In examining and determining a project's Purpose, it is important to note the distinction between 'Inner' and 'Outer' Purpose. Oftentimes we find out that mid-way through a project or enterprise that what we thought was our true Purpose was instead something that seemed to vanish into thin air or became 'un-inspiring' after a time. The enthusiasm and the newness of the venture are gone and we are left slogging through something that now seems like something that we are 'stuck with'.
The Inner Purpose is the core or 'root' of the overall Purpose and it the part that is connected to Source and therefore has access to unlimited power and energy. It is in essence an extension of Source and you, as the leading edge of this Source who 'created' your Purpose, are therefore directly connected to this energy. As you are constantly evolving and growing, so is your Inner Purpose. Recognizing, understanding and adapting to this dynamic is the key to tapping into this power and utilizing it to your benefit. Resisting this dynamic through rigid control, allowing your ego to 'run-wild' or letting an 'Outer' Purpose take over your project are the traps that you will likely encounter along the way. (more on Outer Purpose later as part of this on-going series on Purpose)
Inner Purpose as it relates to a project is something that is time and space specific. It is normally a component of a broader Life Purpose, yet focused within a specific time-period and environment that is relevant to where you are in your life Right NOW. For example, the Inner Purpose for a project that you have during your pre-teen years is likely to be quite different than one during your later adult life. Experience, environment, current circumstances and Needs are all relevant, but it is emotion and feeling that ultimately guides us here. Connecting with that feeling of inspiration/joy/power and understanding specifically how you want to channel the unlimited energy of Source and Creation is the path to your Inner Purpose.
Discovering your Inner Purpose for a project/enterprise does require some effort, but it is more about the effort of going with the flow than of 'figuring it out.' The following exercise will assist you in starting the discovery process. However, just a reminder that this is an iterative process and will likely require several 'rounds' to develop full clarity.
Connecting to Inner Purpose
Take a few minutes in a quiet place to ground yourself and be present to where you are (Milestone Zero). Then, visualize yourself at a time and specific place that is at least 3-5 years from now along your project 'timeline' where you imagine yourself at a point of success, well being and joy. Essentially, you are doing what you love to do as it relates to your project and you are completely in the moment. You are loving what you are doing, you are completely inspired and by Being in this state your project/business is positively impacting those that it is designed to benefit. Imagine yourself either interacting with or watching a specific person react to what you have created and note their positive reaction. You are doing what you wanted to do and they are receiving the benefit of your efforts. This positive reaction of theirs to you then re-energizes your Being and you Feel/Know this in your body, mind and heart.
That Feeling and Knowing is your Inner Purpose. It is what you came here to do at this point in your life Right NOW. It is what you have already started creating and imagining and thinking about, and therefore it is naturally pulling you towards it like a tractor beam. Remember this feeling, visualize the scene, connect to it whenever you have a minute - it is your True North and Touchstone. Welcome to the 'magic' of the Universe! :)
All the Best,
Whitney
© 2010 All rights reserved, Whitney Merrill
"By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try, the world is beyond the winning." - Lao Tzu
