Living With Purpose When Facing a Challenge

BY PAUL SCHNABEL

From "Top Seven Life-Changing Questions," reprinted with permission.

When faced with a challenge or difficulty, see what you can learn from it rather than feel self-pity or a sense of powerlessness.

Our quality of life is determined in large part by the quality of the questions we ask ourselves. When we ask disempowering questions like "why did this happen to me?," we remain stuck, but when we ask empowering, life-enhancing questions, we open up possibilities for real growth and change. Just as there are questions you can ask to help you discover an overarching purpose for life (See Memories and Questions Uncover Purpose and Passion), these particular questions are excellent for reminding yourself how you to live with purpose when there is a difficulty you have to overcome.

1. What can I learn from this?

When faced with a challenge or difficulty, see what you can learn from it rather than feeling self pity or a sense of powerlessness.

2. What can I do today to grow myself?

Even small improvements made each day can have massive impact on our lives over time.

3. What should I stop doing today?

Just for today, find one bad habit you can commit to stop doing. All bad habits are eliminated by consciously eliminating them from our lives, one day at a time.

4. What kind of impact do I want to make today?

People who leave lasting legacies choose to impact others positively, every day of their lives.

5. What am I grateful for today?

True masters report that the key to success is an "attitude of gratitude." Being grateful for what we have, rather than focusing on what we lack, is the key to well being and abundant living.

6. How will I measure success today?

Are your criteria for success empowering you or setting you up for failure? Set achievable success goals and over time you will build an amazing life.

7. How do I choose to feel today?

Many people allow external circumstances and people to determine how they feel. Taking back control over your feelings gives you a confidence in living that is priceless.

© Copyright Paul Schnabel, Schnabel Impact Group

Paul Schnabel is a dynamic speaker, consultant and author who addresses issues vital to successful organizational and personal transformation: sales performance, leadership, change and life balance. He has extensive experience in executive leadership, sales management, employee motivation, strategic communication and innovation. Paul has empowered individuals and organizations to succeed in a rapidly changing environment for the past 20 years.