Finding & focusing on your purpose | Tips from purpose podcaster Jonathan Reid

Finding & focusing on your purpose | Tips from purpose podcaster Jonathan Reid

Every day we’re defining who we are by our actions and decisions - little moments of how we treat other people, what we spend our time on and which relationships we give energy to.  

But rarely do we actually take a step back and look at who we want to be, what our purpose is and how we want our life to look. This means that for a lot of us, we’re spending most of our valuable time and energy working on other people’s dreams and not giving the things and people that are important to us the time they deserve. 

So, how do we shake this up? How do we re-align with ourselves and focus on what’s really important, whatever that might be? 

We caught up with Jonathan Reid, co-founder of the Purpose Led podcast, to get his top tips on how to find & focus on your purpose:


Jonathan’s top 5 tips for finding and focusing on your purpose:

 

1. If you have a pulse, you have a purpose.

You are not alone in feeling uncertain about your path, everyone has moments of doubt. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and self-understanding, knowing that your purpose exists, waiting to be uncovered.

 

2. Everyone’s purpose is the same.

Understand that while everyone's purpose is unique, the essence of purpose lies in serving and adding value to others' lives. Focus on how you can contribute positively to the world around you, whether through your work, relationships, community involvement, etc. What is your unique gift that you can share with the world?

 

3. Self reflection is key.

Engage in self-reflection regularly to gain clarity on what fulfills you and brings you joy. A few ways to do this would be through journalling, therapy, and speaking transparently with close family and friends.Take the time to explore your passions, interests, and values, and align your actions with your authentic self. If you don’t know what brings you passion, joy or fulfilment, or who “your authentic self is”, again, you’re not alone, a lot of people live life not knowing. But you don’t have to be one of them. 

My main advice for you is to explore. Explore new countries, new cities, new continents, try new activities, new hobbies, new environments, get around new people, have new conversations. True growth lies outside of your comfort zone. But please remember you’re not doing this to find your purpose externally, you’re doing this to unlock your purpose internally. As “woo-woo” as it may sound, the answers truly are within, sometimes all you need is a catalyst to find them.

 

4. Think back to your childhood.

Revisit your childhood experiences and memories. Reflect on what brought you joy and excitement as a child, as these can often provide valuable insights into your innate talents and passions.

If you can’t remember, ask your family members and old friends, “What was I like growing up?” “What did I like to do?” “What was I interested in”, they’ll usually be able to tell you!

Often times we have a dream for ourselves at a young age and “they” tell us that it’s not possible, which kills the dream while it’s still in seed form. Who are “they”? They can be teachers, parents, siblings, friends, the media, TV, etc. So it’s key to come back to before “they” unintentionally diverted you from your purpose.

 

5. Comparison is the enemy of purpose.

Everyone’s journey is different! It's natural to look at others' lives and accomplishments, especially in today's social media-driven world, but constantly comparing yourself to others can hinder your ability to discover and pursue your own path.

Here’s why you should think twice before comparing yourself: You don’t know what they did to get to where they are and you don’t know what they’re doing to stay there.

To stay focused on your own path, focus on cultivating self-awareness, practicing gratitude, and surrounding yourself with supportive influences. Letting go of comparison allows you to honour your individual journey, fostering a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.

 

Want to connect with Jonathan? Check him out here: 

Jonathan's Linkedin

Purpose Led Club website

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