If you really want to live purposeful life, stop doing these 7 “common” things

Life is an extraordinary journey, full of twists and turns, ups and downs. And while it’s easy to get lost in the daily grind, don’t forget that each of us holds the power to lead a life filled with purpose – a life that aligns with our deepest values and aspirations.

But here’s the catch.

There are certain “common” habits many of us unknowingly practice that can derail us from this path, causing us to drift away from our true purpose.

Are you curious about what these habits might be? Or better yet, are you ready to eliminate these obstacles and move towards a more authentic, purposeful life?

Let’s get started by highlighting seven common things you should stop doing if you truly want to live a life filled with purpose.

1. Stop blaming others for your circumstances

It’s human nature to point fingers when things go awry. After all, it’s much easier to blame someone else for our problems than to take a hard look in the mirror. However, this habit can be detrimental to our personal growth and can steer us away from a fulfilling, purposeful life.

Here’s the truth.

No one else controls your life but you. Sure, external circumstances can influence our lives, but the ultimate power lies within us. We decide how we respond to these circumstances and whether we let them define us or not.

So, what if we stopped blaming others and started taking ownership?

Imagine the empowerment that comes from realizing you are the architect of your own destiny. This shift in mindset can lead to transformative changes, pushing you towards a life that truly aligns with your deepest values and aspirations.

Remember, the key to living a purposeful life lies in taking full responsibility for your actions, your decisions, and your responses. It’s time to stop playing the blame game and start steering your own ship.

2. Stop fearing failure

Failure is a part of life. It’s an unavoidable component of the human experience. But often, the fear of failure can become a massive roadblock, preventing us from pursuing our goals and living a purposeful life.

I remember once, when I was in the early stages of setting up Ideapod, I faced multiple hurdles and obstacles. There were moments of doubt, times when things didn’t go as planned, and occasions when it felt like the universe was conspiring against the realization of my vision.

But here’s what I learned from it all.

Every hurdle was an opportunity to learn and grow. Each setback was a chance to reassess and refine my strategies. And every single failure brought me one step closer to understanding what worked and what didn’t.

Fearing failure is like fearing growth. And let’s be real – we can’t live a purposeful life if we aren’t willing to grow.

So, let’s embrace failure not as a deterrent but as a stepping stone towards success. It’s through this lens that we can transform our fear into fuel for growth and inch closer to living a life that truly resonates with our core values and aspirations.

3. Stop living on autopilot

We all have routines. Wake up, grab a coffee, head to work, come home, eat dinner, sleep, and repeat. It’s comfortable, it’s safe, and it’s easy. But is it fulfilling? Is it purposeful?

The answer, more often than not, is no.

Living on autopilot means going through the motions without truly engaging with our lives. It’s like watching a movie of our own life unfold without actively participating in it.

And here’s the kicker.

When we live on autopilot, we miss out on the beauty of life – the joy of creation, the thrill of stepping out of our comfort zone, the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, and the profound connections we forge with others.

The path to a purposeful life requires us to wake up – to be present in our lives and actively participate in shaping our destiny. It calls for us to question our routines, challenge our comfort zones, and seek out experiences that foster growth and self-awareness.

It’s time to switch off the autopilot mode and take the steering wheel. It’s time to live consciously, authentically, and purposefully.

4. Stop seeking constant approval

This one’s a tough pill to swallow. We’re all guilty, at some level, of seeking validation and approval from others. It’s human nature to want to be liked and accepted. But here’s the thing – when our happiness starts depending on how others perceive us, we lose control over our own lives.

The need for approval can lead us to compromise our values, neglect our needs, and live in a way that pleases others rather than being true to ourselves. It’s a trap that can rob us of our authenticity and purpose.

I’ve addressed this issue in detail in one of my videos. Here, I discuss the importance of breaking free from the desire for constant approval and how it can lead to a more independent and fulfilling life.

There’s something liberating about living your life on your terms. The approval you need is your own. This shift in mindset can be transformative and can set you on the path towards a more purposeful life.

If you found this video useful and are interested in diving deeper into my philosophy of living with purpose and freedom, feel free to explore more here.

5. Stop valuing wealth over purpose

We live in a world where wealth is often seen as the ultimate measure of success. And while financial stability is undoubtedly important, it’s not the be-all and end-all of a purposeful life.

Here’s a hard truth.

Your bank balance doesn’t define your worth. The size of your house, the brand of your car, the label on your clothes – none of these determine your value as an individual.

A purposeful life isn’t about how much money you make, but how you make your money matter. It’s about aligning your financial decisions with your deepest values and using your resources to make a positive impact.

So let’s stop equating prosperity with material wealth. Instead, let’s redefine prosperity as the ability to live in alignment with our values and contribute positively to the world around us. This shift in perspective can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

6. Stop ignoring the power of community

In our hyper-individualistic society, it’s easy to believe that success is a solo journey. But here’s something you might not know – the world’s longest study on happiness, conducted over 80 years by Harvard University, found that good relationships keep us happier and healthier.

It’s not the fame, money, or personal accomplishments that contribute to a fulfilling life. It’s our connections with others – our family, friends, and community.

So why do we often neglect these relationships and prioritize work or material pursuits?

The truth is, we thrive when we’re part of supportive communities. Our shared experiences, mutual support, and collective wisdom can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and a purposeful life.

It’s time we recognize this and invest in building authentic relationships and nurturing our sense of community. This shift can lead us towards a richer, more connected, and purposeful life.

7. Stop avoiding discomfort

We’re wired to seek comfort. It’s a basic human instinct. But here’s the paradox – growth doesn’t happen in our comfort zones. In fact, it’s often discomfort that drives us to evolve, adapt, and reach our true potential.

Avoiding discomfort means avoiding challenges. And without challenges, there’s no growth, no learning, no innovation.

So what if we started viewing discomfort as an ally rather than an enemy?

When we embrace discomfort, we open ourselves up to new experiences, new ideas, and new possibilities. We push our boundaries, test our limits, and discover strengths we never knew we had.

It’s time to stop seeking the easy path and start embracing the challenges that come our way. This shift can be the key to unlocking a life of purpose, growth, and authenticity.

The final takeaway

If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these points, it’s clear that you’re ready to take the reins of your life and steer towards a more purposeful existence.

The good news? This journey is entirely within your control.

Embarking on the path to a purposeful life requires self-awareness, courage, and consistent effort. It’s about recognizing and letting go of the habits that are holding you back. It’s about embracing discomfort, welcoming challenges, and taking full responsibility for your life.

Start by identifying which of these “common” things you’re guilty of. Are you living on autopilot? Do you fear failure? Are you seeking constant approval? Once you spot these patterns, it becomes easier to consciously alter your behavior.

Remember, change won’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself. Celebrate small victories and allow yourself to learn from setbacks. Each step you take towards living authentically is a step towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

If you’re looking for a little guidance on this journey, I invite you to check out my Wake-Up Call tool. This unique AI tool is programmed with insights from my extensive library of online courses and YouTube videos. It’s designed to understand your unique situation and provide the single most impactful message that can help you shift from living in autopilot mode to actively shaping your destiny.

Your journey towards a purposeful life starts now. Embrace it, own it, live it.