As young professionals with plans for success that include fulfilling careers, thriving relationships, and financial independence, it is critical that we are mindful of what we do and how we spend our time. In order to transform our lives from simply having a “job” to building a career that can become our life’s work, we need a clear vision of our own purpose. We have to determine our mission in life and laser focus on what we were meant to do.
Figure out your purpose. One of the biggest dilemmas you may have as young professional is determining your life’s purpose. Perhaps you got a degree and found a job you are doing well in, but you still don’t feel fulfilled. One way to solve this problem is to spend some time figuring out your purpose. What things do you do well? What activities do you enjoy? What do other people say are some of your best qualities? What would you do if money were not an issue? Taking time to answer some of these questions will get you closer to determining your purpose. Keep in mind that your purpose may change when you are in different stages of your life.
Turn down opportunities that distract you from your purpose. Once you determine your purpose, pinpoint something you want to pursue as a career, or find a hobby you want to make into a business, laser focus on that. It can be tempting to take jobs and agree to things if they pay well or offer other perks, but resist the urge to make your decisions based on money or salary alone. Yes, you need to make sure you can pay your bills, but once that basic need is met, it’s critical that you focus on your purpose and turn down opportunities that take your focus from that, even if they are lucrative. If you truly want to build your business or operate in your purpose then you need to put in the necessary time and energy to perfect your craft, learn as much as you can, and be great at what you do. This requires focus.
Have a sense of urgency. One of the biggest factors that determines whether you turn your dream into reality is your sense of urgency. Is fulfilling your dream simply something you want to happen or is it something you are willing to work towards no matter what? Are you willing to push through obstacles despite the inconvenience, time, and resources they may cost you? You have to be so dedicated to living the life you’ve dreamed and achieving the things you desire that you constantly work towards them. Make timelines for what you hope to achieve and create tasks that you want to complete by a certain date. A dream without a timeline is just a wish. Turn your dreams into reality by having a sense of urgency.
Be Bold and Dream Big. According to William Ford, “whether you think you can or you can’t you’re right.” In other words, your thoughts and beliefs about what you think is possible shape your future. Do yourself a favor and dream big. Be bold about what you want to accomplish. Visualize yourself doing it. Then make a plan (and timeline) detailing things you can do to get there. Don’t limit yourself. Discover your purpose and excel.