You’ve probably heard it a thousand times. “First define your...

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times. “First define your purpose.”

If I had to name one simple key to success, it would be learning to define your purpose, or mission. Do you have one? If you don’t, you’re not in control of your life. If your business doesn’t have one, their marketing and branding will be all over the place, and is unlikely to succeed.

Defining a purpose is one of those things that seems like it should be simple…but it’s hardly ever easy. I work with lots of magicians, and their “purpose” is often that “I want to awaken a sense of wonder,” or “I want to make people laugh.” Those both sound noble–but neither one is either clear enough or actionable. Here’s one that is:

“I want to use magic to inspire young people to take social action against racial injustice.” That’s actionable. It defines a market–young people–and how you want to change their lives. When defining your purpose, think of whose lives you want to affect, and how they will change as a result of your efforts.

“I want to make sure no human being is without easy access to drinkable water.” That’s a noble purpose, and one that assumes you’ll be working for those who do not currently have that access. Even something that noble sounding might need refining, though. “We make sure no tribe in South Africa is without drinking water by providing them with a technology that draws moisture from the air everyday, and by teaching them to maintain that technology. We fund this project through donations solicited over social media, government grants, and…” Well…you’re beginning to get the picture. This is a “purpose” that inspires particular actions.

So…what is your purpose? State it to yourself now. Then ask, “why?” Then ask “how.” Then ask “for whom.” And then, again, “why?” Now you’re probably getting close to a useful statement of purpose!

from Tumblr https://ift.tt/3clOVUK
via IFTTT