When I’m working with a coaching client, at some point I’ll hear something to the effect of:
“I’m just not feeling it.”
“I don’t feel like doing certain work.”
“I’m not sure if I’m living my purpose right now. Can you help me find my purpose?”
And as valuable as it is to go through a process like Simon Sinek’s Find Your Why, there is something even more powerful that we can do on a daily basis that leaves us always feeling totally in the zone and emotionally connected with the work we’re doing.
This is probably the biggest insight I ever got from listening to Tony Robbins. He has a system called RPM – the Rapid Planning Method. And the essence of the system is to never get to work on anything unless you first know your outcome (the result you’re trying to create) and your purpose (the reason why you actually want that outcome).
Since discovering this over a decade ago, I started implementing it in my own life and sharing it with executive coaching clients.
The idea is simple.
After getting clear on what you want, write down the reasons why you want it.
For believing Muslims, it’s especially powerful to write down anything from the Islamic tradition that encourages you to do the kind of work you’re doing.
For example, if you’re trying to find more motivation to go to work, do a few minutes of research to find everything inspiring that the Qur’an or the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, ever said about the kind of work you do.
For me, almost everything I do connects with the beautiful, short chapter of the Qur’an:
“By Time, All of mankind are at a loss, except for those who have faith, take positive action and encourage each other towards Truth and Resilience.” That super-short chapter of the Quran has built-in inspiration for me as a coach.
Another one that inspires me is the statement of the Prophet (pbuh), who said that Allah loves a person who comes home tired after a long day of honest work.
If you have a job – whether it’s parenting or banking – there is almost always an incredibly noble purpose underneath it, if you take the time to reflect on it.
The key is to find the purpose that is both divinely rewarded and emotionally engaging, that pulls on your heartstrings.
If you want the system I use to tie together my daily action plan with the emotional juice that gets me excited about doing it, then join the Productive From Fajr system and keep an eye out for the bonus training included with it on how to create your very own Purpose Driven Action Plan.
To get started, check out the preview webclass here:
