Honey Crisp, if you were already born, in great glory, to be a Golden Delicious?
If we look around us, we see people struggling to be something else. We look at successful people or our celebrities and wonder what they have that we don’t have. Guess what? NOTHING! They have focused their attention on their talents/skills/gifts, and maximized their potential by doing what they know they do best. Most focus their energy on one specific skill and master everything around it. Once we gain mastery in something, other related doors open up for us. Think about it…
As a blogger, I get to read tons of blogs daily. Each blog tries to have its own flavor and each blogger her/his own voice. We write about subjects that interest us or that we believe our readers want to read, but our very essence and where we will shine best as bloggers is when we bring our natural talents to our work. When we feel encouraged to write about what excites us and, what we know, that is where our success lies. Doing something differently just for SEO purposes would be short-lived and an insult to our gifts and those we serve.
More below
“It is not effort but God’s grace that is the basis of all victory.” Amma
Motivation: What Should I Do With My Life? Be Open like the Ocean to life’s blessings
What Should I Do With My Life? Be Open like the Ocean to Life’s Blessings: When we focus our attention on fulfilling our destiny in the truest form, we must be open to grace and stay true to the blessings that come our way. I know that I said successful people focus on their talents, but there is more to that argument. When we open our hearts and minds to fully serve society with our natural abilities, the universe rallies to support us. But effort alone is not enough. We need divine intervention, luck, timing, a patient spirit and above all, grace.
God’s grace and people’s grace lead us to victory because our motivations are pure and we are committed to do the work. When we are fully engaged in using our skills to do our best work, we are helping humanity. When we offer our talents to enrich our family, friends and society, we embrace our life’s purpose; to serve each other and help each other grow. What should You do with your life? Why Are You here? I know you have the answer. Pause, be quiet and ask the question truthfully… then go do it. Be Blessed!
Have an inspired day!
How do you use your skills in the world? Are you living your purpose? Do share! Thank you.
This post was partly inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: Daily Prompt: Let’s Dance What are your earliest and fondest memories of dance? Photographers, artists, poets: show us MOVEMENT.
Positive Motivation Tip: Reflect on what has shaped your interests all your life and focus on your special set of gifts. Go for it!
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos The holy spirit, Atlantic Ocean, mixed apples,from Wikipedia or my Personal Collection
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Trackbacks
- Put The Big Floppy Hat Down And Dance | Lisa's Kansa Muse
- Daily Prompt: Movement | The Wandering Poet
- I’ve Danced and Once! | Views Splash!
- Daily Prompt: Let’s Dance | Chronicles of an Anglo Swiss
- Let’s Dance | Alexia Jones
- Blog Dance poem: Daily Prompt | alienorajt
- Daily Prompt: Let’s Dance | Nola Roots, Texas Heart
- Motivation Mondays: Life Is a GIFT | Mirth and Motivation
Well here I am overwhelmed by my desire to do everything!
Touche! You are in great company… not alone at all. 😉
I thank God… that I know what I was put here to do…
Why do I know???… because I find fulfillment and happiness in doing it!…
I just take things one day at a time and go from there. I figure whatever is going to happen is going to happen 🙂
Interesting article! Love all the pretty quotes!
I didn’t know what my purpose was until I had my own transformation. Now, I help others have their own transformation. It’s my mission to help End the Trend of Obesity and to help people reach their goals and live healthy, fulfilling lives. I love my job as a health and fitness coach.
I definitely had to rethink things after I was laid off last summer. My purpose is so much more than that job, and I was letting a job define me. (That is no more, and I’m so happy that things have worked out this way.)
I take one day at a time and enjoy the most important job I was given the opportunity to have: being a mother! Watching my kids grow and learn give me a sense of fulfillment
Such a wonderful post, Eliz. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
finding your purpose can be such an ongoing thing
I’ve found that I’m completely happy with my life, but I’m a pretty simple person. Being a mom and a wife has always been my dream, and I’m blessed to be living it.
I love that quote from the Dalai Lama!
Reblogged this on frijasroxanne.
Thank you for the reblog… Appreciated.
You always ask such great, thought-provoking questions. I do think it’s very important for each of us to use our gifts to help others. As a writer, I feel like I am always helping others with various projects, assignments, programs, etc. Most of the time for free!
Really thought provoking post, loved reading it and really got me thinking
You really got me thinking. I loved the whole article. Thank you!
I think my interests have evolved over time but basically have the same core. I don’t know if that even makes sense. lol
I think we over complicate it. It’s the things that come naturally to us that we discount, when in fact that’s exactly what we should be doing. Took me a long time to ‘get’ that!
b
Love your posts, they always make me think. Everyone was put on this earth with a God given ability. I think we just have to figure out what those are.
