Clarity of Purpose

Sometimes “acting as though” can bring clarity when uncertainty blurs our purpose in life. A client recently asked me how to get clarity on a purpose in life—this client didn’t feel certain about it, and that lack of certainty was making it hard to fully commit.You might be able to relate: If you feel 100 percent sure that something is the right direction and is going to work out for you, you’re likely to be pretty motivated. But if you’re not sure—doubt could have you hesitating.It’s that hesitation that gets us.Getting ClearWe don’t get clarity of purpose by just thinking about it. No amount of thinking, reading, or watching videos is going to bring us clarity of purpose.The Path to Clarity of Purpose Take your best shot. Sit and reflect in silence, journal about the possibilities of your purpose in life. Talk to others about it, and decide on something—anything—even if it feels completely uncertain.Act as if you are 100 percent certain. Commit yourself as if you had an answer from the gods. Take action. Pour your full self into it. Then see what happens—whether it gels for you.If you do this, you’ll get more clarity after taking committed action. You’ll learn something—much more than if you took no action at all, or half-hearted action.If you’re seeking clarity about your purpose—stop reading and watching and get active. Choose from your heart, or if you get deep enough your purpose might even choose you—listen. Then commit yourself fully, act with confidence, and see what happens.Related Stories