Who's in the same boat? I need advice...

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Oh, also wanted to update everyone. I signed up for the Passion Test Online 30 day trial. It's free other than a $2.00 donation. After that it's about $600.00 per year. So, right now I'm hoping to gain a lot of insight in the next 30 days! OR alternately to gain lots of money by the time the 30 day trial is over...

[Dan.Linehan]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

I really do think that the first order of business is to find that pesky purpose.

You don't "find" your purpose. You choose it.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Whoa, whoa there, Dan. Are you telling me that I don't already have a purpose? I'm just supposed to decide for myself what it is? That's a paradigm shift for me. It changes everything. Maybe you are saying kind of what some others have and I'm just taking it differently... What do you make of Steve's find your purpose in 20 minutes blog? Does that just help you find what it is you really deep down want your purpose to be? Do you think that a purpose is something abstract like "be loving and peaceful in all I do" and then you just live that no matter what job you decide to do?

I guess I just always thought we come here with a purpose and we have to find it. Probably comes from my Christian upbringing.

I don't know, but if you want to talk more about it I'd welcome your input.

[Dan.Linehan]

Yes, you are supposed to decide for yourself what it is. I'd give this a listen.

Ultimately it comes down to choice.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Thanks. I can't believe I haven't listened to it yet. Not sure why?! I'll do that tonight.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Alright I'm just going to post random updates since this is my thread and I can If anyone else who's working on this topic wants to do so too, I welcome you!

Today felt like it went by more quickly. At this point, I feel I can attribute that to two things. First, I ate relatively well and drank water. Had no soda today, nor candy or any other crap. Second, each time my grumbling and complaining feelings came up, I redirected myself. Tried today to have a better attitude. Just those simple things helped a lot. I'm very tired due to the fact that the bf and I have conflicting work schedules right now and only one car. However, I think that as my health improves the sleep I get will be better and all that combined will have a nice effect on my ability to keep a good attitude and take things as a learning experience instead of a dreaded experience.

Hope everyone is having a lovely day. I send love and joy to you all.

[Eisho]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

How many of you still don't know what your purpose is? How many took the step and quit your job only to end up back on the daily grind when your savings ran out? Who wants to get off the treadmill already and explore the wide open world out there?

Finding your life purpose itself requires time, discipline, commitment and work. Maybe there are a few people who get a sudden spark of inspiration but for most it is an internal journey that can take months of thinking to resolve - and possible longer.

You need to sit down quietly and start getting inside your own head. Meditate, read, challenge yourself, contemplate. Write things down and keep a journal.

Don't quit your job or do anything rash until you at least have some insight as to what you want to do with your life...and then start doing it on a part time basis.

Cheers,

Eisho

[elisabeth]

I did make a drastic change, and, well, now I'm half-heartedly looking for a "day" job, but I also just (within the last few weeks) realized that there's an alternative, especially since I don't quite fit the profiles they post on the web, which has put a bit of a crimp in my job hunting success.

Internet marketing and speaking are kind of long-shot endeavors that will pay off eventually but not just yet. So I finally realized I've got to eat, and generate cash flow, so I need to sell SOMETHING that people want to buy.

So what might they want to buy? Services!

And so I'm now peddling my services, writing (incl. copywriting), transcriptions, translating, editing. Also added coaching to my line-up of offerings (helping people through rough times). And yes, I'm starting to get takers. Miracles are happening every day.

It's exhausting though, so eventually, I hope to increase my rates, with copywriting maybe, or the coaching (a dozen clients paying my full fee should do nicely). and maybe the occasional paying speaking gig, etc.

I'm visualizing success! Focusing on what I DO want ;-)

[Dan.Linehan]

What did you think of the podcast last night?

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Dan.Linehan

What did you think of the podcast last night?

I knew you would ask me that and I thank you for doing so. It's always good to have accountability.

I didn't get a chance to listen to it last night due to some unforseen and annoying circumstances. I'm going to try to listen to it now while I'm working and hope it's done before my boss gets back from her meeting. Is that wrong?

