It’s all about perspective and mindset
There’s a famous story about two bricklayers who were approached by a reporter.
The reporter asked the first bricklayer, “What are you doing?”
His response was to complain that he was virtually a slave.
To him, he was an underpaid laborer who spent his days wasting his time, placing one brick on top of another for hours on end.
Then the reporter asked the second worker the same question.
His response, however, was quite different from the first.
“I’m the luckiest guy in the world.” he said.
“I get to be a part of important, useful and beautiful pieces of architecture. I turn simple pieces of brick into exquisite masterpieces.”
Of course, they were both right, but it was their perspective and mindset that mattered.
In everything that we do, we can see it as a chore or an opportunity to do something remarkable.
So, do you see your work as a chore or an opportunity?
Do you have the right or positive perspective in life that will drive you to finding your purpose?
Always be curious
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” (Walt Disney)
The problem for millions of people is that they stop being curious about new experiences and the process of self-discovery.
They build routines.
They become complacent.
Most breakthrough discoveries and remarkable inventions throughout our history have something in common. They are all the result of curiosity.
Therefore, always ask this question to keep your curiosity alive, “What is one topic or activity you are curious about today?”
Living and working with purpose is a process of self-discovery
“Experience is one thing you can’t get for nothing.” (Oscar Wilde)
Until we have experienced or tasted it, we really cannot find what we have not experienced or tasted.
Likewise, we cannot find our true purpose unless we have found or experienced it ourselves.
At times, when we have experienced something, we may just grow to like the things we are doing.
Rather than finding your purpose, perhaps we could effectively develop our purpose instead.
Growing into something we like may also be an outcome of a self-discovery journey we need to take for ourselves to be a better person, living a purposeful life.
The journey of self-discovery
“Ask what makes you come alive and go do it … Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” (Howard W. Thurman)
Going on a journey of curiosity, discovery, and life can be very challenging for some people.
Depending on your personality type, some people may find it easier.
Others may find it difficult to self-discover themselves.
Assuming you really want to know your passion and purpose, it is never too late to start this self-discovery journey even if you are in your 50s or 60s.
It all depends on you and your desire and motivation to know who you are and your purpose in life.
Everyone, regardless of their personality, ambitions, and circumstances, should attempt to be on this journey of self-discovery if you are not absolutely clear about your purpose.
Risk taking is for everyone, really
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” (Helen Keller)
The reality is that younger people are more risk-takers than older people as there is less commitment in life and family, experiencing less complacency, and unblemished by the harsh realities of life and relationships.
Regardless of your level of risk appetite or what your personality and circumstances are, this self-discovery journey is for everyone who chooses to accept this assignment.
Do remember that the end result of this journey will open up a deeper revelation of who are you and what your unique life purpose is.
It is a self- fulfilling journey that will be worth your time, effort and commitment, the price you will have to pay to receive something valuable and priceless.