The Definition of Purpose

I spend nearly every single day talking about what it means to live your Why - to live with a sense of purpose, cause or belief. But what happens when we wake up one day without a sense of purpose or cause? What happens when we used to have clarity and it slips away?

That is what happened to me. But it didn't happen over a career. The feelings were exaggerated so much that it felt like I lived an entire life in just one day.

This is what I learned.

Click here to read a letter written by the pilot who brought home some of the soldiers who died in the Chinook crash in August about his experience.

Comments

[Restored Relationships]

This was awesome! It helped me to see my purpose in writing my book to help parents be better parents. I'm about to add a video to act as a commercial to sell the book and this is helping very much. My purpose is the stop child abuse that is emotional, verbal and physical by helping parents see their purpose and how to use the right tools that I give them in the book.
Thank you.

[RikKonings]

Respect for you Simon. Sharing this and showing your heart to the world makes you a great leader.

You touch my heart and help me to develop dreams to create places on earth where the most vulnerable members of our society get inspired, motivated and known for their talents. With creativity as a source, purpose and social entrepreneurship we will step in the world of creating, serving others and contributing to the requests of the society we live in.

We call this empowermentcentres: Creative World Centres

THANK YOU for inspiring me further on my path.

Rik Konings
Founder Creative World Foundation
Eindhoven, The Netherlands

[Tentblogger]

officers eat last.

i freakin' love that.

[Supra Shoes]

EN,I think it's right! Good Idea!

[Ugg boot on sale]

Simon, this has meaning in two of the most significant ways-- I've been disconnected from my purpose for some time now and it's good to hear that it can happen to the best of us. Also, my brother is a Marine serving in Afghanistan, so this story strikes dead on with me. Thank you.

[Ugg boot on sale]

this has meaning in two of the most significant ways-- I've been disconnected from my purpose for some time now and it's good to hear that it can happen to the best of us. Also, my brother is a Marine serving in Afghanistan, so this story strikes dead on with me. Thank you.

[pat]

It was incredible listening to Simon for 2 hours. I was on the edge of my seat. Powerful, yet so humble. We are blessed to have witnessed his heart.

[Earl Rudolfo]

Living a purposeful life is a life worth living. After all, the bible tells us that God made each of us for a specific (unique) purpose. And that if you don't discover and accomplish that purpose, no one else will. Do you believe?

[Christine]

Simon, profoundly moving on so many levels. Thank you for sharing your story- Thank you for delving deep into your own soul to find these truths, these insights - Thank you for being human. Today is Thanksgiving for Americans. I am Australian and give thanks everyday! You have a new follower..

[John Kerr]

I don't know what to say. This won't really make sense to me until my nephew gets back from Afghanistan and I can talk to him about it. But I think the company I create will be different because of Start With Why and this video.

I just hope I can figure out a way to serve those I want to help. It won't be the same now, which I think will be good.

Thanks, Simon. You have a new follower on your blog.

[Helen Eccles]

So moved by this. Have been looking for how I can best serve people waiting for transplants & this touched my soul. I want to lead others to give life after death & change the way so many of us take an individualistic stance. Thank you from the bottom of my heart http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/campaigns/your_stories/thank_you_for_life/thank_you_for_life.jsp

[Arne Tietz]

I like it listening to you.

Thank you for this story.
It reminds me of what the real purpose of life is.

[Christian Louboutin Outlet]

We have been spending time at the Indiana Dunes with some of our homeschool buddies, and our kids have taken well to to the art of the camp fire, and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. Above, Marin collecting long, thin sticks that can poke through our treats for the fire. Below, cold, bare grey and brown tree branches. Lots and lots of branches. We are again down to the blue sky for color, when we can see it.

[Franjo Stipanovic fritzfs]

Thanks for another great talk.

[Justin R]

Simon - you have a gift in storytelling. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Hilde Helsen]

Simon keep spreading your view of purpose every day of your life. You inspire me every day and I spread the news.

Nice evening,
HIlde

[Len Denton]

Simon...AWESOME...AWEsome...awesome!

USAF Retired
Desert Storm Warrior

[Mike Johnson]

Simon, great prospective on how the military puts themselves on the line every day and we tend to forget…

That message made my morning. Thank you.

Mike J.

[linda]

Thanks for sharing a bit of your experience... I think we often need to be reminded of our purpose...the why of what we do and who we choose to be. Gain perspective when we've been shaken up by the trials of everyday life.

[Andrew]

Simon, thank you. Brilliant.

[Dana]

All I can say is WOW! ... thank you for sharing your experience & wisdom! xo

[Liz]

Simon, this has meaning in two of the most significant ways-- I've been disconnected from my purpose for some time now and it's good to hear that it can happen to the best of us. Also, my brother is a Marine serving in Afghanistan, so this story strikes dead on with me. Thank you.