I’ve always dreamed of being a writer. Doing something I am passionate about, overseeing my schedule, who wouldn’t like that?
My arthritis pain was getting worse, and I needed a job where I could take frequent breaks, get some fresh air, and get away for some “me” time.
Unfortunately, I needed to put food on the table and pay my bills, so I took a job at a large insurance company. I worked in an office with 20 other women, and we had our share of disagreements.
My job wasn’t easy to learn, and the rules were constantly changing. Insurance agents would call us on the phone, yell at us if their clients were upset, and that could trigger a wave of blaming each other for not doing what we were supposed to.
The agents were tired of being yelled at by their clients, so now, every time we answered a call, we had to give them our first and last names. This way, if our advice came back to bite them, they would know who to blame.
On particularly stressful days, I would decide I wouldn’t come to work the next day because a mental health day was just what I needed. The next day, when I called in sick, I faked a few coughs and sneezes, so no one in the office would want to come near me.
Does this sound like you? If you’re working a soul-sucking job that you hate, you may feel like it is past time for you to make a change.
I know that if you haven’t been living under a rock, you have heard or read about someone fulfilling their purpose. It’s easy to talk about it, but no one seems to give you exact details on what you need to do to make your dreams a reality.
But what is it that’s preventing you from fulfilling your purpose? What is keeping you stuck? You might be feeling frustrated, even depressed, at your lack of progress.
How to Fulfill Your Purpose
What Brings You Joy?
What are you naturally good at and enjoy doing? Do you like working with children or the elderly? If you love animals, there are countless ways to give back and fulfill your purpose. Volunteer at a vet’s office or animal shelter, become a dog walker, or train a therapy dog.
Take Small Steps
It can be overwhelming when you think about how you’ll fulfill your purpose, how long it is going to take, and where to start.
Break your goals down into small steps. Concentrate on the first step. Take your time and don’t get distracted by people who seem to be getting ahead of you.
Practice Affirmations
Affirmations are phrases that can help move your thoughts and actions positively. These Positive Affirmation Cards provide you with a new affirmation each day and thought-provoking questions on the other side of the card. You can also draw a card from the deck and choose to work on that affirmation for a few days or longer.
Block Out the Naysayers
Once you feel like you are on the road to fulfilling your purpose, there will be no shortage of people who feel free to criticize you. Unhelpful advice, such as getting a “real job” like everyone else, acting your age, or stopping daydreaming, may discourage you.
However, here is the good news: there will also be people who support you and believe in you. And the biggest cheerleader should be you! You don’t need permission to live your purpose. You only need conviction and the will to pursue your passion.
Reward Yourself
You’re on a path of self-discovery, and that can mean some hard work to determine your goals.
I would be much more motivated if a reward were at the end of the line. When you complete each step, do something you enjoy. A movie you want to see, time with friends, cooking a favorite meal, the list is endless.
Make Journaling a Habit
I read through some of my old journals, and I wondered, “How did I ever make it through those tough times?”
Invest in a journal, a tablet, or set up an online platform. Get all your feelings out on the page. This is for your eyes only, so don’t feel you must please someone else.
After I write a journal entry, I often get new ideas that I can implement.
Keep Going
I tend to get down on myself when my dreams take longer than I should. Keep going no matter how long it takes. We’re aiming for progress, not perfection.
Summary
Believe in yourself that you have what it takes to be successful. Work on your plan, keep moving forward, and don’t give up until your passion becomes reality.
