Do What You Were Born to Do: Find Your Self-Purpose, Be Happier and Live Longer
Sometimes we find ourselves stuck on a non-stop treadmill, trapped in a routine that does not allow us to pursue our dreams or spend time doing the things that we love.
It demoralises us and has a negative impact on our performance.
If we are not careful, this could turn into a vicious cycle - chipping away at our morale, self-esteem and happiness.
If this is you - then take control today.
Do two things: 1.
Write down your dreams and goals and if possible, capture these in something called a vision board.
Human beings are visual creatures.
We release a hormone called dopamine every time we are visually stimulated by our desires.
Dopamine is a 'happy' hormone and stimulates happy emotion.
Happy emotion motivates us to take the necessary actions to get closer to our goals.
Draw up an action plan, together with a timetable of when you need to complete these actions by.
Break down your action plan into smaller day-to-day tasks.
This calms any anxiety about the end goal which may seem impossible.
Have little treats planned every time you meet a goal, no matter how small to reward yourself.
Rewards positively reinforce behaviours that help us to move closer to our goals; and eventually the behaviours becomes a habit.
2.
Write down your strengths - what are the skills that make you awesome, that positively impact others? Are you a great listener? Are you organised? Have you got a great sense of humour? Are you a people person? Are you super creative? Are you good with numbers? As you can see, it could be anything! We all have our strengths; it is absolutely crucial that you acknowledge and value yours.
It is also important that you are in an environment that allows these to thrive.
Whenever we feel like we are adding value to an activity, cause or someone's life in some shape or form, we release feelings of happiness and it boosts our self-esteem.
According to research, performance is only on 20% skill and 80% how we feel - hence it is important to be feeling good in order to improve our performance.
By identifying your strengths and the corresponding environments where these can thrive, you increase your self-esteem, motivation and happiness.
Use these two exercises to help you find your self-purpose - what is it that you were born to do? For example, if you are good at listening and enjoy working with people, a career as a psychologist or coach is an ideal profession for you.
If you love being creative, drawing designs and are passionate about shoes, then shoe designing might just be your thing.
If you enjoy working for yourself, making decisions and have a general interest in business, then maybe it's time to become an entrepreneur.
Whatever it is, find it and start taking the actions to ultimately allow you to do it! You may face negativity along the way - you may have family or friends who, whilst looking out for your best interests, may criticise your dream or leave you feeling unsupported.
Remember it is not them who have to live your life.
It is YOU and in these moments, I strongly suggest that you stay true to yourself and your goals.
You will be happier in the long-term.
It might even be helpful to find a mentor or coach who can support you during this difficult time.
A mentor or coach will be independent, objective and will fully support you along the way.
Do not underestimate the power of such support.
And if you need one more reason to find your sense of purpose, the Journal Psychological Science recently published an article on the link between self-purpose and longevity, reporting that people with a self-purpose live longer.
Therefore I urge you to find your self-purpose - it will change your life for the better.
Want to know the truth about happiness? Read Happiness 101: 5 Truths about Happiness.
It demoralises us and has a negative impact on our performance.
If we are not careful, this could turn into a vicious cycle - chipping away at our morale, self-esteem and happiness.
If this is you - then take control today.
Do two things: 1.
Write down your dreams and goals and if possible, capture these in something called a vision board.
Human beings are visual creatures.
We release a hormone called dopamine every time we are visually stimulated by our desires.
Dopamine is a 'happy' hormone and stimulates happy emotion.
Happy emotion motivates us to take the necessary actions to get closer to our goals.
Draw up an action plan, together with a timetable of when you need to complete these actions by.
Break down your action plan into smaller day-to-day tasks.
This calms any anxiety about the end goal which may seem impossible.
Have little treats planned every time you meet a goal, no matter how small to reward yourself.
Rewards positively reinforce behaviours that help us to move closer to our goals; and eventually the behaviours becomes a habit.
2.
Write down your strengths - what are the skills that make you awesome, that positively impact others? Are you a great listener? Are you organised? Have you got a great sense of humour? Are you a people person? Are you super creative? Are you good with numbers? As you can see, it could be anything! We all have our strengths; it is absolutely crucial that you acknowledge and value yours.
It is also important that you are in an environment that allows these to thrive.
Whenever we feel like we are adding value to an activity, cause or someone's life in some shape or form, we release feelings of happiness and it boosts our self-esteem.
According to research, performance is only on 20% skill and 80% how we feel - hence it is important to be feeling good in order to improve our performance.
By identifying your strengths and the corresponding environments where these can thrive, you increase your self-esteem, motivation and happiness.
Use these two exercises to help you find your self-purpose - what is it that you were born to do? For example, if you are good at listening and enjoy working with people, a career as a psychologist or coach is an ideal profession for you.
If you love being creative, drawing designs and are passionate about shoes, then shoe designing might just be your thing.
If you enjoy working for yourself, making decisions and have a general interest in business, then maybe it's time to become an entrepreneur.
Whatever it is, find it and start taking the actions to ultimately allow you to do it! You may face negativity along the way - you may have family or friends who, whilst looking out for your best interests, may criticise your dream or leave you feeling unsupported.
Remember it is not them who have to live your life.
It is YOU and in these moments, I strongly suggest that you stay true to yourself and your goals.
You will be happier in the long-term.
It might even be helpful to find a mentor or coach who can support you during this difficult time.
A mentor or coach will be independent, objective and will fully support you along the way.
Do not underestimate the power of such support.
And if you need one more reason to find your sense of purpose, the Journal Psychological Science recently published an article on the link between self-purpose and longevity, reporting that people with a self-purpose live longer.
Therefore I urge you to find your self-purpose - it will change your life for the better.
Want to know the truth about happiness? Read Happiness 101: 5 Truths about Happiness.
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