I enjoy reading your blog, I always feel like I leave with new ideas. I have been thinking about “outcomes” in my life and decided that I was going to KISS things: Keep It Simple, Sister!
This is definitely a thought-provoking post. Love the quotes you included!
Love the quotes! I agree everyone was put here for a reason. We just have to figure it out.
Figuring out what to do with your life is an important step and one that some people don’t ever figure out. It took me almost 30 years to realize what I wanted to do with my life, now I’m striving to make it happen 🙂
The Hellen Keller quote is great. I think I am in a constant state of evolution and strive to be better…and happier!…everyday.
Focus, Focus, Focus and try to stay motivated! That really is my goal 99% of the time!
So important to take the time to be quiet and listen to yourself. What an inspiring post!
I can’t remember the exact quote, but there is a fantastic one that goes something like – if you want to find yourself, loose yourself in the service of others. It’s hard to take the step to start to serve, but you always feel good once you do.
The Dalai Lama is such a wise being. This is some great food for thought.
I had to find my purpose in my twenties
Thanks for the inspiration, as always. I’m about to go spend some time in nature right now!
You have a great point in there about being open. When we have an open mind and consider everything that comes our way, the possibilities are endless!
I love this one! Your quotes you gathered are quite powerful and pack a lot of wisdom! Finding happiness and peace in your life helps you know that you are on the right track to fulfilling your purpose. I think we find much more fulfillment in service others than focusing solely on self gratification.
I always find that I am happiest when I am serving others. SOmetimes neighbors or friends but mostly my husband and kids!
I always find I am happiest when serving others. Sometimes my friends or neighbors but mostly my kids and husband!
Your posts are always so insightful! Thank you for sharing this.
This is a wonderful post – very inspirational too. 🙂
Taking thing one day at a time is a we can do! Great post . Made me think!
It took me a long time to decide what I want to do with my life. I’ve always been a writer, it just took a while to get the confidence to make that my career. I’m glad I did!
Sometimes I feel like I still haven’t figured it out yet. Other days I am fulfilled with what I already have. I think taking it one day works best for me though.
I’m still trying to answer this question myself! I think I will always grow and change.
So many people stress over what they are going to do with their lives. I think if everyone would just take a step back and look at what they are truly good at that comes naturally they would have a much easier time figuring it out.
Oh, man. Isn’t that the question of a lifetime? I think many people search for that answer their whole lives!
I remember growing up always wanting to be a teacher. My interests have changed slightly, but I think teaching my own two children is what I want to do!
I really put a lot of trust in God when it comes to my talents and blessings. Without him I would be nothing..not even alive! Too many people forget about this, and sadly push him away.
I think I am following the right path. There are times though when I wonder if I should be doing something different.
I think we all do wonder about our part; some momentarily and others for much longer.
Life is short and full of distraction. It’s easy to get detoured from what truly makes us happy. My Mom passed away unexpectedly 5 years ago and that event really triggered my Carpe Diem. Being happy, enjoying life, making it what you want it to be are all things I strive for each day. 🙂
Pure motivations do render quality results. I’ve seen it time and time again.
I just focus and i always stay positive in my life. My life is so drama but i always move on and live the negative aside.
I have asked myself that question many times. I appreciate your thoughts, that I often have that question made me want to read more thoroughly.
Helen Keller’s quote holds so true. I often find corporate millennials questioning their purpose in their 30’s looking for meaning in their day to day work. Looking at the bigger picture helps to remind us all that we are all a small piece of the big puzzle, no individual is more important than another. I think service and helping each other with the gifts we have been blessed with is one of the ways we can find resolve in defining our true purpose.
Fabulous post! I’m going to share it with my daughter. She’s 20 and I think she’s having a hard time trying to figure out her purpose.
Thank you for this article. It reminds me that I am on the right path.I love all the quotes too.
Lovely and inspiring article. Our time on earth is short, so we need to make the best of it but at the same time make sure it’s fulfilling and peaceful.
I just turned 30 this year and feel like I’ve only recently figured out what I really want to do with my life. I keep telling myself it’s okay to change your mind 🙂
I can understand why many may be scared of not knowing their purpose. Purpose is so important for guidance & it makes things clear.
I should do with my life is to be happy. I know i don’t have a perfect life but i am happy and contented of it with my children. And i will trust the God with my life.
It really can be difficult to figure out the purpose of your life and your reason for being here. The advice to get quiet and listen is very helpful. Right now my biggest purpose is being the best Mom I can be to my two children.
