Keith JonesNovember 7, 2015

Before you can determine what role your thoughts, choices and actions play in your ability to live your purpose, you must define what yours is. My purpose is to make a difference in the world by inspiring each person to be their personal best so they can inspire others. To realize this awesome possibility, I have to commit daily to being my best. Once I am clear on my purpose, it becomes all about choices that help me live into it or sabotage it.

When I look back over my life in an honest way, I see a pattern of how I have failed my purpose, those I love and myself. The trajectory of hard work and achievement have been sabotaged by negative self talk, impulsive behavior and choices that lacked integrity. The cost has been great. Everyone has a different pattern that undermines their purpose. Yours may be broken promises to eat healthy and exercise so you lose weight, perform better and feel amazing. Or it could be negative self talk and procrastination that keep you in a career where your passion and genius aren’t fully expressed.

This year I chose to end the cycle of sabotage once and for all. I developed 2 questions to ask myself when negativity or impulsiveness surface.

1. Negativity: Whether it’s negative self talk or someone telling me something about a situation or another person, I ask, “Does this thought or conversation move me closer to my goal or distract me from my purpose?” Usually at this point, it’s always a distraction but it’s not up for debate. Shut down the negative self talk or tell the person that you’re not interested in any conversation that is not loving about you or other people.

2. Impulsiveness: Ask yourself, “If I make this choice, will it help or hurt my cause?” I know it will feel good in the moment but don’t sacrifice what you want right now for what you want most. Far too many times I did this and the cost has been greater every time.

I have been asking myself these questions for six months now. The first five were a breeze. But then this last month, impulsiveness showed up. I went straight to question two and it got me out of a jam. I made a different choice than I ever had before. I chose to stick to my long term goal over what I wanted right now. And as soon as I did, I felt empowered. My purpose matters more than ever to me.

Your career goals and purpose are important. Eliminate all negativity, stand up to impulsiveness and surround yourself with people who are not are enablers but rather supportive and show love to you and all the imperfect beings among us.

Keith