Are you dreaming of a different life? Do you feel like you should be doing something “bigger” but grapple with understanding precisely what that looks like? Do you wonder if you are meant for more? Have you struggled to find your purpose? Do you question whether your goals are achievable? I work with people who are seeking to reshape their lives, and I can tell you that you are not alone in your exploration or feelings of confusion. One of the keys to move from your confoundment to revelation is to align your plan with your purpose. Today I’m going to help you get in alignment by sharing an exercise from one of my programs.

In my Find Your Freedom Virtual Boot Camp™, one of the five modules focuses on helping my clients negotiate this operation. By the end of the process, their purpose is clearly defined, and the door opens to new resolutions, possibilities, and plans. My clients tell me that they feel more confident and self-fulfilled after completing this module in the boot camp because they have successfully aligned their plan with their purpose.

Some of you may be saying to yourself “what plan is she talking about?” Here is how I define a plan, “a plan is merely a series of choices and actions that result in an outcome.” It is important to realize that you do have a plan and you are working it every day. It may not be an effective one if you aren’t getting what you want, but you have a plan, and you are executing it with every choice and action.

You can positively impact your life and enjoy more from your efforts when you dig a little deeper into understanding your purpose. I define your purpose as “simply your intended results from following your plan.” It is a bit of reverse engineering. When you are acutely clear on the results you desire, you can make better choices and open yourself up to new opportunities. The key message I’m trying to impart is that when you align your plan with your purpose you can achieve almost anything.

Let’s get started by talking about the most common mistakes I see people make when contemplating their purpose. The first is that they ask themselves the wrong questions. They ask big questions such as, “How can I change the world? What legacy will I leave my children? What kind of difference can I make to help others succeed? What is my true passion?” Those are bold, brave and beautiful questions and they are important questions to consider. These questions can lead to an inspired conversation, but most often they steer you into a dark rabbit hole leaving you feeling very tiny and overwhelmed with little explanation on how to successfully exit.

The second faux pas is the flip side of the coin. Instead of going deep to understand their purpose and the true nature of their desired outcome, they’ve made it a habit of skimming the top and oversimplifying their desires. Finally, one of the biggest slights is that most of the time they place the needs of others before their own. Don’t misunderstand, caring for others is important and it may be a part of the outcome, but this is YOUR purpose we are talking about.

I’m going to teach you a simple formula for helping you to accomplish this powerful operation.

The critical question for aligning your purpose with your plan is straightforward. Here is what I want you to ask yourself, “why is this important to ME?” Look at your answer. It is probably pretty simple like this example: Plan=Job=Money to pay bills, to enjoy life, to survive. This is where most people stop and why they aren’t aligning with their purpose or their passion! How do you go deeper?

Find a quiet spot where you feel safe. Get a notebook and pen to write down your answers. Grab a cup of tea, coffee, or glass of wine to help you relax. You might play a little mood music, but nothing distracting. Give yourself permission, to be honest. This step is crucial because you might dig up a few things you’ve been piling dirt on that needs to come out into the light. Remind yourself that this IS NOT ABOUT PLEASING SOMEONE ELSE. Now, the results might have that effect, but this is about aligning your plan with your purpose.

Next, pick one topic to focus on: job, relationship, hobby, commitment, health, education, etc. Ask yourself “why is this important to me?” write down your answer. Take it down another level and ask yourself “why is that (answer from the first question) important to me?” Write that answer down. Keep going deeper and ask yourself “why is that (answer from the second question) important to me?” Optimally you should repeat this cycle of questioning at least five times to get a clear picture of what is driving you.

Now that you have identified your purpose=(desired results) you can look at your plan=(choices and actions to achieve results). What is working and what needs to change? Who can you reach out to for help? Are there local resources you have been overlooking? Do you need to put a resume together or attend a training session? Keep referring back to the purpose you defined when you answered the questions above to help guide you.

You may think that this exercise has nothing to do with the larger soul-searching question of what a person’s purpose in life is, but I would beg to differ with you. I believe that your unique expression of life is your purpose and that it will touch others in ways you may never entirely be aware of and that allowing your talents and gifts to bring you joy will enhance the joyful experience of others as well.

This exercise can be applied to help you reshape your life from your health, relationships, wealth, career, hobbies, well being and more. If you are interested in news about my Find Your Freedom Virtual Bootcamp™ I invite you to visit my services page and complete the consultation form.

If you are not sure where to start with this exercise try working on my 5×5 Appraisal by clicking here.