Chasing the Dash: A Life of Purpose

The most valuable resource on Earth is time—time to love, time to live. The moment a human being is born, the process of dying starts. Let me emphasize this: from the very instant a person is born, the process of dying begins. This process unfolds at different rates for everyone; some speed it up, while others delay it. How many seconds or minutes do we squander daily on activities that bear no connection to our innermost dreams, goals, and passions? How often do you conclude a day realizing you didn't accomplish what you intended to do? Jot down your goals every day. If you can achieve even two goals a day, you're not just surviving—you're living and realizing your dreams. Make time to improve yourself. Read, explore, research, and experience life by engaging in activities you've never tried before. That is the essence of life.

When you are born, your birthdate is inscribed on the left side of your tombstone, and when you die, the date is etched on the right. But the most significant part of the tombstone is the dash in the middle. This dash symbolizes the impact and influence you had on others throughout your life. It represents the legacy you built, the indelible mark you left on the world, and the lasting memory of who you are. When you live for that dash, you'll remember your purpose—the reason you wake up every morning and push past exhaustion and adversity to progress in life.

Take a moment to evaluate yourself on a scale of one to ten in terms of your physical appearance and overall health. Are you taking care of yourself, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying in shape? Are you health-conscious, paying attention to the food you consume, and committed to exercising regularly? George Burns once said that we cannot stop aging, but we don't have to get old. Many of us age prematurely because we neglect to take care of ourselves.

Consider your environment, career, and relationships. Assess whether they are fulfilling and invigorating, or draining and toxic. What kind of impact do they have on your life? Are you motivated to make a change? Your environment serves as a significant indicator of your satisfaction. On a scale of one to ten, is your environment what you want it to be? Do you find it desirable, and are you content with it?

Reflect on your job or career. It has been said that 85% of the American public are dissatisfied with their jobs. Are you spending eight hours a day simply "doing time"? Are you engaged in activities that don't challenge you, that don't require you to stretch mentally, that don't stimulate or inspire you, and that don't provide you with a sense of fulfillment? If you're doing this day in and day out, it undoubtedly affects your self-esteem, motivation, and relationships. What kind of impact do your daily activities have on your life? Are they nourishing, or are they toxic? Do they energize you, or do they drain you? Ask yourself these questions and determine how motivated you are to do something about it.

Contemplate your contributions and actions. What are you giving to the world? Many people will depart this universe without leaving a trace, and no one will know they were here. In fact, under their name, we could inscribe the phrase "not used up." Will anybody know that you walked this Earth? What contributions are you making? What legacy will you leave behind? What will be different because you came this way?

Pause for a moment and consider your purpose in life. If your purpose doesn't evoke deep emotions and bring you to tears, it's not your true calling. Your purpose should be monumental—something that transforms your family tree, your home, your family, your beliefs, and your sense of purpose. Your purpose should be so significant that it alters the entire perspective of your life and the lives of those around you. Think about your passions and the opportunities available to you; that's how you'll discover your purpose. When your purpose aligns with your passion and opportunities, you'll experience a powerful awakening.

The most important day in your life is the day you remember why you were born. Write down your purpose, your "why," and keep it in mind as you navigate through life. If your purpose doesn't move you to tears, it's not the right one. Remember, if your "why" doesn't evoke deep emotions, it's not your true calling. Your purpose should be all-encompassing, something that profoundly affects every aspect of your life and the lives of those you care about.

As you explore your passions and seize opportunities, you'll begin to understand your true purpose. Embrace that purpose, and use it to guide you through the challenges and successes of your life. Let your purpose fuel your motivation, your determination, and your resilience. When you live a life driven by purpose, you'll leave a lasting impact on the world and those around you. In the end, your life's worth will be measured by the difference you made and the legacy you left behind.

So, strive to live a life filled with meaning and purpose. Make every second, every minute, and every day count. Utilize your time wisely, and don't waste it on endeavors that don't align with your dreams, goals, and passions. Remember that life is finite, and the dash on your tombstone represents the time you have to make a difference. Live for that dash, and ensure that when you leave this world, you've left an indelible mark that will be remembered and cherished by those who knew you. Let your purpose be the driving force behind your actions, and live a life that truly matters.