EDIT: What's with today today? My speakers aren't working on my computer! Dan, I commit to listening to that podcast TONIGHT.

[Dan.Linehan]

Ok, but only because you quoted Empire Records..

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Thanks, man. I knew you'd get that reference and that you'd understand.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Update: Today has just not been running smoothly at work. I sent a panicked PM to Angela so she could slap some sense into me because I know her to do that succinctly and lovingly. And she did. I was completely stressed to the point of tears because this day wasn't going as planned and things I needed to get done at work weren't getting done.

Angela reminded me to ask myself what I was making this situation mean about me and I found I felt useless in this situation. How ridiculous. And once I really just let that crap go, my boss asked me how my day was going and I told her about the trouble I was having. She ended up telling me it was nothing to stress over after all because we would be fine without these items AND she even asked me how I might improve on the way we had been trying to do it. I gave her my idea and she thought it was great.

So, although I am really tired right now, I'm trying to remember to stop and take a step back.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Oh, how did I overlook these. I wasn't ignoring you! I thank you for taking the time to share.

Originally Posted by Eisho

Finding your life purpose itself requires time, discipline, commitment and work. Maybe there are a few people who get a sudden spark of inspiration but for most it is an internal journey that can take months of thinking to resolve - and possible longer.

You need to sit down quietly and start getting inside your own head. Meditate, read, challenge yourself, contemplate. Write things down and keep a journal.

Thanks, Eisho. I think I've been waiting for a bolt of lightening to hit me on this purpose thing. But it seems to be consensus that it rarely happens in that manner. So, I'm taking all of the tools and advice people have given here and I'm going to look deeper in myself.

Originally Posted by elisabeth

And so I'm now peddling my services, writing (incl. copywriting), transcriptions, translating, editing. Also added coaching to my line-up of offerings (helping people through rough times). And yes, I'm starting to get takers. Miracles are happening every day.

It's exhausting though, so eventually, I hope to increase my rates, with copywriting maybe, or the coaching (a dozen clients paying my full fee should do nicely). and maybe the occasional paying speaking gig, etc.

I'm visualizing success! Focusing on what I DO want ;-)

That's great! What an encouragement. I would definitely like to try writing some on the side to increase my skills and visiblity in that area. I wish you great success and thanks for reminding me to focus on what I do want rather than what I don't. All of you have been great about keeping me looking at the right things.

[Dan.Linehan]

Did you listen to the podcast about choosing your purpose yet?

[Angela]

And did you do the passion test yet? November is running out quickly.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Dan.Linehan

Did you listen to the podcast about choosing your purpose yet?

I did. Sorry I haven't gotten back to give my response. I've been unable to spend much time online the past couple of days. I should have come straight to this thread instead of starting with New Posts!

I really enjoyed that podcast. It brought all of what has been swirling in my head into focus. I think it nicely sums up what I would think about purpose if I hadn't been so stressed about it. I remember long ago reading the four questions. I like them. I think that's a good way to have a balanced life. I am going to use this method because when I try to figure out my purpose in the sense of "we all have a higher, pre-ordained purpose" I stress and freak out and get nowhere. When I think of it along the lines of what Steve talked about in the podcast, I feel more empowered to pick one and not have to worry about whether it's the "right one." Thanks for reminding me about that podcast, Dan. I think it will help a lot. I've listened to it once so far and intend to do so again and take notes. Then I can really get down to business and work on the questions.

I know people even on this thread have been trying to get a similar message through my thick head! Thank you! I'm getting it now...

Originally Posted by Angela

And did you do the passion test yet? November is running out quickly.

I have signed up for the 30 day online trial, but have not had time to really dive in. I plan to work on that this weekend. The bf works weekends now, so I have some uninterupted time to focus on myself. I am really looking forward to doing the process and seeing what comes up and how I can tie it into what I like about Steve's podcast.

Thank you both again for following up with me. I tend to put things off, but this is one I can't afford to put off anymore.

Go accountability buddies!

