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This week, Karran Bonner looks at “discovering your purpose”. Karran, who runs Dundee-based Brightside, an organisation specialising in training and coaching to help people and companies develop, says while “discovering your purpose” might sound deep, it’s an important thing to focus on.

“I left the house at 3.20am for a 7am flight,” says Karren. “What has that got to do with purpose I hear you ask?

“Well, without a clear intention and purpose for why I have my business, you might ask: why would you ever choose to undertake such ridiculous hours when you are your own boss.

“I do it all because I have a clear purpose. In all aspects of my life I aim to be at my best to inspire others to do the same, to discover what makes them tick and to achieve things that they once never dreamed were possible.

“When I reflect on my life so far, I realise how powerful my mindset, attitude and purpose has been.

“I’m going to share some ideas and questions which will help you to simplify your purpose. People often don’t have a stab at articulating their purpose, as it can seem monumental.

“I have discovered over time that it is totally fine for your purpose to evolve, mine certainly has, so I promise if you stick with me you will become more conscious of living a life aligned to a purpose.”

Why would you spend time establishing your purpose, asks Karran. It leads to much easier choices.

“If I am in a quandary over whether to do something or to say no, I always ask myself the question, does this align with my purpose?

“When I was unclear on why I was doing certain things, I found myself with a calendar full of engagements and always surprised at how busy I was.

“When times are tough, being purposeful helps you to dig deep and build resilience in the situations and tasks we detest.

“It’s not a magic cure for all your woes, however, a purpose will suddenly make life a lot more meaningful.

“Consider these questions:

● What motivates you?

● What frustrates/disengages you?

● Throughout your life and career, when have you been at your best/happiest/ most fulfilled?

“These questions have helped me and those I coach to establish what are key motivating/demotivating factors. What type of environment, people you surround yourself with, job you choose to undertake all impact on these. However, the most menial of jobs can be fun when you do it with vigour. I urge you to make the best of the situation you are in and use it as a platform to your next step.

“Once you have started to consider the aforementioned questions, start to write ideas, dreams, and motivating factors in a journal.

“A simple strategy I use to do this is to have four key headings under which I write in my journal daily:

● Thoughts/observations

● What am I most grateful for? (five things)

● What are my three key achievements? ● How could today/this week have been even better?

“These questions are positive ways to begin to shift your mindset, to look for opportunities, give you perspective and challenge you to develop.

“To learn more about techniques to establish purpose in your daily life, please contact me on info@brightsideinspiration.com, where I can share more tips with you.

“Go get what you are dreaming of, life is too short to not take the amazing opportunities you have before you.”

When times are tough, being purposeful helps you to dig deep and build resilience...

Karran Bonner.