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Our thoughts spark emotional responses and those responses lead to questions. I remember at the age of 3 asking my father, “How can I learn if I do not ask questions?” It was likely not so articulately formed, but my question was understood. I have learned that it may be easier form most to ask questions about external factors but when it comes to understanding the Self, the questions are not so easy to come by, let alone the answers to settle the quest for knowledge.
When I need to assess my present situation to determine how I arrived and where I would like to go, I follow my time-tested series of questions. I have identified this task as your Personal Life Assessment (PLA). Your best interest changes as you grow. It also changes as the circumstances surrounding the situation changes. Therefore, it is good practice to conduct your PLA at least 3 times a year.
When you consider what is in your best interest, you have to recognize that negative experiences provide opportunities for growth just as well as positive experiences. For example; you ask your guardian if you can go outside to play and their reply is a resounding “No!” It may be in your best interest to remain indoors. The weather may turn or you might see a commercial that gives you an idea for that science project. Keep an open mind and be very observant. After all, this is your life, no one will pay as much attention to your life as you will. So let us get down to business.
Step 1: Who Am I?
Who are you? Be honest with yourself about not only who you are but also what you are. This is not about who you want to be or who you fantasize yourself to be. This is not about what you idealize. This question is simple, try not complicate the intention. You are assessing the present you. The who and what defines the foundation of the present situation. Self-acceptance is key here. Accepting the you as you are today; understanding that you have the ability to make adjustments in the future.
Provide at least three responses to this question. I want you to consider your emotional state, your mental state as well as your physical condition. “I am angry. My heart races each time I go out in public. I do not like to fight and I am kind to people.”
Step 2: What is my purpose?
What are you currently doing in life? Do not try to “Future Pace” this response. This is your purpose. Follow-up with the answer to the question, “Is it fulfilling, why?”
“I am a student in the 11th grade and I volunteer my time after school to tutor 1st graders. It is fulfilling because I see that I have a positive impact on the young students.”
Step 3: What do I want my purpose to be?
This is where you “Future Pace”, or hop several paces into the future; 4 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years or 10 years. I want you to use your imagination. This is where your fantasized self could be analyzed. Consider the questions “What do you want to do in life? Where do you want to go? and Where do you see yourself?” Be as specific as possible. Try not to generalize your future purpose. After all, if it aims to be fulfilling, it should be what you truly desire. If you are generalizing yourself, you may find that the circumstance will not be to your liking. This creates voids or unfulfilling factors in your purpose.
“I want to be a rich and I see myself in a large mansion sitting by a pool, relaxing” This is a very specific scenario. To be rich denotes financial freedom. It serves to identify your mental state, your physical position and the impact you will have on the environment and the effect you will have on your personal relationships.
Step 4: How do I get from my purpose today to my purpose of tomorrow?
In-spite of what we are taught, I prefer to approach this step from the Judgement-Free Zone. There are no wrong answers here. It is your personal understanding of your current situation and your desired future. Just keep in mind your best interest. Consider the future purpose example provided in the previous step. If you assess that you want immediate results by way of committing a crime, it might not be in your best interest to carry out that act. Our actions greatly affect the people and organizations we are associated with. Yes, your purpose is for your fulfillment and should be designed with your values, morals and best interest in mind, however, you will also need to consider if you are willing and able to own the impact you may have on your “World”.
Now that you have identified and detailed your purpose, create at least 3 ways to reach that position. For someone seeking wealth, consider a profitable career or investment. What are the risks involved in such investments? If your future purpose is to be a parent, consider the options to take to reach parenthood; adoption, pregnancy, surrogacy, fostering, or something similar. When routing your path, consider the questions “What are you willing to sacrifice?” Time, relationships, or present careers are common sacrifices many must give to reach a more wholesome state of being. Be as creative or as simplistic as you would like to be. It is important to follow your instincts. That is the best way to identify how you process thoughts and how the World is perceived from your position.
Your PLA becomes more streamline as you continue to put it into practice. Take yourself seriously but I also want you to have fun with it. Joy is found in fulfillment and your daily actions reveal your purpose. If you aren’t enjoying your purpose in life, you are unfulfilled and that lack of joy becomes apparent in your relationships and quality of work. Perform your PLA and if you have more questions or comments, just schedule a consultation today and we will work together to find a solution.
In closing,
Let us be Present, Let us be of Light, Let us be of Love.
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