What Works: What is calling you?
Submitted by editor on Mon, 10/16/2017 - 1:49pm
Ha! That sounds spooky. I imagine a horror movie where the phone is ringing. Instead of the creepy guy from the Scream movies on the other end it’s a beast, or perhaps a machine, on the other end of the line. It sounds like a B movie. But really, what is calling you is your purpose.
It can sound as scary as a creepy caller sometimes. But, I promise, if you answer the call – it won’t kill you.
Purpose – ack! The other day, I was on the phone with my coach and I got a bit depressed over the word. Do you mean to say there’s one single thing, one focus, I should have with my life? I spun out about it for days. Anyone who knows me knows there is no ONE thing I do. If I had a single direction, you could maybe say it’s FORWARD. But, generally, when I start to list out all the things I do, people get dizzy. Let’s be honest. I get dizzy.
So, what is this thing called purpose?
Purpose is like having a theme song. Remember when you were a teenager and had a theme song? It was this tune that was so YOU. That, at its most basic, is purpose. It’s the song of your life.
This particular purpose format was created by my coach, Brendon Burchard, and my assigned personal coach under him, Yelena Kaganovsky helped me put it all together. I’m excited to share it with you.
— Start with a statement of being. How do you want to “be?” I want to be: “a light and a source of inspiration for others, to always be joyful, positive, curious, open, generous, and warm. Confident, brave, and focused, I move toward my goals with purpose.”
— State a “do to” that may not necessarily be career related. Here’s mine: “educate and enlighten others through my work, which empowers them to intensify the work they do in the world.”
— Then, state your “why” you are doing it, phrase as “so that.” Mine is: “so that my presence on this earth was felt and I mattered.”
Finally, put it all together and sign your name. Here’s mine.
“The purpose of my life is to be a light and a source of inspiration for others, to always be joyful, positive, curious, open, generous, and warm. Confident, brave, and focused, I move toward my goals with purpose. I educate and enlighten others through my work. This empowers them to intensify the work they do in the world. I do this so that I might create a legacy and a ripple effect, that my presence on this earth was felt and I mattered.” – Diane Dye Hansen
If you do this exercise, you have your purpose statement. In addition, you can align whatever you are considering doing with your purpose statement to see if it fits. You can also do a gut check. Are you being your best self? Are you living your purpose or are you just floating like a Pennywise victim? (If you don’t get that reference and like horror movies, go see IT).
To check activities against your purpose, make a list of everything you are currently doing. Ask yourself, “is this in line with my purpose?”
Over time, your purpose can and will shift as you discover new things about yourself. However, its general enough to allow flexibility. Purpose expands you. It doesn’t restrict you. It provides the focus you need to gauge new opportunities and say “no” when those opportunities don’t fit with who you are.
This week, write out your purpose statement. If you feel really excited about it, post yours online along with a link to this column so others can discover their purpose statements too. Have a great week, Carson City!
GET SUPPORT FOR LIFE AND BUSINESS
Motivation Monday with Diane Dye Hansen at Adams Hub for Innovation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Up to two free 30-minute face to face sessions. Email grow@adamshub.com to schedule an appointment).
November 8, 2017: Entrepreneurs Assembly at Adam’s Hub for Innovation, inside The Studio. 5:30 pm, free mastermind group.
Schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with Diane any time at whatworkscoaching.com.
What Works Coaching
Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, an individual and organizational coaching and consulting firm based in Carson City. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino. She is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.
