There is one word with 1,630,000,000 Google results, and that one word is purpose. Why? Why are we so obsessed with finding our purpose? Because it gives our life meaning, clarity and direction. And if you’re anything like me, all three are necessary. A few weeks back, I sat down with the Queen of Purpose, Jovian Zayne, on the annual International Day of Purpose at her Day of Purpose Summit, and here’s what she had to say about purpose, how to find it and how to live in it.

Take notes folks!

Step 1: Define Purpose

Jovian: I believe there is no one way to find purpose. But after years of coaching executives and thought leaders, the theme tends to be when people live with the intention to best serve their communities, and when people use their gifts, talents and experiences to serve others, in those moments, they are living on purpose and in purpose. So, if I could summarize this very thing, purpose is often illuminated with positive impact through intention.

Step 2: Listen To Your Burdens

Jovian: I encourage people to consider purpose from the lens of “The Burden.” We all have unique experiences that shape our perspectives, desires, concerns and give us unique burdens of the heart. Our trauma, hardships, circumstances, environments and socialization shape who we are and the “burdens” that may uniquely strike our heart and mind with great concern. A particular cause that breaks our heart over and over again, or desire to serve, isn’t by chance. Listen to what burdens your heart; there’s purpose in the burden.

Step 3: Use The Core 4 Method ™

Jovian: My trademarked “Core 4” is a method I use with my clients to help them get clear about the impact they want to have in the world and who they want to serve.

Who do you want to serve? For example, is it low-income students, black millennials, women, immigrants, veterans or children? Who is this person? What does she/he/they look like and what does serving her/him feel and look like?
How do you want to impact your who? Think about the skills, experiences, tools and resources that you have at your disposal, and how you can use them to best serve the person above.
Who needs to impact you? We all need people around us to push, motivate, teach and ground us. People like family, friends, mentors, advocates and sponsors that help us double our impact and fill in the gaps. Who do you need around you to have a more purposeful impact with your group? How will their support also pour into you?
What needs to change for your impact to be realized? Impact and purpose starts with self. Before we can help others, we must first help ourselves. So, what needs to be true for you? Are you in a damaging relationship that you need to get out of? Is there something blocking you in your hometown and do you need to move? If barriers are true for you, make a commitment over the next 30 days to rid yourself of it and use the people above to hold you accountable and shower you with love.

Last Words Of Advice:

Jovian: Purpose and impact are not the same, but impact can be a reflection of how you’re living on purpose. Also, note that you can have more than one sense of purpose, and more importantly, purpose can evolve over time. However, still consider that there is an anchoring call that’s rooted in who we are. It’s important that we are still and quiet enough to hear it, see it and recognize it. Because throughout our lives, it will definitely be repeated!

And last but not least, purpose and passion is not the same thing. Purpose is a churn within us that calls us to do the natural things we do, and passion is tied to emotion, which can be fleeting. In short, purpose is what we do, and passion is the way we show up at home, at work and in love.

If you want to learn more about Jovian Zayne and the annual International Day of Purpose Summit, visit jovianzayne.com or dayofpurpose.org. You can also check her out on socials: @jovianzayne.

Jovian Zayne

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