Dear Grandchildren:
Hopefully, you have been using your greatest power in a wonderful way this past month. For going into the month of August, I’d like to talk about realizing and living out your purpose. Most people don’t have a clue what this means. If you ask people what their purpose is, I’m sure you would get a variety of quick answers and maybe some blank stares. I would bet many people are unsure of what they are doing, and why they are doing it.
That’s why the younger you are, the more effective you can be if your thought process includes asking serious questions.
- Why am I here?
- What do I really enjoy doing?
- What are my strengths and how can I apply those strengths and abilities to my future?
I want you to learn how to live on purpose! I want you to really believe that you matter and that you can make a difference in the life. Yes, you’re making a difference as a student and someday as a spouse, as a parent, as a work partner, as a friend, and as a citizen.
Adopting a lifestyle that’s on purpose provides an opportunity to enrich others, by leaving your imprint in a positive way. And this can happen in whatever career you pursue because we’re talking about the person you’re becoming.
Here are three key points to remember:
- Make sure your purpose lines up with your natural ability. Eventually, you’re going to be working in a full- time job for forty hours or more a week. This totals up to working 2,000 or more hours each year. The key is being happy by waking up each morning and not dreading going to work. So you want to do something that challenges you, but that you enjoy doing and where you can make a difference.
- Be determined to set and accomplish your goals that you’ve set. (We will be discussing goals next month.) Many people lose their direction because they’re easily distracted or influenced by others. Living your purpose requires you to focus and to be determined not to be sidetracked.When your purpose is clear, then your life will have meaning. For example, if your goal is to be a teacher or a manager, then start working where you are, to be the best at whatever level you are at now. And don’t follow the crowd or maybe even your friends. Begin to work as though you’re going to be in that position tomorrow.
- Maintain a humble attitude in everything you do. Don’t allow an unhealthy ego to control you. Greed and power are not part of a healthy formula for success and they’re not good for you. Always be an excellent team player and always serve your customers by giving them your very best. The rewards and recognition will follow you all the way to the top!
In closing, I’d like to share a personal story of my daughter in- law, Sarah Ann Freeman. When Grandma and I had the vision of having a wedding venue on our property with weddings in our barn and brides or families staying in our farm house, we wanted to create happy memories for those getting married.
Sarah Ann was already working with brides through her rental business. She came alongside us and became the face of our new business, Sonshine Barn Wedding and Event Center.
Sarah Ann took that vision to heart because of her love and desire to meet and exceed each bride’s expectations of having the wedding of her dreams. Sarah Ann looks at every aspect of the weekend, the property, the facilities, and the event itself to be “spot on,” as she calls it. Her desire for excellence drives all of us to raise the bar to satisfy each bride and groom and their families.
Sarah’s purpose in a wonderful way became ours: to meet our customers’ desire for an amazing wedding. That is a good aim we can all be proud of.
Grandchildren, that’s what I mean when you desire to live on purpose! You will not only live a life of meaning but you will touch others with your passion.
Until next month,
Love, Grandpa