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    How Do I Find My Purpose In Life?

    July 27th, 2010 by Hal Elrod

    Recently, I received an email from Patrick, asking me the age old question: “How Do You Find Your Purpose In Life?” Here is Patrick’s question followed by my answer…

    P.S. If you get value from this post, please leave a quick comment below… Thank YOU!! =)

    .
    =============
    Patrick’s Question:
    =============
    Hi Hal,

    How did you find your purpose in life?
    Or did your purpose find you…

    Book? Audio? Anything to help me find mine
    would deeply appreciated.

    With gratitude,
    Patrick

    ==========
    My Response:
    ==========
    Hi Patrick,

    I don’t think there was any ONE thing that led me to my purpose. I think I chose it based on my values and what I wanted to do with my life.

    I believe that purpose is always about serving others. When we focus on serving others, our own problems fade to the distance, and our next course of action becomes more clear. Our problems only really only cause us problems when we’re focused on, or worried about, our SELF. When we focus on and act from our PURPOSE we find the motivation to tap into our full potential and maximize our results.

    My mentor, Mark Lovas, always said, “Get off self, and on purpose.”

    Don’t be in any rush to figure out your purpose, and realize that there isn’t anything pre-determined or set in stone. It’s totally up to you to create, and you can change, modify, or redefine your purpose as many times as you’d like in life.

    For example, the first time I defined my purpose, it was “To selflessly add value to the lives of others.”

    Over time, I made it more specific, “To inspire and empower other people to be better than they believe they can be.”

    In the future, it could change again.

    So play with it. Have fun with it. Try on one purpose for a while, see how it fits, there’s no pressure to “figure anything out.”

    Hope that helps!

    Always with Gratitude,

    “Yo Pal” Hal

    P.S. Again, if you got value from this, please
    leave a comment below… Thanks! :^)

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    This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010 at 9:46 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

     
    • Daniel
      Great message Hal! I really liked how you essentially have a mission statement for your life. I never really realized that successful people's purposes are stated like a mission statement until i looked at the examples you gave. I think this is really cool because normally i would think someone's purpose would be to be a doctor, paster, or something like that, but you defined purpose as a mission statement that not only sets a goal to achieve but that would also allow one to constantly grow by coming up with new means of accomplishing that goal.
    • Daniel,

      Thank you for contributing your additional insights on the topic of discovering and developing one's purpose. I love what you said about defining a purpose as a mission statement "that would allow one to constantly grow by coming up with new means of accomplishing that goal." ...Brilliant!

      With gratitude,

      "Yo Pal" Hal
    • Jasper
      I always say I was put on this earth to bring joy to the world... so that is my mission and that also offers me a purpose. Although I don't feel like I need to have "purpose" to enjoy life and be as happy as I am. Although simply being sounds boring... I'm happy with it. I read a good quote yesterday by author Margaret Lee Runbeck that said, "Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling." I travel happy. :) :)
    • Jasper,

      Thank you for sharing YOUR mission/purpose of "bringing joy to the world." ...Excellent! I also appreciate you highlighting the simplicity of "BEING" and I couldn't agree more.

      Thank you for shining your light on the lives of others.

      With sincere gratitude,

      "Yo Pal" Hal :^)
    • Chels
      Well said Hal, I have to agree with the part about serving others. And recently I have just begun to TRULY understand what Mark Lovas said, "get off self, and on purpose." I had heard it so many times before and never really got it.
      In passed years I had constantly wondered what was my purpose, what did I want to do with my life? Now that I have found something, where I can make a difference to so many people every day, I have to say...I have found my purpose. But I agree, it's something that you have to find yourself. You have to ask yourself, what's most important to you? What are your deepest values and beliefs?
    • Mitchell Hochstetler
      Thanks so much, Hal. When I saw the email with this link in my inbox, I dreaded opening the link. I've had so many people ask me "what are you going to do with your life?" And every time I answer "I don't know", and feel as though I must be failing somehow, because I still haven't decided what I want to do. Reading this answer to "how to find purpose" is really reaffirming, and now I feel as if knowing exactly what I want to do is not nearly as important as everyone tries to make it - all I have to do is take it one step at a time.
    • Justinkusu
      Hey Hal!
      I want to share something. I am in a push period right now, and I am currently behind my friend. I have been working about 4 times harder than him. In fact, he only sold one thing, which was a homemaker. I was there on his appointment, reverse field training him. As he was falling apart, I leaped in, explained everything clearly to the customer, and closed the sale for him (+ a cheese knife). But you know something Hal? I am not bitter whatsoever. I am very glad that I was able to help him get his first promotion and have him sell his largest order I fully believe that purpose truly is about helping others.