Great thoughts. I ask this often especially as I launch a child into this world. He’s off at college and he needs to figure out what to do with his life.
I have read through this twice now and I still thoughts left unanswered. I appreciate reading this, thanks for sharing!
Well isn’t that the million dollar question?! I think many of us are still trying to figure that out. If we ever do, then I think we might have won the lotto of life
I believe that I was put on this earth to love and to care and I love it. when you find your purpose,it’s so easy to follow
This is a really thought-provoking question. I believe that we should follow our hearts and continue to do what we love. When we do that, we are filled with purpose in our lives 🙂
I think finding our purpose changes over time and depends on where we are in our lives… I think the key is just finding what truly makes us happy 🙂
I like how you point out that we compare ourselves to others and wonder what they have that we don’t. You are so right when you say that we need to focus on our own strengths and build ourselves up from there. We all aren’t blessed with the same talents, so we need to find what we excel at and what we enjoy doing and put our effort into being the best at whatever that is.
There are questions that are not easy to answer, but still there are questions that are really worth asking. This is very important. I just realized that whatever comes to us let us be grateful and open to all the blessings coming to us.
A great read. It’s important to live life to the full and to not let others put you down!
I absolutely love this! I know that I have run though life many times wondering what is my purpose and trying everything and anything to try to figure it out. About 10 years ago, I received The Purpose Driven Life from my then mother in law and let me tell you, it renewed something in me and made me look at life from a different perspective. I may lose sight sometimes, but I’m always brought back to that book. Thank you for sharing this with everyone else to know about as well, awesome post!
Such and incredible and definitely thought-provoking post. Love the quotes you included! I always feel so inspired after a visit to your blog. I am off to see how I can do some good…
What Should I Do With My Life? This is a question I ask myself often. I think I’ll need a change soon!
I wish I knew the answer to this. I do not think about it much. I focus on being content, present, and be kind to everyone around me. Meaning of life is hard to decipher.
So inspiring! It can be so hard to figure out what it you are meant for, but you have to put the time and effort into discovering your talents and passions. You have to work for your purpose. It won’t just come knocking…At least not for most people.
Thanks for this post! Finding our purpose can be an ongoing thing
Love this post! I want to share it with my daughter. She’s 20 and needs guidance on her purpose. It’s hard at that age!
Thought provoking article with well chosen quotes and pictures. Thank you for am enlighting read.
Purpose Driven Life is one of my all time favorite books that I go back to again and again. So very full of truth and encouragement.
Purpose Driven Life is one of my all time favorite books that I go back to again and again.
I take it one day at a time and try to be better than the last. I dont think i habe found my purpose but in saying that i am content where i am at the moment. Being a single mum and raising my child, spending every waking moment with him is where i think i should be at this present time. Maybe i have found my purpose! I am where i should be right now
Beautiful post – We sometimes mess up in life but things often take different turns! Post is well written and very inspirational indeed!
I am still not sure what my purpose in life is and what I am meant to do. I can nor wait to have that moment. I just find my happiness in everyday.
It’s like god brought this post directly to me. Thank you so much. I needed to hear this!
I think too many people think you only have ONE thing, but I think life is a series of things, and they all lead to each other.
Thats an inspiring one. One should know their purpose and act accordingly.
Thanks for this reminder to stay focused and true to be able to be the best version of yourself in order to be able to add value to the people around you. I always tend to want to do everything.
What should I do with my life? I will dedicate my life to my family and will not rest until I am sure my children have the education they need to succeed. I will be relentless in teaching them manners and morals and faith in God. I will discuss with them, almost everyday, the importance of respecting others even if their beliefs are different. I will show them love, care, compassion and understanding so that by example, they too, may do the same. Until every have accomplished all of these, I will not rest. This is my mission, and this is how I will live my life.
This really is a great question we all ask ourselves at one point or another in our life. Life is what we make it and I believe we should all try to do our best while enjoy our life. Thanks for sharing the food for thought.
I couldn’t agree more. We have to live for ourselves but also not forget about the others around us, we should also be kind and respectful. There is nothing more fulfilling than making this world a better place for everyone in it.
This is so deep and helpful in life decisions. Thank you for the wonderful insights.
The quotation of Dalai Lama is really great. The content is so good. Love to read the blog.
Seriously, what a great read you put together!
I always try to figure out my purpose in life and what it is I want to do with my life. I just take things one day at a time and remain positive.
Wonderful compilation of thoughts. It’s true that one needs to find a greater purpose.