Every day I ask myself the same question over and over again: Is this on purpose? I want to know if my action or where I choose to focus my attention is going to move me closer to accomplishing a goal or to fulfilling my purpose. I rarely ask this question: Is this something I want to do?
It’s a valid question. Not only that, it’s an important question if you want to live a happy, fulfilled, and inspired life.
Deciding to Do What You Want
For the last few weeks, I’ve been contemplating a large decision: whether or not to sign up for a coaching certification program. It wasn’t such a big decision because of the time commitment—five days—or even the distance I needed to travel—just about 45 minutes to and from the location each of those days. The commitment in terms of energy was not an issue for me either. The money I had to spend made the decision difficult and weighty.
I talked about this particular opportunity over and over again with my husband, trying to get his buy in for the large expenditure. I explained how the coaching program was on purpose with where I wanted to go in my business and how I thought the credential would help me earn more money over time. I justified the expense in a variety of ways.
Several times I mentioned that I also wanted to become a certified coach, but I never said that was the primary reason I would choose to invest in the program.
I spoke with my sister…numerous times. I went through the same justification process, which she listened to patiently. She then told me to register because I felt passionate about this type of coaching and had the desire to learn about it and to use the principles. “The money will follow,” she said. “Don’t worry about it.”
“But it’s so much money,” I whined.
“You would spend that much on something your children wanted to do—not knowing if it would ‘pay off,’” she pointed out.
Still struggling to make the decision, I consulted a spiritual healer and an Akashic Records reader. I wanted to know if I could gain some insight on the pros and cons of this opportunity, insights I didn’t see from the physical realm.
Both said I didn’t need to do this program. One specifically said I wouldn’t earn my money back. The other pushed me: “This isn’t just about certification or money. There’s something else.”
“Yes, I admitted. I want to do it.” My eyes filled with tears. “I am already a successful coach and have some other certifications, but I’ve always wanted to be a certified coach. I’d be very sorry never to do this. And honestly, I’d do it just for me…just because I want to…but it’s a lot of money to spend just because I feel like doing something.”
I heard my words and the words of the reader, who told me the same thing I’d heard from my sister—and that I intuitively knew. I needed to do this for myself—because I wanted to do it.
If I registered for the certification program for myself, and if I followed my passion and desire, the opportunity would pay off in many, many ways. But I needed to sign up for the program without a need to immediately earn back my investment (or to ever earn it back). I just needed to register because I wanted to do it.
Invest in Yourself
In many ways, we are conditioned to do for others. We see that sacrificing for others is “better” than caring for the self. We are told to determine the return on investment (ROI) before we purchase or invest. We choose to believe that everything we pay for should have a financial or physical pay off.
If you are unhappy, unfulfilled, and dispassionate about your life—personally or professionally—how able are you to help the people in your life? How well can you support yourself?
Do what you love.
Do it because you feel passionate about it.
I decided to register for the coaching certification program. I did it for me and because I wanted to do so. But the process I went through gave me the clarity to see that this action also fulfills my purpose. It is on purpose.
And that knowledge inspired me! I can’t wait to get started and to put what I learn to use.
More often than not, I think you’ll discover the same thing.
Take the risk. Follow your passion—follow your desire. Do what you feel compelled to do. And when you discover that this action is on purpose—when you combine your passion and purpose, you’ll live an inspired life.
