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11/21/2011

The Definition of Purpose

I spend nearly every single day talking about what it means to live your Why - to live with a sense of purpose, cause or belief. But what happens when we wake up one day without a sense of purpose or cause? What happens when we used to have clarity and it slips away?

That is what happened to me. But it didn't happen over a career. The feelings were exaggerated so much that it felt like I lived an entire life in just one day.

This is what I learned.

Click here to read a letter written by the pilot who brought home some of the soldiers who died in the Chinook crash in August about his experience.

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Comments

It was incredible listening to Simon for 2 hours. I was on the edge of my seat. Powerful, yet so humble. We are blessed to have witnessed his heart.

Posted by: pat | 11/25/2011 at 12:59 PM

Living a purposeful life is a life worth living. After all, the bible tells us that God made each of us for a specific (unique) purpose. And that if you don't discover and accomplish that purpose, no one else will. Do you believe?

Posted by: Earl Rudolfo | 11/25/2011 at 09:36 AM

Simon, profoundly moving on so many levels. Thank you for sharing your story- Thank you for delving deep into your own soul to find these truths, these insights - Thank you for being human. Today is Thanksgiving for Americans. I am Australian and give thanks everyday! You have a new follower..

Posted by: Christine | 11/24/2011 at 10:00 PM

I don't know what to say. This won't really make sense to me until my nephew gets back from Afghanistan and I can talk to him about it. But I think the company I create will be different because of Start With Why and this video.

I just hope I can figure out a way to serve those I want to help. It won't be the same now, which I think will be good.

Thanks, Simon. You have a new follower on your blog.

Posted by: John Kerr | 11/24/2011 at 11:52 AM

So moved by this. Have been looking for how I can best serve people waiting for transplants & this touched my soul. I want to lead others to give life after death & change the way so many of us take an individualistic stance. Thank you from the bottom of my heart http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/campaigns/your_stories/thank_you_for_life/thank_you_for_life.jsp

Posted by: Helen Eccles | 11/24/2011 at 07:36 AM

I like it listening to you.

Thank you for this story.
It reminds me of what the real purpose of life is.

Posted by: Arne Tietz | 11/23/2011 at 02:56 PM

We have been spending time at the Indiana Dunes with some of our homeschool buddies, and our kids have taken well to to the art of the camp fire, and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. Above, Marin collecting long, thin sticks that can poke through our treats for the fire. Below, cold, bare grey and brown tree branches. Lots and lots of branches. We are again down to the blue sky for color, when we can see it.

Posted by: Christian Louboutin Outlet | 11/23/2011 at 03:34 AM

Thanks for another great talk.

Posted by: Franjo Stipanovic fritzfs | 11/22/2011 at 05:47 PM

Simon - you have a gift in storytelling. Thank you for sharing your story.

Posted by: Justin R | 11/22/2011 at 05:30 PM

Simon keep spreading your view of purpose every day of your life. You inspire me every day and I spread the news.

Nice evening,
HIlde

Posted by: Hilde Helsen | 11/22/2011 at 03:54 PM

Simon...AWESOME...AWEsome...awesome!

USAF Retired
Desert Storm Warrior

Posted by: Len Denton | 11/22/2011 at 11:45 AM

Simon, great prospective on how the military puts themselves on the line every day and we tend to forget…

That message made my morning. Thank you.

Mike J.

Posted by: Mike Johnson | 11/22/2011 at 08:59 AM

Thanks for sharing a bit of your experience... I think we often need to be reminded of our purpose...the why of what we do and who we choose to be. Gain perspective when we've been shaken up by the trials of everyday life.

Posted by: linda | 11/21/2011 at 03:52 PM

Simon, thank you. Brilliant.

Posted by: Andrew | 11/21/2011 at 03:25 PM

All I can say is WOW! ... thank you for sharing your experience & wisdom! xo

Posted by: Dana | 11/21/2011 at 12:12 PM

Simon, this has meaning in two of the most significant ways-- I've been disconnected from my purpose for some time now and it's good to hear that it can happen to the best of us. Also, my brother is a Marine serving in Afghanistan, so this story strikes dead on with me. Thank you.

Posted by: Liz | 11/21/2011 at 10:05 AM

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@simonsinek hits the mark again, when it comes to inspiring true leadership qualities in business and life. This is worth the read & 20 min video.