Your purpose is the unique nucleus of who you are, but many women don’t even know what their purpose is. They may think it’s the role of a business owner, partner, mother, or friend. Those roles are important, but they are also dynamic and may change over time. Your purpose is steadfast and goes well beyond those roles and into the reason you, and only you were created. When you are clear and aligned with your purpose you can begin to create goals that will fuel that purpose-driven life.
As you begin to explore your true purpose, think of the things you do in life that bring you true joy and come easy to you. Don’t get me wrong, living your life on purpose is work, but it’s the type of work that feels effortless. You were gifted with a blend of talents, skills and, a personality that is as specific as your fingerprint. Finding your purpose is such a crucial topic that I wrote an entire book on the Purpose Crisis happening with women all over the world.
Goals… hmmmmm. If you’re anything like me, when someone asks what my goals are, I can get overwhelmed with everything I want to accomplish and it’s difficult to give a concrete answer. I’ve learned to break my goal setting into 5 steps that transform overwhelm into specific goals and action steps for achieving them — and ultimately my life’s purpose. Here they are:
1. Mind Mapping
Mind mapping is one of the most effective ways to bring order to what seems like a jumble of thoughts and ideas. It’s a way to expand your mind, be more creative, retain more, and enhance effective problem-solving. But first, let’s get your mindset in the optimum mode. Visualize yourself in the future, as if you have already achieved your goals. Then, use that confidence to continue…
On a blank piece of paper do a brain dump of everything you want to achieve. Think BIG!! If any of the “you’d never be able to achieve this” nonsense gets in your way, just brush that baby off your shoulder and continue! This process may take more than one sitting (or standing or pacing — LOL). Don’t try to be orderly about it or create any structure. That will come next.
2. Create Order
Once you’ve finished your brain dump take a look at all of your goals and begin to organize them into categories. Some of them may interconnect and become one in the same. Now, add each individual goal to the top of separate blank sheets of paper.
3. Prioritize
While it is definitely possible to work towards multiple goals, be sure you are realistic. As you prioritize, check in with yourself and ask, “Will this goal help me achieve my purpose?” If the answer is a resounding “yes” then it goes to the top of the heap! Continue prioritizing until you have a clear picture of the sequencing of your goals.
4. Break Down Your Goals
Now, look at each goal and begin to break it down into smaller, bite-sized actions. You can create annual, monthly, weekly, and daily action steps that will move you steadily in the right direction. Before you know it, you’ll be able to celebrate your wins!
5. Celebrate Your Wins
Celebrating your wins is crucial to your continued drive and motivation. When you skip the celebration and jump right into the next goal, you are robbing yourself of the feel-good chemicals that reinforce your success. So whether it’s a Swedish massage or a dinner date with your honey, make sure you honor your hard work and commitment.
Your purpose matters because you are the only individual on this planet who can achieve it and the world needs you. Setting and achieving your purpose-driven goals is your contribution to making the world a better place!
How do you set your goals? I always LOVE your ideas!