Last week, we began to explore the concept of self discovery and how it can lead you to your purpose. This week, we will look at the importance of discovering your purpose and how to go about it.
Remember one of our quotes from last week; “When the purpose of a thing is unknown, abuse becomes inevitable” – Dr. Myles Munroe
Dear Teen/Youth, your purpose is your raison d’etre. In English, that means your reason for being or the reason why you exist.
Your purpose accounts for why you are born black/caucasian/mixed/asian, why you are born into that family, why you have your unique physical and personality traits, why you are faced with your peculiar challenges and why you have had the particular experiences in life that you have had.
Success is not purpose. Many often mistake the two. Many a successful person has reached the top of his/her field only to declare their success meaningless because it had nothing to do with their purpose.
Here are some reasons why you must discover your purpose.
1) Purpose gives your life meaning.
2) Purpose gives you clarity and a sense of direction.
3) Purpose gives you passion and drive.
4) Purpose unlocks your creativity.
5) Purpose opens the door for impact and success.
6) Purpose gives you fulfilment.
7) Purpose will build courage and resilience in you and help you overcome challenging and turbulent times.
8) Purpose will help you live a longer, happier and healthier life.
Dear Teen/Youth, you do not have all the time in the world to discover your purpose. Infact, the earlier, the better.
The next question you may want to ask is, “How do I discover my purpose?”
Here are some simple steps you can take.
1) Go to God in prayer.
The best person to ask about a product is the manufacturer. God made you and made you for something specific. And He wants you to live a joyful and purposeful life. If there’s anybody who can tell you what your purpose is, He definitely is the one.
2) Determine your gifts and strengths.
God has given you specific gifts and strengths. Maybe you are a maths guru or a wise counsellor. Maybe you have a mind for electronics or business or you are great at organizing people or getting things done. Whatever they are, pay close attention to them. In there may be purpose waiting to be fulfilled.
3) What are you passionate about?
It has often be said that God works at the intersection of our gifts and passions. Passion is that thing that you feel so strongly about, that it drives you to take action. Determine what you are passionate about and you could be on your way to finding your purpose.
4) Seek Counsel.
Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety”. One of the ways God may help you discover your purpose, is through others. Wise counsellors will help and guide you to find God’s purpose for your life. However, they must be people you trust like your parents, teachers, pastors, mentors or friends.
5) Keep moving.
Trying to discover your purpose may seem like such a huge, confusing task. I know! I’ve been there. What I will say to you is this; clarity comes with action. Keep moving, keep doing, keep observing and keep trusting God to lead you to where you are supposed to go. Do not sit still and expect your purpose to find you there.
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PS: I am still giving out FREE 1 hour coaching sessions. If you want clarity concerning your purpose or you want to see results in certain areas of your life, COACHING is what you need. Click here to register: http://bit.ly/2Oip6Jf
Bio:
Ifeoma Okafor is a Life Coach, Mentor, Youth Advocate and Founder, Trailblazers Academy. She helps young people discover their purpose, develop values and skills, and create opportunities to make impact and lead change in the society. She can be reached via email at ifeomaookafor@gmail.com or on WhatsApp 08063474104.