One of our students of “Ignite Your SPARK: Transformational Leadership Masterclass” posed the following question which I believe will resonate with many of you too:
“How do I find my Ultimate Purpose Credo, which seems so far away, especially when we are so consumed by the current reality?”
What a great question!
For me, the Ultimate Purpose Credo (UPC) is how in the final analysis you are going to define your life. Imagine you are 90 years old and you are dying and your Creator says to you “Welcome back! I gave you eyes that were so small but they could see the stars that were trillions of miles away. I gave you a brain more powerful than a computer. Tell me about your life?” And you get two minutes to say something and whatever you say makes you feel that your life was phenomenal. What will you say? Whatever you would like to say at that point becomes your Ultimate Purpose Credo (UPC).
In response to the specific question asked by our online student: “How do I find my Ultimate Purpose Credo, which seems so far away, especially when we are so consumed by the current reality?” The reason for creating UPC is once you create this statement and align everything you do with this all-encompassing approach you create congruence and a Spark in your life!
So, what exactly is an Ultimate Purpose Credo? Let’s break this down in understandable chunks:
Purpose, as is familiar to most, is ‘the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists to hold as one’s intention, objective, destination or achievement’. Whereas, an Ultimate Purpose is the ‘highest or most significant or final intention or objective’.
Credo is Latin for “I believe”. By definition, it is ‘a statement of the beliefs or aims which guide someone’s actions’. Whereas, a Personal Credo is ‘an authentic set of beliefs, values and ideals that drives one’s thoughts and behaviours’.
An Ultimate Purpose Credo, therefore, is a ‘personal mission statement built around deeply rooted authentic beliefs, values, and ideals which drive your intentions or objectives for achieving the highest, most significant result or aim’.
To formulate your UPC, take these steps first –
1. List all your deeply rooted authentic beliefs, values, and ideals
2. List all your intentions or objectives for having these beliefs, values and ideals
3. List all the highest, most significant results or aims you want to achieve in your life in the short term, mid-term, and long term (legacy you want to leave)
4. Finally, without devaluing the significance of your other aims, nominate one achievement that you would consider your ultimate purpose result.
With these listed, you will now have a strong foundation for your UPC. Keep it as short and concise as possible so you can remember, recite and relate it to every facet of life.
Tip: Don’t throw away your 4-step exercise above, but rather use your self-assessment and findings as bite-size drivers to find your ultimate purpose.
Crafting your UPC in this way will allow you to concentrate on what genuinely matters. It will be the flashlight you use to shine on your life’s pursuit each time you need clarity, energy, motivation or drive when your journey hits a tumultuous patch.
Though it may not always feel urgent, taking the time to create your UPC is important and essential. An aligned and authentic identity attracts positivity and prosperity and is crucial to finding true significance and impact.
For example, if your UPC has evolved to read as follows:
Shining my light and inspiring others to shine their light; Using God-given gift to spark positive change around the world; Being a loving father, husband, son, human being – with “malice towards none and charity for all”!
Then this statement drives you in everything you do and makes each day feel new and full of possibilities.
Here are 7 ways your UPC can help you be your best self and live a fulfilling life:
1. Leads you on a path of self-discovery:
Living in alignment with your UPC may occasionally invite self-doubt, fears and even scrutiny or resistance from others. However, it’s essential to remember that your UPC is a reflection of your values and beliefs, and allows you to rise above your fears or need for external validation or approval. Amid any doubts and criticism, your UPC echoes your beliefs, pushing you to grow your skills and explore new paths.
2. Gives you direction:
When you know what you stand for and what’s important to you, it’s easier to know what steps to take to move forward on your path. Your UPC acts as a beacon, directing your actions and decisions toward your goals, even in challenging times.
3. Helps define who you are and who you want to be:
It is crucial to recognize that your UPC is a reflection of your own values and aspirations, not others’. It serves as a litmus test of your conviction. If external opinions cause concern, it may indicate a need to strengthen your UPC. In moments of decision-making, your UPC will offer clarity, ensuring that your choices resonate with your core values.
4. Identifies your strengths and areas for improvement:
Your UPC will encourage you to take stock of your current situation and help you understand your personal limitations and areas that you need to improve on. Your UPC highlights strengths and areas for growth, empowering you to leverage your talents.
5. Helps you live your life, your way:
Unveiling your Ultimate Purpose Credo (UPC) isn’t a guarantee of a smooth ride, but it assures a fulfilling journey. Your UPC serves as your unwavering guide, influencing your actions and reactions regardless of your circumstances. Much like a stone’s ripples in the ocean, your choices resonate far beyond yourself, shaping the world around you. By consciously responding to situations rather than reacting impulsively, you wield the power to instigate positive change. Choosing environments that resonate with the ethos of your UPC amplifies your impact, nurturing continual growth and positivity.
6. Anchors you during uncertain times:
Your UPC is not about achieving perfection, but rather about staying true to yourself amidst life’s ever-changing landscape. In both favourable and adverse times, your UPC serves as an anchor holding you steady and firm and guiding you with unwavering purpose.
7. Builds your self-confidence:
When you’re grounded in your values, doubts fade, and uncertainty diminishes, empowering you to make choices confidently. With a clear credo, you will trust your decisions and foster self-confidence while navigating life’s complexities.
While you navigate the current reality of a hectic world, commit to finding and formulating your UPC. Once created, embrace it and deploy it in your daily life with resilience. When in full flow, your credo will be the guiding light that provides transformative guidance to fulfilling your true purpose.
Feel free to share your questions or comments about UPC in the section below.