30 Thoughts on Finding Purpose: An Introduction to The Series

Jan

Posted by Helen Hoefele in Purpose

In the past, with practically every attempt I have made to start a freelance business on the side (no matter what format), I always seem to get stuck on Step #1: Choosing a Business Idea.

I never seem to be able to zero in on that one elusive key business idea to devote myself to. That one compelling purpose, to pull me in and through to that proverbial happy ending, always seems to be just out of reach.

I would dread those thoughts, those that would tell me that everything I learned about business, sales, marketing, social media, business plans, writing, etc. may never get used for a “higher purpose” outside of the typical 9-to-5 job. Not a total waste, but not a regret-less use of a life either.

Some may say that this “block” of mine was: a fear of failure; or lack of commitment; or a form of procrastination; or self-sabotage; or any other diagnosis du jour.

And, that may all be so.

I have since become much better at setting goals and sticking with them. But, having goals is not the same as having a life purpose.

I still truly feel that if I could settle in on that one exciting business idea to move forward with, then I’d be able to break through the bottleneck.

I’m not sure how common this type of hurdle is, but I am fairly certain that I’m not alone in this.

Either way, the most common advice I would hear in response to this challenge would be an exasperated: “Just pick anything. Doing anything is better than doing nothing.”

In my opinion, “Anything” is simply “Anything” for a reason. That’s why there was no compelling reason to choose it in the first place.

Anyway, over the next 30 days, first as part of a 30 Day Blogging Challenge, but also as a way to help others while also helping myself, I will be sharing 30 short essays as a series, entitled: “30 Thoughts on Finding Purpose.”

Maybe others can relate to what I’m writing. Maybe not. Maybe others have thoughts or advice or tips of their own to share or add to the conversation.

Maybe my purpose right now is to have no purpose for this very reason. Time will tell.

Either way, I’m hoping you (or someone you know) may benefit from this series of posts over the next 30 days.

Looking forward to sharing this with you. Thanks for stopping by!

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For a list of all posts in this series go to: Finding Purpose (actual links will be posted as each post becomes live.)

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http://www.cricketwalker.com Cricket

Many years ago a mentor/friend told me that the surest way to success was to find something I absolutely love doing, something I am passionate about, and then find a way to make a living doing it. It hasn’t failed me yet!
http://www.figmentations.com figmentations

Glad to hear advice that has worked for you. Believing (that you can find a way to make a living doing it) isn’t always an easy thing to do. But, I guess life isn’t supposed to be easy. Thanks for the comment!
Lenore

I heard this today and it really resonated with me ‘In Order To Achieve The Future You Desire, You Must 1st Be Willing To Walk Away From Present Distractions’ Doing just anything is a distraction for sure, am looking forward to your finding purpose blog posts:)
Sharpeagle

I have thought about having my own business but I settled for a 8-5 job. I work for a great company and they have been good to me. I settled for a steady paycheck and have retirement waiting for me. If I was on my own I am not sure I would have saved the money for retirement.
http://www.figmentations.com figmentations

Thanks for adding this comment, Lenore. Good point. Being busy with distractions is quite different from doing things that help you grow and move your forward. That’s something I may cover more in a future post. Thanks again!
http://www.figmentations.com figmentations

That’s true, too. Going freelance doesn’t come with guarantees either. And, the income and benefits from a steady job definitely need to be appreciated, especially in today’s economy. I know I look at my job in a much different light these days than in the past. Thanks for adding that perspective.
Cindy

It’s funny to me, because I’ve always felt a twinge that I “failed” because I’m NOT doing the “corporate workforce” type job, and “using my education”.

Also, I did not expect “Finding Purpose” to be about choosing a business or a career. (I’m not sure now what I did expect it to be…)
http://www.figmentations.com figmentations

Interesting. I hadn’t considered that point of view before. Now you’ve given me something to think about, too. Thanks! Regarding purpose, for me, career is just one part of that whole question of what do we want to do with our lives. And, those other aspects are things I hope to explore in this series, too. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Keep them coming.
Linda

I have my own business and I’m straying on to other things that are distractions. I don’t have a clear picture of what I want. I’m so enjoying your articles and I’m with you on this journey.

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