Purpose

When I was in Utah last month at Zion National Park, I found myself fascinated by the trees.

They grew out of the rocks, roots winding around stones, pushing into the sand, like veins in our path.

Talk about surviving despite the obstacles!

These trees have a strong sense of purpose.

And determination to stay alive.

I feel like this past couple of years has diluted our purpose.

We've lost focus and are less connected to each other.

Less connected to ourselves and what we want out of life.

I know I felt that way a lot.

Between losing my job and trying to figure out where I'm headed in my career, helping my boys navigate life and a slew of medical issues, and being disconnected from many of the people I love, it's thrown me off my game a bit.

Like many people, I'm trying to get back on track and redefining what life looks like. Finding my purpose.

What I've learned is that I need to have goals and milestones that keep me motivated. At work and at home.

To keep up with my running and my personal health, I signed up and committed to a half marathon.

I have a goal to see every national park in the United States in my lifetime. That motivates me to book a trip or two or take my boys on an adventure.

March 31st is the deadline I've given myself to finish my second book.

Even this blog is a commitment that pushes me. Knowing that I have to publish my post by midnight on Sunday keeps me motivated, even when I don't feel like writing it.

My work goals are evolving, as I've been adjusting to a new company, new people, new technology, and doing it almost entirely virtually. Finding my purpose there is tough sometimes.

But I think I'm finally breaking through that. Looking at it from all angles and really digging deep to figure out how I want to make an impact in my career.

What I'm trying to say to all of you is this:

Purpose isn't just going to fall in your lap.

You can't just float through life with nothing to look forward to - there needs to be a reason.

Sometimes those reasons are really clear, and sometimes you shake your head and wonder what the heck is even the point.

When it feels like that, it's time to reflect on your goals.

Think about what makes you feel good about who you are and what you contribute. What brings you joy?

• Book that trip

• Sign up to volunteer somewhere

• Set yourself a deadline for that project that you started but never finished

• Make time each week to connect with the people you love

You have to push yourself. Even when you don't want to, even when it's hard.

Be like those trees.

Break through the rocks. Extend your roots as far as you can.

And dig deep until you find what you need to grow.

Visit my author page on Amazon

Or find my book at Barnes and Noble

And at our local Oconomowoc Bookstore - Books & Company