FUDDLE CUP. Dolores McKay

explained how the three work together.

       Vision is what you are, and what you aspire to be

       Mission is where you are going, and how you are going to get there

       Purpose is why you exist, your deepest reason and motivation

       Purpose is the deep and important reason why a company exists, which fuels the Vision of what the company wants to do, which directs the Mission of where the company is going and how they are going to get there.

       PURPOSE —> VISION —> MISSION

      These are clearly not the same thing, right? It is much easier to remember that when the three ideas are put into a practical context and relationship to one another.

      The other reason why team members cannot remember these statements is most likely because these things do not mean anything to them personally. That is profoundly frightening to me.

      My concern is: The fact that most are totally unfamiliar with what these terms truly mean or how they work, is evidence they do not use these core statements in their own lives.

       Everyone should know their purpose, have some vision for themselves, and have at least a small mission for the present. Without those things, a person cannot possibly live life to its fullest potential. Without purpose, vision, and a mission — one is merely existing at best and surviving at worst.

      Do better for yourself than that, Kids. When you finish reading this book, take a crack at writing all three core statements for your own life. Do it in pencil — you will change your mind about certain things, and you should change it. Those three core statements, like your life itself, will be a continual work in progress and series of adjustments.

       Purpose vs. Need

      Purpose is why you breathe.

       It is your whole identity.

       It is why you believe you are here on Earth.

       It is the influence you are intended to have while you are alive.

       It is the duty you are responsible for fulfilling to justify your existence.

       It is the belief you are not here by accident or mere coincidence.

       It is the belief your purpose is unique to you and you alone.

      Purpose is your reason for being. It is more than the desire to fulfill your emotional and physical needs or the goals you use to attain those needs.

      Purpose is a constant inner fire and foundation to all of your actions and plans. It is inspired from within you and is stable in its intention. It is a consistent road map with clear navigation that refines itself overtime. When purpose drives your life, your needs are met by the clear design of your purpose.

      Without a higher purpose, people are driven by their needs, which can be whimsical and erratic. These needs are usually driven by immediate desire and inspired by external stimulus. Without purpose, whatever needs are perceived, become what one musthave to survive in life. Once the need is fulfilled, another takes its place — which is also necessary for survival — in an endless cycle. The result is a life of constantly changing needs that are impossible to ever satisfy completely.

       What is Your Purpose?

      If you currently have no idea what your purpose is, it is extremely unlikely you will truly discover it in a day. Please do not believe any self-help program that claims it can identify it for you quickly — It is not true. Finding your purpose takes a fair amount of introspection and soul-searching. You should also take your time and see if you continue to agree with yourself, on what you think your purpose is, over time.

      Later, I have an exercise to get the purpose finding process kick-started for you. Find your purpose, Kids — this step is irreplaceable. Your success in balancing your life and living well depends on it.