“Nothing can withstand the power of the human will if it is willing to stake its very existence to the extent of its purpose.”
—Benjamin Disraeli
When I was in my early thirties, I needed to make a career change. I had just gone through a very painful and expensive business failure. My self-esteem was at a low ebb—something akin to a dead rat. Being broke wouldn’t have been all that bad. It’s just that with my personally secured business debts, I had whistled right on by broke.
Even so, I was determined to find some meaning and start a new career. I had no clue what that was. And I knew that my need for income—I had four children at the time—was going to be a driving force in any choices I was going to make.
I wanted to find my purpose, but I needed a job even more.
To take the financial needs out of the equation as much as possible, I decided to play a game. I pretended that I had won the lottery—a big one.
And I tried to visualize what it would be like to have bought all the toys, cars, houses, and whatever the sudden influx of wealth afforded me.
What would I do then? I couldn’t see myself just playing for the rest of my life. With no reason to have to work for a living, what would I do with my life?
Without fully realizing it, I was starting to discover my purpose. And taking the money out of the equation seemed to help.
I’m guessing that quite a few people reading this have similar issues with money needs and may find it difficult to get to their real purpose because of it.
If so, I invite you to envision for yourself what you would do if you didn’t need to do anything. It’s kind of a fun process, actually.
I’m confident that if you truly want to live your best life, the things in life—as fun and as cool as they might be—will eventually be unfulfilling. I’m all for having fun, but I don’t think many people will find having fun to be their purpose.
I firmly believe that you can earn a good living—even become very wealthy—by fulfilling your purpose. It might not happen quickly, and you may have to make some compromises initially, but your purpose can be profitable. Your avocation can be your vocation. I’ve done it and many others have as well. More than 80 percent of what I do I would do for nothing.
Action Step
Do some journaling about what your life would be like if money was no object. What would you do for nothing? Imagine winning the lottery and a year later, maybe five, when you have bought all the stuff, taken the trips, etc., what would you spend your life doing?
My Declaration of Independence
In the spring of 1985, I resigned my position as Executive Director of a financial management firm to start a magazine. It was a bold but scary move. And I marked it by inviting my friends to a party and shared with them something I had written. It was my own personal Declaration of Independence. I share it with you because it helped me at a time of change and uncertainty to stay true to my purpose.
I, Michael E. Angier, child of the Universe, in order to form a more perfect union with God, establish prosperity and well-being and insure integrity, declare myself free and independent from all bondage—past, present and future.
I divorce myself from self-righteousness, impatience, control and need for attention. I release myself from poverty, lack and negativity.
I break free from judgment and comparing myself to others, from acts of dependency and being cool; from self-denial, indecision and timidity. I release myself from fear, worry, dishonesty, reaction and resentment.
I remove myself from working just for money and false security and commit myself to adding value and making my heart sing in everything I do.
I ask my friends to be truthful in telling me of any times they see me fall back into any of these old patterns, which no longer serve me.
I, Michael E. Angier, co-creator of my world dedicate, myself to personal mastery, success, honesty, joy, fun and adventure. I center myself in the flow of truth, wisdom and inspiration and I choose perfect health, energy and vitality. I forgive myself and others for all mistakes. I am grateful and appreciative for all the richness in my life. I allow myself to be vulnerable and at risk. I am open and receptive to the wisdom and intelligence of the Universe.
I am free and independent. I choose love and therefore life.
—Michael E. Angier
Action Step
If this type of exercise in commitment speaks to you, I encourage you to make your own declaration to help you stay on purpose.
Recommended Reading
Discover Your Empowering Purpose
Live Your Life with More Meaning, Significance and Fulfillment
Empowering Purpose is a real game changer. If you’re looking for more direction, inspiration, motivation, determination and devotion, read this book, go through the exercises and watch your life catch fire.
