How did you go with yesterday's writing task? Did you find any similarities with my story or come across your own obstacles? Today we will touch on a similar yet equally important topic. Purpose and Passion.

We all have our individual definitions of what purpose and passion mean to us.

It's something that we may ponder on or maybe even take for granted, but understanding the significance behind these words can help bring clarity and direction to our life.

Purpose and passion evoke a sense of motivation, inspiring us to strive for something more meaningful. However, not everyone is aware of what these concepts mean to them personally.

Purpose is an aim or goal that guides your actions. It can refer to both long-term aspirations as well as more immediate objectives. 

Think of purpose as a map. When you have a map, it helps guide you to the place where you want to go. Your purpose is like that - it helps guide your life and decisions so that you can reach your goals. 

For example, if your purpose is to help people, then you might look for ways to volunteer, work in a teaching profession, or maybe become a doctor, nurse or healer. On the other hand, if your purpose is to make money, then you might look for jobs that pay well. 

It's important to think about what motivates us and how it shapes who we are - this helps us figure out our purpose in life. Knowing our purpose gives us direction and shapes our identity.

I had always felt a strong calling to teaching, in reality, the RAAF for me had been my Plan B. I knew when I returned to the Gold Coast after leaving the RAAF that I longed to be somewhere different, and I needed to travel. Japan to me was the obvious choice, and it was a place I longed to go back to over the years.

So…

I invested my resources in a course, Teaching English as a second language (TESL). It wasn’t quite the teaching career I’d envisaged but it was a pretty good alternative. Teaching English overseas had become very fashionable around that time, and it was a good fit for me. I had a genuine desire to teach, it really was a perfect solution.

I had waited so long for a teaching job offer from Japan, but the first offer to arrive in months of waiting was for Taiwan. I had received no other offers; do I take it? A million questions ran through my mind. As I sat at my computer to type a reply and accept the offer, I heard a voice “Don’t settle for second best”.

Sure enough, within two days I received not one, but two offers from Japan. My purpose and longing to travel had come to fruition and I was on my way. For me personally, I was excited to be able to share who I really was. I felt compelled to project my spiritual side as much as my ‘teaching’ side. I sensed I had a world of potential to explore so I just put it all out there.

Passion is a strong emotion or feeling which can be defined as a strong enthusiasm for something. It is a driving force that can motivate individuals to pursue their goals and do whatever it takes to make them a reality.

Pursuing teaching as a career was my primary focus, however, my passion for the spiritual realm remained strong and during my time in Japan, I experienced great growth in my abilities.

Looking back it’s clear to see the path I was taking was leading me to where I am today, my passion and purpose connected and intertwined - teaching those who seek it, helping them find their potential, combined with the spiritual gifts I possess.

Now it’s time to think about where you are at, how does your purpose and passion line up for yourself? Are you living it or still wishing you could?

TODAY’S TASK:

Have a read of the following questions and answer them to the best of your ability. The answers can be as long or as short as you like. Take your time, think it through, but don't overthink it either. Don’t put pressure on yourself. Write down the first thing that comes to mind intuitively, then delve deeper if you wish.

- What does purpose mean to you?
- Do you know what your purpose is and why?
- Does it feel out of reach?
- Identify 1-2 people in your life that you know are living their purpose and how?
- How do you feel now that you’ve written your answers?

Pop your answers in the private Facebook Mentoring Group with as much detail as you feel comfortable sharing. Remember this is a private group and only those in the group will see your posts.
CLICK HERE to access the group.

Always in your corner,

Peter

PS: We can happily discuss this in person on the Mentoring Zoom, on Saturday. If you haven't registered yet, CLICK HERE to do so now.

PPS: Remember, you must submit your results to the Facebook Group for all 5 days, to go into the draw to win a mentoring session with me.