[Dan.Linehan]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

I know people even on this thread have been trying to get a similar message through my thick head! Thank you! I'm getting it now...

So what purpose are you going to choose?

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Dan.Linehan

So what purpose are you going to choose?

That I don't know concretely yet. I know it will involve helping people, spreading love and hopefully information that will help people in their lives. I know that I want it to involve writing and creativity.

I am going to be working on it more this weekend using Steve's podcast and the Passion Test. I will let you know what I decide.

[Dan.Linehan]

I am still working on mine too.

One part I have down is that I want to further the use of information technology and transparency in society.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Dan.Linehan

I am still working on mine too.

One part I have down is that I want to further the use of information technology and transparency in society.

Have you taken any steps yet to do this?

[Angela]

Originally Posted by Dan.Linehan

I am still working on mine too.

One part I have down is that I want to further the use of information technology and transparency in society.

Dan, you are an Unveiler of Truth! (to me, anyway.)

[Dan.Linehan]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

Have you taken any steps yet to do this?

Sure. It's what I do for a living. I'm at a company that runs about 600 websites dedicated to finding and researching local mental health and social service providers and listing their services online.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Angela

Dan, you are an Unveiler of Truth! (to me, anyway.)

Yes, definitely. I would be really surprised if it wasn't part of his purpose!

Originally Posted by Dan.Linehan

Sure. It's what I do for a living actually. I'm at a company that runs about 600 websites dedicated to finding and researching local mental health and social service providers and listing their services online.

That's great! Many people will be able to find the help they need because of you. Sometimes it so difficult to know where to turn without someone helping you out.

[Dan.Linehan]

Unfortunately, we don't get quite as much traffic to our sites as we would like, so I'm not sure how effective we are. That is our big initiative now.

I'd prefer to work at a company whose sites get more traffic and whose focus is more holistic. You wouldn't believe how many substance abuse treatment programs I have researched and indexed, for example.

I'd rather be researching rock gyms, or day spas, or toastmaster locations.

[Kura Ookami]

I'm also in the same boat.

I suspect that when we find our purpose we'll think, that was so obvious. Why didn't I see it sooner?

The only thing I've really been into is anime and manga, so I wonder if somehow my purpose is related to that?

As to helping others I don't feel like I am helping anyone. It's difficult enough to help myself and not fall back into bad habits. Yet even though I find it difficult to help myself i do want to help others.

Oh well, at the moment I want to learn Japanese so I can understand anime and manga in their original language. Selfish reason, I know.

Actually, I think to achieve our purpose, first we've got to learn. Then we can teach. What, precisely we're meant to learn and teach I don't know. Is everyone's purpose to teach something?

Now i think about it my purpose has something to do with helping others who can't help me in return. Translation? Maybe, but I'm not particularly interested in languages in general.

In general i think we're all here to raise the level of conciousness in the world and we can all help each other here on this forum . . . or not if we choose not to.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by Dan.Linehan

I'd prefer to work at a company whose sites get more traffic and whose focus is more holistic. You wouldn't believe how many substance abuse treatment programs I have researched and indexed, for example.

I'd rather be researching rock gyms, or day spas, or toastmaster locations.

So, what's stopping you?!

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Kura, have you listened to Steve's podcast that Dan linked to? I'd definitely recommend it.

[Kura Ookami]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

Kura, have you listened to Steve's podcast that Dan linked to? I'd definitely recommend it.

I'm listening to it now.

I think my general purpose is to learn and teach.

For some reason I can't get the idea of translation out of my head. It's currently outside of my capabilities - i don't know japanese, but it would fulfil my need for money to survive. I feel like i am supposed to help people in some way, to make the world a better place and I want to visit Japan one day.
I don't know if it's my purpose in life, but I want to try becoming a translator and translate resources so more people can benefit from them. What do you think of that idea?

[Matt Willard]

I'm in the same boat right now, admittedly :V Purpose finding, that is. I just worked out something that feels close, but I'm not sure if it's close or accurate enough.