Last week I told my husband that I was bored out of my skull. It’s not that I don’t have things to do. Most days it’s hard to get through my To-Do list. As I thought about it, I realized it’s that I’m uninspired. Why? Because right now most of us aren’t getting to do the things that energize us every day.
And that took me to one of my favorite ideas: Strength-based Purpose.
Most of us want a sense of purpose. Almost every client I’ve worked with has told me they want to help others. Thing is, we each have a different version of how to help. And when we think about purpose, most of us go to Martin Luther King or Ghandi. In reality, the biggest part of purpose comes from how we use our natural talents, those that energize us, every day: Strength-based Purpose.
So, this is for you if (I have to laugh a bit here):
- You are tired of Covid!
Lots of articles are out now about hitting the wall, feeling disruption or uncertainty fatigue, etc. My version of the cure has to do with re-connecting with your Strength-Based Purpose:
- Shift your perspective. When my kids were small I remember getting frustrated because I wanted to maintain a social life. Each time I let go and accepted the reality in front of me (I had two little kids and couldn’t go out as much), things shifted. I got to enjoy the little things that I’d been stepping over. And I got to get creative about doing things with my family and friends that energized me.
- Choose your narrative. When you look back on this time in 18 months or so, what do you want to remember about it? This isn’t about finding the silver lining. It’s about who you want to have been. Hint: The closer you are to your Strength-based Purpose, the easier things will be.
- Take care of yourself. I know, I know. This one never changes. Again, the trick is to connect to the things that energize you. Physical exercise, diet, meditation or spiritual practice, talking to friends, or just going out and seeing people on the street!
So remember: Shift your perspective (usually this means slow down and smell the roses), think about how you want to remember this time, and take care of yourself emotionally and physically.
If you want to learn more about your particular Strength-based Purpose, check out Strength-Finder 2.0 or the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory. And if you want to really explore, reach out to set up a time to chat.
All my best,
Claire