A popular Japanese television program followed the lives of seven elderly people in the small city of Kyōtango. The ninety- to one-hundred-year-olds were filmed as they went about their day. They woke up, ate small meals, visited family, ran errands, and prepared for bed. It wasn’t the kind of thrilling reality show content you would expect. So why produce it?
Kyōtango and the region around it have three times more residents over the age of one hundred than the rest of Japan. It has produced Olympic athletes, rock stars, and one of the oldest men in history. The producers of the Japanese show wanted to know what made Kyōtango so unique. What they found was truly amazing.
Every person in this region has an ikigai. Ikigai translates to “a reason for being” or “one’s reason for waking up in the morning.” For these Japanese people, their ikigai is their purpose in life. Whether the television producers realized it or not, they discovered an absolute truth. Purpose is the factor that makes life worth living. It doesn’t simply add years to your life; it adds life to your years.
Purpose is the factor that makes the difference. It’s the difference between simply existing and really living. Purpose simplifies decision-making. It makes better leaders, stronger companies, and happier people. Purpose determines the work you do, the relationships you have, and the life you live.
Things You Can Do Immediately to “Live on Purpose”
1. Begin by asking and writing down your answers to life’s biggest two-part question: Why am I here and what am I supposed to do about it? Develop a description of actions you will take to realize your Purpose. They should include your answers to the “purpose” questions.
2. Create a “Picture” of what would be taking place if you are living on Purpose right now…today! What would your day include?
3. Develop a step-by-step “Plan” to live on purpose.
4. List the “Parts” or roles you and others will need to take on to make the plan work.
5. And finally, describe the “Payoff” or benefits you will receive as a result of “living on Purpose”.
When you “Live on Purpose” everything changes. Every day matters. Every setback has significance. Money comes easier. Relationships prosper. You do more than get by; you are pulled by what you have to help others. If you’ve lived long enough without the clarity you crave then it’s time to go from simply existing to really living and make EVERY Day matter!
For more tips, tools, and how-to strategies to “Live on Purpose”, you will find the book: “Mastering Secrets of Personal Success” extremely helpful. Follow the link below:
Have a great week! Here’s to Your Success! Dr. Ed Hubbard
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