Upland, CA — My husband and I often have spirited conversations on a variety of topics. Recently he asked if I was a meaningful specific or a wandering generality? I asked him what did he mean. He stated a “meaningful specific” was someone who knew what their specific purpose or meaning in life was and they had the passion and power to live their best life. A “wandering generality” is someone who has no goals and uses their time for nothing specific, they often confuse being busy with taking care of business. They hope something good will happen. By the way, hope is not a good life strategy. I answered him by saying, I believe I am a meaningful specific that has wandered from time to time.
However, after he asked that question, I had to pause and give it some serious thought. I had to examine if I was confusing activity with accomplishment. Was I really accomplishing the work I knew God had called me to do or was I just completing a list of daily to do items? I know the day-to-day responsibilities of running a business, caring for a family, and fulfilling commitments to church and community can be overwhelming. If we are not clear about our life’s mission, it can be difficult to live up to our potential and accomplish the things we are capable of doing. Many people are living in a fog, surviving day to day without experiencing their true destiny. If you are in this situation or if you know someone who is, it is not too late to take action and do something about it.
Often our purpose can be determined by our gifts. If you are not sure what your gifts are answer the following questions. What do people say you are good at doing? What comes naturally for you? What would you do even if you weren’t paid? What do you find pleasure in doing in your free time? The answer to these questions can also help to identify if you are a meaningful specific. Along life’s journey many of us get sidetracked by people, places and things that cause us to lose our focus. Staying focused and keeping our eye on the prize helps us best utilize our gifts.
How can we break the mundane routines of life, to accomplish the things we desire? We must begin to align our priorities with payoffs. Too often we make things that have low payoffs, a high priority. Maybe we make them a high priority because they are fun, or easy or make us feel good but they have a minimal payoff. Things that tend to have a high payoff and can really provide us with the type of success we desire can often be pushed to a low priority if we find them difficult or if we must wait for the results.
They say the two greatest days in a person’s life are the day they were born, and the day they found the reason why they were born. It is a great feeling when you can get up each day with purpose. I am certain that even when you experience difficult days, which you will, they will still be fulfilling for both you and those that are recipients of your gifts. So never give up. Your work will speak for itself and you will go from a wandering generality to a meaningful specific!
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Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker. You can hear her every Wednesday on Instagram Live at 12 noon PST @wendygladney
