Friday, 27 July 2012

Pursuing Passion with Purpose

I smiled as I prepared myself to write this blog because the title coincides with a conference that I will be speaking at in a few weeks. So talk about a divine set up by GodJ

But before you continue reading, I would like for you to try and define the 3-P words above in the title of this blog on your own. It is important to understand the definition of words before attempting to believe the words.
The word pursue, in its simplest form, means to seek or obtain. I like to think of passion as something that can be done every day without hesitation. Passion separates a job from a career. It keeps you up at night when everyone else thinks you are wasting your time. Passion causes you to sacrifice shopping at your favorite shoe store just so you can save and manage your money.
Now, purpose has millions of people around the world buying countless books, DVDs and attending yearly events. Purpose is really why something exists. Some people seem to believe that purpose can be purchased and this my friend- is a myth. When God created mankind, he already knew their purpose. However, because He is God, He doesn’t have to find our purpose. Believe it or not, God gave each of us our purpose already. So where is your purpose you ask? Your purpose lives inside of you.
Whenever I talk to people about pursuing my doctorate, I always seem to get excited expressing myself. Until now, I didn’t realize how much I love talking about the advancements in medicine, how patients are cured from diseases and how lifestyle changes can have an effect on us all. The excitement we all seem to encounter when sharing topics of interest is called- passion.
Passion, my friends, is that burning desire that keeps you awake, thinking and planning all day long. Now passion can be a number of things and not just one thing.For example, I am passionate about being a pharmacist; issues surrounding women; young people; HIV and so much more. However, you must sit down with a pen and paper and figure out what you spend the most time doing and investing in. Then whatever is at the top of your list- consider that your passion.
Now, I wish I can say that this all you need to do to be successful in life but it’s not. After you identify your passion, you must strategically set goals on what you want to do next. Since God is the one who placed purpose on the inside of us, it only makes sense for us to go back and pray to Him for instructions. It is also wise to study the word of God and begin to find scriptures to affirm what you want to happen in your life.
After I identified the desire to become a medical professional, I prayed and asked God to show me where He wanted me to go and how to prepare for my profession. It's not healthy for you to just get up every day thinking that God will give you what you need all at once. This train of thought is defeating.The older I get, God starts asking me these questions. “Why should I give you the desire of your heart?” and “What are you going to do with it?”
I know these questions are challenging but when you know why you are doing something, actually doing it becomes easier and life becomes less frustrating. This, my friend, brings you to the place of peace, fulfillment and purpose. When you begin doing what you love, without quitting, complaining or having a sense of entitlement- you have found your purpose in life.
Finally, reach out and ask for help. You cannot develop everything you need in life on your own. As it relates to your passion, I would advise you to do your research, use your networking skills and find a mentor or role model to help you pursue your passion. This can be a loved one or a complete stranger, but find someone to assist you bring your passion to life.
I leave you with this quote from Dr.Myles Munroe’s book, In pursuit of Purpose. “Where purpose is unknown, abuse is inevitable.” So make sure you know “why” you want to pursue your passion and then give it all you’ve got until the world says to you- “you are really, passionate about your purpose.”

Successfully Yours,
Lorneka Joseph










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