I listened to a great TED speech by well-known pastor Rick Warren. He made mention of a best-selling book he had written on living a purpose-driven life.
It sounded good and I enjoyed his speech, so I bought the book.
I've been reading it and, to my surprise, I haven't liked it at all.
The entire premiss of this "purpose-driven life" is living a lifestyle that is based on eternal purposes. In other words, to live for the promise of the reward of Heaven. To accept Jesus Christ and live for the purpose of Judgement Day.
That's a good thing, in the respect that it means you'll do lots of good works. I mean, if you know you're facing this big judgement thing, you're gonna tow a certain line, aren't you?! Of course. So, there's nothing really bad about that.
So, what is it that I think is so wrong with this manifesto for purpose (Christian)-driven living? It just seems like a lot of rules to follow. I think living with a purpose is easier than that. Defining a purpose and goals and doing it with an open and honest heart, should be good enough. At least in my book.
My recipe for a purpose-driven life would never fill all the pages of a book like Pastor Warren's. It's just a few simple steps actually...
1. Determine your values. What is most important to you in life?
2. What do you want to be known for? What's your legacy?
3. What are your God-given talents? What are very best at naturally? What were you meant to be?
Look at your list - this is your purpose.
Next, fulfill your purpose by defining goals that will help you achieve it.
Write down your goals.
Write down the steps to achieving your goals.
And, there ya have it! A purpose-driven life.
As a side note, I'd like to say that I did not arrive at this recipe for a purpose-driven life very easily. And, I'm still in the midst of defining my own purpose and the goals I want to achieve in this lifetime.
I know that one of my purposes here is as a healer. One of the ways that I achieve my purpose and heal, is by sharing information that helps others. Like here on this blog. :) I would appreciate it very much, if you have read this far and I've still got your attention, that you'd please take a minute to share this page with someone else that you think may benefit from it. It would help me a great deal, and I would appreciate the help very much! Thank you! :)