Earth, just like purpose in your life, is not only responsible for drawing useful energy toward you and combatting harmful elements. It is also responsible for providing direction.
Your Purpose is the ultimate way finder in a befuddling life. It lets you know — at all times — where you are, where you may have taken a wrong turn, and points the direction you need to go.
~~~
Passion Cup Influence:
(+) Provides a navigation system for pursuing passions
(-) Absence of, false, or ignored purpose: Can lead to an instant gratification rollercoaster
People Cup Influence:
(+) Acts as a beacon; the backbone of leadership and stewardship
(-) Absence of, false, or ignored purpose: “I don’t really need anyone and they don’t really need me,” attitude — apathy
Values Cup Influence:
(+) Is the ultimate application of your values — the end game
(-) Absence of, false, or ignored purpose: “If it feels good, do it,” attitude
Body Cup Influence:
(+) Provides imperative reason to take care of your body; maintain good health
(-) Absence of, false, or ignored purpose: “Eat, drink & be merry,” attitude
Unknown Cup Influence:
(+) Makes learning essential; discovery is a necessity to complete purpose
(-) Absence of, false, or ignored purpose: “Jack of all trades, Master of none,” reality
Work Cup Influence:
(+) Provides clear, pertinent direction; creates work importance
(-) Absence of, false, or ignored purpose: “Is it Friday yet?” or “Show me the Money,” attitude
Purpose: Your reason for existing
What Purpose Is and What It Is Not
“Without purpose, vision, and a mission — one is merely existing at best and surviving at worst.”
Purpose is Not a Vision or Mission
Often, people mistake the meanings of purpose, mission, and vision. While certainly related, they are certainly not identical.
I see it all of the time in business. The core of every organization — their culture — is founded on three messages: purpose, mission, and vision. They prominently state these messages on the first pages of employee handbooks. Corporate trainers are responsible for relentlessly repeating these messages in hopes memorization will take hold. Senior level management implements rewards for team members who can recite them verbatim upon spontaneous questioning.
Yet, they are often interchanged. When asked about the company mission statement, associates often accidentally recite the corporate vision or purpose, instead. In fact, surveys of general employees demonstrate that over 60% believe the three messages to be redundant. More than 85% admit to not recalling the contents of all three statements.
Really? Considering most spend more time at work than with loved ones and a family’s survival is heavily reliant on success at work, it is hard to imagine how the core ideas of their company are so easily forgotten.
Actually, it is not hard to believe at all.
The reason why employees confuse the corporate purpose, mission, and vision is most likely because it is not explained how the three work together.
Vision is what you are, and what you aspire to be
Mission is where you are going, and how you are going to get there
Purpose is why you exist, your deepest reason and motivation
Purpose is the deep and important reason why a company exists, which fuels the Vision of what the company wants to do, which directs the Mission of where the company is going and how they are going to get there.
PURPOSE —> VISION —> MISSION
These are clearly not the same thing, right? It is much easier to remember that when the three ideas are put into a practical context and relationship to one another.
The other reason why team members cannot remember these statements is most likely because these things do not mean anything to them personally. That is profoundly frightening to me.
My concern is: The fact that most are totally unfamiliar with what these terms truly mean or how they work, is evidence they do not use these core statements in their own lives.
Everyone should know their purpose, have some vision for themselves, and have at least a small mission for the present. Without those things, a person cannot possibly live life to its fullest potential. Without purpose, vision, and a mission — one is merely existing at best and surviving at worst.
Do better for yourself than that, Kids. When you finish reading this book, take a crack at writing all three core statements for your own life. Do it in pencil — you will change your mind about certain things, and you should change it. Those three core statements, like your life itself, will be a continual work in progress and series of adjustments.
Purpose vs. Need
Purpose is why you breathe.
It is your whole identity.
It is why you believe you are here on Earth.
It is the influence you are intended to have while you are alive.
It is the duty you are responsible for fulfilling to justify your existence.
It is the belief you are not here by accident or mere coincidence.
