When it comes to achieving our life’s dream, we must stay afloat through all kinds of weather. Some days are bright and sunny. Other days are so foggy we lose our way. This is why we need a lighthouse on a tall cliff, shining the brightest of all beacons.

This beacon is what Napoleon Hill calls definiteness of purpose. Like the beacon from a lighthouse, our definiteness of purpose is singular and consistent. It can also be a life-saver, helping us remain focused during difficult times.

Getting Clear

Finding a definiteness of purpose starts by erasing all of the what-ifs from your mind. Forget about the challenges and obstacles. If you know your destination, you will navigate the rocks and the bad weather. Ask yourself what you most want from life. If you were only allowed a single wish, what would it be?

Youthful Revelation

When I was 25 years old, I found a definiteness of purpose. I wanted to volunteer in Africa. I wanted this so badly that I was open to all possibilities. At first, I volunteered locally. I joined an organization called Junior Achievement. We went into schools and taught students how to start a small business. I also gave my time to efforts organized by my local church and other charities.

When you have a definiteness of purpose, it guides how you use your time and skills.

One day, I was given the opportunity to join a team headed to Naimey, Niger to set up eye-glasses clinics. Because of my experience gained from volunteering and ability to speak French, my dream came true. I spent two weeks in Africa.

We set up clinics in remote areas, sometimes with tribes that only spoke their native language. Before our arrival, some of the tribes had not had contact with people outside of their culture. However, we were still able to form a human connection.

I learned so much from being part of this intercultural experience. It has helped shape the rest of my life.

Being Ambitious

Arnold Toynbee said, “It is a paradoxical but profoundly true and important principle of life that the most likely way to reach a goal is to be aiming not at the goal itself but at some more ambitious goal beyond it.” Setting a purpose that is a stretch for you will ignite your passion. This is an act of bravery. Let yourself reach for what matters the most to you.

Making a Plan

But it’s not enough to set a difficult goal. You need a plan. Here are 5 tips for doing that:

• Enlist others. Once you are clear on your definiteness of purpose, share it with friends, family and colleagues. Ask them to take an active role, checking in with you now and then. Knowing that others will ask how things are progressing reinforces your inner motivation.
• Mix it up. When it comes to setting your overall purpose, stretching is important. But when it comes to enacting mini-steps towards that purpose, you need to be kinder. Look for things you can easily achieve as well as more difficult actions.
• Plan SMART. This acronym is a handy way to keep your plan workable. Make sure each action item in your plan is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time bound.
• Write it down. This may sound obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Since our ideas shift on a daily basis, it’s important to leave a record of your intentions.
• Monitor your progress. Make it a habit to check your plan at least monthly. You might find over time that the plan needs to be adjusted. That’s okay. It’s normal and part of why it’s so important to monitor your progress.

Call to Action

1. Set aside time this week to think about your definiteness of purpose. Make sure it’s specific and something you care deeply about.
2. Draft a plan for moving towards that definiteness of purpose. Life is now!

Your friend,
UpCloseTeam