      Sorry if i was a little incoherent, just got back from an fsm development meeting.
      Cheers!
      Justin
    • Justin,

      Thanks for sharing, my friend. I sincerely appreciate YOU, and I am proud of you for contributing to the success of your friend. That's what friendship is all about. :^)

      Sincerely,

      "Yo Pal" Hal
    • Rmartin54
      Dear Hal,
      I certainly agree with your purpose being to help others, or as I like to put it, put others needs before my own. I've been a selfish person for a long time and it does not bring peace or happiness. I'm in the process of changing and feel much better about myself. It feels good to think of others. Thanks for this Hal.
    • Rmartin54 (if that's even your "real" name... ;^)

      Thank you for your authenticity. I too used to be a very selfish person (I talked a lot about it in my book "Taking Life Head On"), but just being aware of it and committed to changing is the first step in reinventing yourself as the BEST version! Bravo, my friend...

      With mutual respect,

      Hal
    • Jason
      Hal,
      Good answer buddy!! Simple and to the point. Keep up the great work you're doing, i'm always inspired by your post's and comments!! Have a powerful week!

      Jason
    • Thanks Jason, I sincerely (and enthusiastically) appreciate YOU!! :^)

      With Gratitude,

      "Yo Pal" Hal
    • My Mission is to be in service to others and to leave this world a better place then when I arrived on the planet. How do I accomplish my Mission? I teach Laughter Yoga in 5 facilities in 3 cities in 2 different counties here in the north bay area of San Francisco. I spread Joy and Mirth wherever I go and my Mantra is "Laughter Needs No Passport". I can teach laughter exercises in any lanuguage because laughter is universal and I am a walking example of, "Laughter is the Best Medicine". Google my web site and click on the link for Laughter Yoga and watch the videos or read my articles..www.moving-mountains-now.com. I will say Hal you are an inspiration(I have read your book more then once)and feel you share the same values of being in service to humanity.
    • Teena,

      That's so awesome. Thank you for sharing your mission with us, and a truly worthwhile mission it is!

      And I'm so honored/grateful/happy that you've been inspired by me and even read my book more than once!! Totally rad! :^)

      Your fellow "server of humanity"...

      Hal
    • I always have been interested in helping others succeed, and I definitely know that's been my purpose in life. In fact, the main goal I share with everyone I know is I just want to make a difference in someone's life for the better. That's the reason behind everything I do in my life. Being a peer advisor to college students has led me to believe that I need a job where I have the opportunity to work and shape the minds of college students...and I'm still in college. I can't wait to continue to grow while helping others my own age.
    • Hey Ashley,

      I love the clarity of YOUR purpose that you have articulated here. Being that I focus a lot of my motivational speaking on college campuses and to college students, it sounds like we are definitely in alignment! In fact, let me know if you have any ideas about how we might work together to positively impact more students...

      Keep up the great work!

      Your friend,

      "Yo Pal" Hal
    • I believe my purpose is to enjoy and revere life. When I keep that in mind anything I do is important if I have the intention that there is something special about each moment. Then a boring class is special, getting splashed with mud is special, inspiring others is special - life is a unique and exciting adventure and we are perfectly equipped to enjoy it fully. Hal - you rock - more blog posts please!!

      Warmly,
      Natanya
    • What's up Natanya! =)

      I LOVE your purpose! I truly believe that the (or at least one) purpose of life is to experience AND express joy in every moment, and I think YOU do that as well as anyone I know!! Thank you for living your purpose and inspiring others through your example.

