I recently read the book “The Alchemist”, based on a story of a shepherd boy in Spain, who embarked on a journey to fulfill his personal legend. The book has an interesting storyline that leaves the reader read with anticipation of what would become of the boy's quest for his personal legend. Like other similar books, it highlights the fact that everyone has a personal legend that they are born to fulfill. A desire to be or to achieve a certain thing or things in life. Some call it purpose.
That desire most times, is identified in us very early in life, however, life’s thorns, difficulties, and societal expectations, can choke those desires and we get caught up in pursuit of other things.
Personal Quest
If you’ve been on this journey in a quest for purpose, you might have stumbled on the various books by Miles Muroe on Purpose and Potential. The book "In Pursuit of Purpose" by Miles Munroe is a book that explores the concept of purpose and how to discover and fulfill it in one's life. Munroe argues that every individual has a unique purpose and that discovering and fulfilling it is essential for a fulfilling and successful life. He provides practical advice and guidance on how to identify one's purpose, overcome obstacles, and live a purpose-driven life.
Munroe emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and a strong relationship with God in the pursuit of purpose. Overall, the book encourages readers to live intentionally and with a sense of direction, in order to achieve their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.
Both writers believe that when you pursue your legend or your purpose, the universe conspires to help you achieve it. We observe this in the story of The Alchemist, on how the universe conspires to offer the main character, chances as he goes on in his pursuit.
Do you ever feel like you're living a life that's not your own? Do you find yourself doing things you don't enjoy, just because you feel like you have to? If so, you're not alone. Many people go through life, feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied, simply going through the motions and doing what's expected of them.
Living your purpose or living your personal legend
In order to bring back meaningfulness in your life, you might want to consider seeking out or pursuing your purpose, your legend. You’ll need to start making conscious choices about your life, getting on with it, and trusting the higher power to reach there. The seemingly monotony of life can be overcome and you can start living a life that truly reflects your passions and desires. True personal legends mostly aim at leaving the world a better place in your own small (or big) way.
The first step to living a life you truly want is to identify what that life looks like. Take some time to reflect on your values, interests, and goals. What makes you happy? What do you enjoy doing? What are you passionate about? Once you have a clear idea of what you want, you can start taking steps to make it a reality.
One of the biggest obstacles to living a fulfilling life is fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of the unknown. But it's important to remember that fear is just a feeling, and it doesn't have to control your actions. Take small steps toward your goals, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow.
In the grand tapestry of life, finding one's purpose can often seem like a daunting task. However, it is a journey that can lead to profound self-discovery and fulfillment. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this path.
1. Self-Reflection:
The first step towards finding your purpose is to engage in deep self-reflection. Ask yourself, "What are my passions? What activities make me lose track of time?" These questions can help you identify what truly resonates with you. Reflecting on your values, strengths, and interests can provide valuable insights into your unique purpose. Again, this is not automatic for everyone, and sometimes, you just need to identify something that feels as close as possible.
2. Experimentation:
Life is a vast playground for exploration. Try new things, take risks, and step out of your comfort zone. Whether it's learning a new skill, traveling to an unfamiliar place, or volunteering for a cause you care about, these experiences can help you discover new aspects of yourself and may lead you closer to your purpose. Action will always get you somewhere, take any action – you’ll either succeed or fail faster, just do something.
3. Seeking Feedback:
Others often see aspects of us that we may overlook. Seek feedback from those who know you well. They can provide a different perspective on your strengths and passions, which can be instrumental in identifying your purpose. This can be from colleagues, family, friends, or employees. Get all manner of feedback.
4. Setting Goals:
Once you have a sense of direction, set meaningful and achievable goals. These goals should align with your passions and values. They act as stepping stones, guiding you toward your more significant purpose. Without putting timelines, all this work becomes a simple wish list, which takes you back to the original status. Small goals that take you one step closer, make them so simple at first that it makes no sense not to achieve them.
5. Mindfulness and Presence:
Being present at the moment allows you to fully engage with your experiences. Mindfulness can help you understand your reactions and feelings toward different situations, providing clues about your purpose. Avoid living in the past or the future and enjoy the now moments, these give you more clarity and an enjoyment of the moment. It also reduces stress and anxiety that impedes your progress.
You can check out this article on quietening your mind
6. Patience and Perseverance:
Finding your purpose is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience and perseverance. There may be times of uncertainty and doubt, but these are often the moments that lead to the most significant growth and self-discovery. Don’t give up at the first sight of resistance. Only those that persist, do get to achieve much.
7. Personal Growth and Learning:
Embrace the journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Read widely, engage in diverse conversations, and seek to understand the world from different perspectives. This broadened worldview can help you refine your purpose over time. Jim Rohn says to read anything and everything – read bad books and good books. Bad ones help you know which pitfalls to avoid, which is still a lesson learnt. I was reading the book “47 Laws of Power” and a good number of those laws, I disagree with. But it is interesting to see how those laws have been applied by others in our society.
8. Service to Others:
The majority of us find purpose in contributing to something larger than ourselves. Whether it's through your career, volunteer work, or personal interactions, serving others can provide a profound sense of purpose. Find a way of providing service to others from the talents and knowledge you already possess.
9. Surround yourself with supportive people:
Seek out friends and mentors who share your values and can offer guidance and encouragement. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and be willing to offer support to others in return. Once again, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Get a community that believes in your cause or that has similar objectives, and you’ll find it easier to make traction.
In conclusion, finding your purpose and living your legend is a deeply personal and transformative journey. It involves self-reflection, experimentation, feedback, goal setting, mindfulness, patience, continuous learning, and service to others.
I however believe that purpose is not a fixed destination but a path that evolves and deepens over time. Everyone reaches a certain age and desires to make an impact on their life. This is a good journey to take for self-actualization on this front. Purpose does not only have to be one thing. I also believe that it evolves and morphs with time, therefore your immediate legend might change once you attain it. Let’s put fear aside and aspire to live your legend, or as some will put it, to live your purpose!
