Living on Purpose–Discover Your Path!
“The path to self-discovery is not a straight line, but rather a zigzag.” – Alicia Keys
In the continuation of our story about the misfit bird, we left off with our orphan eagle finally discovering who she was. She realized that the reason she didn’t fit in with the other ducks was because she was never a duck; she was an eagle. Eagles aren’t meant to swim, they’re built to fly. Eagles aren’t meant to live on low ground; they are designed for high altitudes.
But there was more to her discovery than just knowing she was an eagle. While talking to her new-found friend, she learned that although many birds fly together in flocks, the eagle dares to fly alone. Eagles are fearless and strong, charting their own course. They rely on their own instincts and strengths, embracing independence and courage.
Now that the orphan eagle knows who she is, her next step is to walk the path of an eagle, to soar to new heights, and to embrace her destiny. And that’s exactly what she did.
What About You? Have You Chosen Your Path?
Have you charted your own course in life, or are you still wandering aimlessly, trying to fit in where you don’t belong?
There are four types of people when it comes to life’s purpose, as Raf Adams explains in his article, How to Find Your Path in Life:
- I Don’t Have a Clue: Some people don’t think about their life’s purpose and may even believe it’s unnecessary.
- Confused but Curious: Others feel lost and insecure. They want to find their purpose but don’t know where to begin.
- Actively Searching but Struggling: Some are taking action to discover their purpose but are still unsure if they’re on the right path.
- Living with Purpose: Finally, there are those who are actively living their purpose, continuously learning and growing along the journey.
Which Group Do You Belong To?
If you’re in group one and haven’t given much thought to your life’s purpose, I urge you to reconsider. Life is like a novel written through your daily choices and experiences. By the end, what will your story be? If you don’t take control of the narrative, it might just be a collection of disconnected events, lacking meaning and fulfillment.
For those who are still searching, here are five tips to help you discover and stay on the path of your life’s purpose:
1. Trust Your Gut
The journey toward living on purpose will be filled with uncertainty. There will be times when you don’t know the “right” choice, but that’s when you lean on your core values. Your values create that gut feeling, guiding you through tough decisions. Trust your intuition. It may not always lead you down the easiest path, but it will lead you down the path that’s right for you.
2. Cultivate Patient Endurance
Walking the path of your purpose requires patience. As King Solomon said, “For everything, there is a season.” Just like in agriculture, you first prepare the ground, plant your seed, water it, and then wait for it to grow.
If things aren’t going the way you expected, don’t quit. Patience is a vital part of any great journey. As Franz Kafka said, “Patience is the only true foundation on which to make one’s dreams come true.”
3. Don’t Compare Your Path to Others
It’s easy to get distracted by other people’s progress. You might feel like they’re achieving their goals faster, or that you’re falling behind. But remember, there is no competition in living your purpose. Your journey is uniquely yours. Focus on your path, not someone else’s. Your only objective is to keep moving forward.
4. Be Flexible to Change
As you walk your path, you will inevitably encounter obstacles. Some of them you’ll see coming, others will catch you by surprise. It’s important to be flexible and adapt when things don’t go as planned.
Cultivate a growth mindset, which allows you to embrace challenges, struggles, and setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. This flexibility will keep you moving forward, no matter what obstacles arise.
5. Be Your Best Ally
You will make mistakes on this journey—it’s inevitable. But when you do, it’s important to be kind to yourself. Instead of being your harshest critic, become your greatest supporter. Learn from your mistakes, forgive yourself, and move forward.
As Shakespeare wisely said, “To err is human…” Accept that missteps are part of the process, and don’t let them derail your journey.
The Journey of the Orphan Bird
Our story of the orphan bird mirrors the journey of discovering your purpose in life.
In Part One, Living on Purpose – Discover Your Wings, our bird discovered her ability to fly. She felt an overwhelming sense of peace, as though she had finally found where she belonged.
In Part Two, Living on Purpose – Discover Your Place, she learned she was an eagle and understood why she never fit in with the other birds. Eagles aren’t built to swim with ducks; they’re made to fly high in the sky.
Now, in Part Three, the orphan bird begins her journey of purpose. She knows who she is and where she belongs. The next step is staying on course and embracing the challenges and triumphs that come her way. Just like the eagle, she must dare to fly high and forge her own path.
Are You Ready to Live on Purpose?
No matter where you are in your journey, I want to encourage you to keep going. The reward isn’t only in reaching your destination; it’s in the journey itself. Every challenge you overcome and every success you celebrate is part of the reward.
Make a decision today to live on purpose and stay the course, no matter what obstacles come your way.
If you’re ready to soar to new heights and live the life you were born to lead, let’s get started together. Join the Optometry Divas community and connect with women who, like you, are on a journey to becoming the CEOs of their lives.
Until then, remember: Dream Big, Take Risks, and Become the CEO of YOU!
