Through the years I have a read a lot of personal development books. One of the main themes in a lot of the books is purpose.
One could say that having a purpose in your life is the most important part of your life. I agree 100%.
That being said, doesn't it seem logical that, if you have a true purpose, this purpose is articulated in some way?
Many times over the years I have worked hard to define my purpose. Many times I've written down a "mission statement" but nothing has stuck.
Why?
I truly believe that, for me at least, it's about timing and simplicity. Maybe I've always tried too hard or made it too complex.
I don't know. All I know is that I have never written down a personal mission statement... until one morning a while back.
I thought about one night and then, in the morning while I was driving to the gym, it came to me in a flash.
I actually wrote it down on paper and tried to type it into my Facebook bio. This showed me that it was too long based on Facebook arbitrary character limit.
Maybe that was a sign that it was actually too long?
I shortened it anyway.
I reveal for YOU today, my personal mission statement:
"I am a leader and a coach who inspires and EMPOWERS others to live a life where they are reaching for their true potential"
I came up with this mission LONG before we changed our meal prep business name from The Fit Life Meals to Empower Meal Prep. Coincidence? I don't think so....
This is 100% the way I think and the way that I act in life. The cool thing is that these words literally just popped into my head.
I was 45 at the time so I figured I should define what I have been and am doing with my life.
Let's break down my mission into its parts.
Part 1: Who I am. This tells me and everyone else EXACTLY who I am.
"I am a leader and a coach..."
Part 2: What I am doing as we make trips around the sun. This is why I wake up each morning. This is the essence of my purpose and mission.
"...who inspires and EMPOWERS others..."
Part 3: Empowering other people. I can't do anything for anyone. All I can go is to create an environment when those that choose to engage can gain value and become better. I am here to EMPOWER you....
"...to live a life where they are reaching for their true potential."
What this really means is that I am here to inspire you of you are ready but it is YOUR CHOICE.
I find this to be brilliant if I don't say so myself. Pressure is off me. If you aren't inspired then move on. If you are then just get on board the inspiration train!
One of the ways that health and fitness industry is failing you is that the industry, as a whole, is pretty good about getting people started at a gym, or in a program, or a routine, but they do a terrible job and keeping people engaged. I am here to change that.
Could it really be this simple?
I don't know. You tell me.
CALL TO ACTION: What is your personal mission statement? Think about it. Spend some time putting down some words. Listen to music. Sit in silence. Go for a walk. Do what you like to do and ask yourself this question and listen for the answer: Why am I on this earth?
The answer is there. It may take 5 minutes, 5 weeks, 5 years or 5 decades but eventually it will come to you. Just listen.