As a Co-Active Coach, I work most often with my clients in the Principle of Fulfillment, so that they can get ever closer to a clear view of who they are and what they want. Here, we spend a lot of our time really digging into our values, or what themes are important to us personally, as well as fleshing out the Saboteurs, which we also know as our Inner Critic. Another tool I use to combine my client’s longings with action is The Life Purpose Statement, structured as:
I am the __________ that _______.
The goal here is to embrace the expansiveness that lives in each of us. Are you a photographer? Maybe you’re actually The child that captures life’s most memorable experiences. Are you passionate about environmental justice? Perhaps you’re The protector of Earth’s creatures that fights fire with nature. Are you a dedicated parent? Could you actually be The educator that enables growth in the next generation of global citizens? The goal here isn’t to have something so concrete that it feels restrictive; it’s the opposite. You are full of limitless potential and this statement can serve as a powerful reminder. For example, some of my clients have changed Life Purpose Statements numerous times in the few months we’ve worked together while others have a Life Purpose Statement for each portion of their life.
And of course, if this formula doesn’t work for you because it does feel restrictive then by all means find another tool that allows you to show up as big as your heart knows you to be. As for me, I shied away from this concept in my training FOREVER. It felt audacious to make this kind of bold declaration and of course, my favorite saboteurs would show up with their who do you think you are harassment. But is it really that audacious to embrace your purpose in the way that most of your friends, loved ones, and even strangers see you? Is it bold and brazen to have a consistent message to combat that of the greater world? No, it’s really not. And so, though I know that it’ll probably continue to evolve, here’s mine:
I am the fierce defender of dreams that empowers you to blossom into who you truly are.
I honor this every day in my calling as a coach. To my current clients, thank you all for allowing me to live in my purpose in our journey together. And for all of you who’s heart may have just whispered ‘What’s OUR life purpose?’ please reach out. You deserve an answer and I would love to help you discover your purpose alongside you.
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