On Purpose

“We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose.”  - Bob Goff

This quote has popped up numerous times this past week.  If you know me, you know I don’t believe in coincidence.  We’re guided in this world by many things, be it work, family, religion, money, bad decisions disguised as good ideas, tragedies, education, love, etc.  These are a few I’ve been guided by personally.  Not proud of some of them, but thankful for the experiences because it’s led me to where (and who) I am today. 

I can be better.  Much better.  The focus I’ve had in my family has grown and now sits in front of my career, where it rightfully belongs.  My personal goals have changed.  They evolved from my “can be better” when I was comparing myself to others.   

In my career I’ve followed the process, ever changing as it has been, to advance in my field which I still have decisions to make on the direction I want to go.  I’ve learned my limits, not what others limited me to.

In my finances I’ve failed miserably.  The excuses I’ve made for not saving enough, or making enough, or being able to pay down debt are just that…excuses.  I’m on the right track with a lot of learning to get my finances healthy again. 

In my hobby and passion for creating artwork I’ve been a crap entrepreneur.  I always tell people who say I don’t charge enough for my paintings that if I were a hooker I’d starve because I just can’t sell myself (that’s one profession momma didn’t have to worry about me pursuing!).

In my personal life I’ve become much better as a wife and mom, daughter and sister (to one of my siblings who has social media and likes to read at least), and a friend.  I’m getting over my anxiety/distrust of humanity and learning how to balance being an introvert in a very alpha society. 

Have you ever played a game where the rules kept changing in the middle of it?  Well that’s life.  And in life if we’re distracted by comparison of where we think we should be in family/work/etc., then we’re never going to fulfill our purpose.  Everyone’s purpose is different.  The path to get there, the rules to play by, and the people involved.  All different.  Mine is no better than anyone else’s.  It’s a greater purpose than I’ve been able to accept for myself, but I have 'one-ply-folded' faith that I’m headed in the right direction. 

When we take responsibility for our success and failures and stop comparing them to others, we’ll be one step further along our path to our purpose.  I have a daydream that won’t mute.  I’m going to follow up with a plan to make it a reality.  That’s my next step.  What’s yours?