We believe that everyone has a purpose – that no one is “throw away”, that no one is destined for mere survival. We also believe that everyone is a “special sauce” and that our purpose relates to this “special sauce.” We also believe that if we don’t step up and fulfill our purpose, the world will miss out because no one else is exactly like us.
We will step into our purpose only by becoming more of ourselves. We will step into our unique authentic self, and when we do, we will exist in our sweet spot: the intersection of our greatest strengths, our deepest passions, and our most meaningful impact in the world.
Purpose Statement
Coming up with a succinct purpose statement that embodies our purpose can be challenging. We describe what can be called the Goldilocks Purpose Statement. What we mean by Goldilocks Purpose Statement is that it’s not too specific, and it’s not too general, but it’s just right.
Too General
We don’t want a statement that is true for everyone because that doesn’t capture our special sauce. Our purpose statement should be unique to us. If our purpose statement could apply to anyone, it’s not really our purpose statement, but is just something that’s true for all/most people.
Here are some examples of this type of statements that’s too general:
- Do good wherever I go
- Follow God’s leading
- Be a person of integrity
While these are good things to be about, they’re things everyone should be doing all the time already. These don’t indicate anything unique about us or our special sauce.
Too Specific
We also don’t want a statement that is too specific. This means that our purpose isn’t a role, a job title, or a position we hold. Roles, titles and positions change over time. These don’t embody who we are as a person. In the past, I’ve had the title of Software Engineer. Now I am a trainer, speaker, author and coach. None of these are my purpose. These are just means to live out my purpose.
We also don’t want our purpose statement to get too laced with specific details. Our purpose is much deeper and more divinely inspired than one specific option.
Here are some examples of what I am talking about:
- To build homes for Habitat for Humanity (What if Habitat for Humanity goes away?)
- To be the best father (What if my kid gets sick and dies? Not that we want this sort of outcome.)
- To be the best motivational speaker (What if I lose my voice?)
Just Right
Instead we want our purpose statement to be just right. ‘Just right’ means it involves our uniqueness in some way. Yet, it also isn’t so specific that some event can invalidate our purpose in an instant.
Here are a few examples:
- Developing leaders who multiply
- Inspiring intentional positive impact
- Making people’s eyes light up
- Motivate love, meaning, and hope
These fit into the ‘just right’ category. You might not relate to all of them, and that’s OK. It really only needs to make sense to the person who is living out the purpose statement.
Discovery
Discovering our purpose in some ways is a holy endeavor especially if we are wanting to fulfill God’s purposes for our life. This is not something to be taken lightly. We often won’t have a unicorn moment and instantly know our calling. Instead it takes work and exploration.
We would love to support your in your journey. Let us know how we can empower you.
So, what about you? Do you feel like you’ve discovered your purpose? If so, share it with us.
