During the meetings last month, the theme under discussion was “Finding Your Purpose”.

I believe that connecting what you do to a higher purpose, can dramatically transform your attitude, your motivation and, of course, your enjoyment levels. 

One of the key elements of a Purposeful business is that the key beneficiary is someone other than yourself. What you do makes a difference to others and the fact that you benefit as well is an added bonus.

But getting that connection to the difference you make - is the key.

I'm going to let you into a secret. The people you want to help will be, in some way, a reflection of yourself. It may be directly linked or a filtration of key elements. But thinking about the inner child that needs rescuing can help you get clearer on where your purpose lies.

So my question this month was:

Which version of yourself do you want to help most?

As you can imagine, many of our conversations were deep and personal. Here, however, are some of the thoughts, ideas and nuggets that I’m able to share.

Early experiences

Always judged as a child. 

Not appreciated. Didn't think you could have what you wanted.

Isolated.

Brought up in an education system that puts pressure on children to perform, learning things they don't need and don't want in a system that doesn't work.

Which leads to:

Too much people pleasing.

Trying to do everything I could to help others but not look after myself.

More prepared to let myself down than others.

Having people rely on you means you never stop.

Focussed on proving other people wrong, rather than seeking what I want.

Anxiety fuelled overthinking. Struggle with the chaos of life.

Let other people influence me. Not being true to myself.

Moving forwards:

Life is like driving a car, and I'm deciding who is sitting in the other seats.

What is my deepest heart's desire?

If the heart doesn't get what it wants, it'll never be happy.

Be more selfish to help more people

Never been so challenged, but never enjoyed it as much.

I thought I was helping others but in fact I was helping me.