The reason I focus so much on your purpose is because I’ve found it to be the biggest predictor of your success. Yes, there are lots of factors that go into the equation, but from my research, coaching, counseling, interviews, and personal experience, nothing is more important than having a strong purpose.
I’ve seen smart, talented, connected people without purpose just muddle through life. They do “fine,” but they aren’t thriving and living to their full potential.
I’ve also seen people who are considered “average,” but have a strong, driving purpose achieve more than anyone thought they could and create the extraordinary life of their dreams.
I thought about this when we had family movie night at the Knapp house. We watched Eddie the Eagle. It’s a feel-good comedy based on the true story of Michael Eddie Edwards.
What I loved about the film was the message on the importance of having a passionate purpose in your life.
Eddie had knee problems as a child and had to wear a leg brace. The doctors told him he should give up on sports. His father told him he would never be an athlete.
But when Eddie was little, he read a book about great moments in Olympic history. From that point on he was determined to become an Olympian, have his moment, and prove everyone wrong.
He had a passionate purpose and he had a strong why that supported it.
He tried a lot of different sports and none seemed promising. He had spent years trying to get on the British Olympic team in downhill skiing, but couldn’t quite make it. Most people would have given up.
His passionate purpose continued to drive him.
Eddie figured out that no one had been a ski jumper for Britain since 1929 and there were no qualifying distances to make the team. (However, the Brits decided to rewrite the rules and set up a qualifying distance.)
He convinced an old, drunk ski jumper to coach him. Using his own money, and any he could borrow, Eddie trained for a year and made the Olympic team.
Not only had his passionate purpose turned him into a decent ski jumper it also gave his coach a purpose to get sober and do something with his life.
What strong purpose is motivating you to great things in your life? If you don’t have one right now, it’s time to find one.
A great way to start is with my free eBook — 5 Steps to Finding Your Passionate Purpose.
What is your purpose? What is the “why” driving that purpose? Are you passionate about it?
Let’s GO!
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that I view as rude, snarky, mean or off-topic. Hey, this is to support each other and have fun! Let's Go!