Defining Purpose through Being Present

One of the most powerful sources of energy is passion. When we are connecting to our most important values and purpose in life, our passion and energy seem boundless. The most compelling source of purpose is being fully present in the moment, which is what happens when energy is derived from being present in the moment and connecting to deeply held values and a calling beyond self-interest.

What is meant by presence in the context of this article about energy is a higher order of being that embraces ethical and moral reasoning, connecting us to purpose beyond oneself. When we define purpose to include those values and motivations that are beyond self-serving we tap into an infinite pool of energy available to all now.

However, it is never easy to discover what exactly our higher purpose is. For most, motivations are hidden from our awareness in the realm of the subconscious. Although we may have a sense of our true values, it is usually in our early 30’s or a life crisis that we become more interested in discovering what is really important for us. This requires the sort of exploration and questioning best done with a trusted coach or mentor.

Many of us get caught up in following the path others think we should be following. It takes life experience, failures and some success along the way to force us into getting in touch with what we don’t want for ourselves. That can push us to find what it is we do want. We let responsibilities and daily chores distract us from our true purpose and deep values. We get too caught up in earning a living and just staying afloat to stay connected with our true purpose in life.

The Quest for Meaning

In any case, there comes a point in most people’s life when they ask themselves, “What’s it really all about, anyway?” The search for meaning is one of the primary quests of philosophers, theologians and scientists. Few of us are satisfied to be ordinary. The drive to achieve is a means of escaping mediocrity and boredom. We want to be the best we can be.

Yet if we are to be the best we can be, we must narrow the field a bit. We can’t be great at everything. When asked to describe what gives life meaning, many people hesitate, hem and haw, and respond with generalities and platitudes. “Taking care of family,” “to be successful at work,” “have a successful business”, are typical answers.

Because we often lack connection in the current moment to our deepest values and firm beliefs we are easily distracted or knocked off balance when we face challenges and difficulties. We need to be present in the moment to clearly define a sense of purpose in order to hold ground when storms come.

Tapping into Unlimited Energy

Presence is a unique source of energy and power in today’s world. It fuels focus, direction, passion and purpose. It becomes more powerful as it moves from being negative to positive, external to intrinsic, and from self to selfless. A negative purpose is defensive and based on deficits. Someone who starts a business to just make money is not tapping into as much energy as person who starts a business with a focus on the services or product they provide to clients and consumers with a deep sense of fulfillment.

Money is an external source of purpose. As a source of energy and driving purpose, it has its limits. Having more money is not correlated with higher levels of happiness and fulfillment. All humans need food, rest, warmth and social contact. Money provides the means to these ends. But once those basic needs are met, money has less power as a source of motivation. People can be motivated by material gain and external praise, but feel more fulfilled by those activities that create an internal satisfaction. We derive deeper levels of fulfillment and energy when we freely focus on what we most enjoy.

To truly tap into maximum energy and power, we must connect to a deeper sense of presence in the current moment that is beyond our own needs and desires. There is no question business owners will work long hours to succeed. But there is always a price to pay. It seems people are willing to sacrifice much more when they are driven by a calling to be in service with balance to family, friends, associates, and clients.

Many people blame external forces for their unhappiness and lack of passion. It is easy to do. We are bombarded daily with negative messages through radio, television, and news. The challenge we face is to express and embody our deepest values and strengths in our daily business activities. We can find a sense of purpose and fulfillment when we mentor someone, or contribute to communicating our services or products with positive energy. Our values can show up in small ways if we are alert, present and aware to the opportunities.

Discovering What Really Matters

Clarifying purpose takes time and reflection through being present in your day to day life and business. A coach or mentor can guide you through questions to arrive at what is really important to you. Deeply held values fuel the energy on which purpose is built. When you know your true values, your path of conduct is clear. While the pursuit of power, wealth, or fame may all be sources of motivation, these goals are external and fill deficiency needs rather than serving intrinsic needs for growth and development. Values have intrinsic worth in that they provide a source of inspiration, meaning and fulfillment that cannot be taken away..

Here are a few values that are universally admired across cultures, religions, and history:

Here are some questions to explore with your coach or mentor to help you define your true values:

What would you do for free if money was of no concern?

What are the three top qualities others see in you?

Who are you at your best?

What are three most important lessons you have learned in life?

What would you like to see on a tombstone that captures the essence of who you were in life?

What three incidences today gave you the greatest amount of pleasure?

What do you value at home, what do you value in business, how do they match?

"All men should strive to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why.” —James Thurber