      And...

      Thanks for encouraging more blog posts, I am going to take you up on that request!! :^)

      With Love,

      Hal Austin Elrod
    • rg2010
      Hmmm, always thought of myself as open-minded; yet it never occurred to me that my purpose could change, and that it's up to me--not pre-determined or set in stone. Thank you for that, Hal!
    • You're very welcome rg2010! (If that's even your "real" name... ;^)

      I'm so grateful that my words could positively open you up to a new, empowering perspective.

      Your Pal,

      Hal
    • Beth
      Thanks so much for sharing this Hal!

      Being a christian, I also believe life is about serving others.. and to add something I recently heard from seeing Matthew Kelly speak: "We all have the same purpose -- but everyone has different talents to fulfill that purpose."

      I loved that and it definitely opened my eyes.. we can all serve others but some may through art, some may through teaching, etc. Everyone is a part of the puzzle and just as important at the other :)
    • Beth,

      Thanks for adding the Matthew Kelly quote! Excellent insights from a brilliant man.

      Thank you for being such an important, selfless part of the puzzle... :)

      With sincere gratitude,

      "Yo Pal" Hal
    • I have struggled for a long time looking for purpose. I have found waht you said to be very true. For me focusing on the word and then doing my best to the behaviors daily has opened up doors that assist others and I am left fulfilled. I think everyone wants to have an impact on others lives. When we focus on others that begins to happen in amazing ways. Take care of self, focus on others and purpose will become evident....
    • Matt,

      Thank you for your thoughtful comments, and for always sharing so authentically. You really are a special person, and I'm so grateful that we are connected!

      Keep being a light that shines brightly on everyone you touch...

      Your friend,

      Hal
    • Jeff Campbell
      Hal, I like it. I'm going to borrow your purpose a lil and modify it so that it works for my specific situation. I just watched Tony Robbins show a couple how they could be more than they believed they could be. I'm excited to have the opportunity to redefine what is possible by my actions for my family and coworkers.
    • Hey Jeff! Yes, you can absolutely borrow/model my purpose. I have not trademarked it... yet. j/k :^)

      As for Tony's new show, "Breakthrough With Tony Robbins" (which I'm guessing is what you are referring to), wasn't that powerful? And I thought this week's show was even better than the first!

      Keep me updated on how you feel and how others respond when you're living OFF SELF and ON PURPOSE...

      Your friend,

      "Yo Pal" Hal
    • Coach Jenny Lopez
      Hal,

      Thank you for being you. Your energy and faith is truly inspiring.

      Coach Jenny Lopez
    • Thanks Jenny,

      It was SO great to see you at the eWomenNetwork event! You inspire me, Jenny. Keep making a difference in the lives of everyone you meet...

      Always with Love,

      Hal
    • Clynn4mk
      Thanks, Hal. I like the reminder that our purpose can change and will evolve and is always others focused rather than on ourselves.
    • You're welcome, Lynn. Thank you for selflessly contributing to the conversation by posting your thoughtful comment on the blog. I appreciate YOU!! :^)

      With Love & Gratitude,

      "Yo Pal" Hal
    • Joe
      Thanks for the insights Hal (*>*)b
    • You're very welcome, Joe. :^)

      Your Pal,

      Hal
    • I agree this post is simple and helpful. Thanks!
    • Thanks for leaving a quick comment!

      Always with Gratitude,

      "Yo Pal" Hal
    • Clint Campbell
      Very simple and helpful. Thanks alot Hal and Patrick!!!

      -Clint C
    • You're very welcome, Clint! And thank YOU for posting your thoughtful comment, I appreciate your appreciation! :^)

      Always with gratitude,

      "Yo Pal" Hal
    • Friends, if you get value from this post, please leave a quick comment below… Thank YOU!! :^)

      With sincere gratitude,

      "Yo Pal" Hal
    • Erik Carlson
      Our purpose is usually far greater than we could ever imagine. This is my experience... Great topic, Hal; one of my favorites! Thanks for sparking me to re-visit this! Have a funtastic day!
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