“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”

Something that is central to my life is living with purpose, so for today’s positivity quote I want to elaborate on a famous Dolly Parton quote - “Find out who you are and do it on purpose”.

When we think of purpose we usually see it through the lens of our life’s mission, the difference you want to make in the world, and what you want to be remembered for. It’s really powerful to have that overarching ‘why’ that you angle toward throughout your life, but this quote comments more on the second form of purpose.

Purpose isn’t just a directional north-star, it’s also a moment by moment intention. It causes you to really reflect on your daily choices and the quality you bring to what you do. Everything has a reason and connects to a goal, strategy, or tactic that you’ve decided is on your path. That’s what it means to infuse more purpose in your life -it’s to live with more intentionality. 

Now as it relates to Dolly Parton’s suggestion, “find out who you are and do it on purpose”... The north-star that you get to orient your actions around, and keep in mind as you make daily choices, is your most authentic self. It’s the fully expressed, self-aware version of ourselves. 

When we’re aware of our strengths and weaknesses, limitations and roadblocks, needs, wants, and interests (which is essentially who we are), and we live in alignment wit that, a whole world unlocks for us.

And trust me I know, it’s easier said than done. It takes courage to be yourself. But I’ve found that even if it’s a little uncomfortable, or inconvenient, or scary to lean into who you are and to stand up for that person through your daily actions, it fills you with self-confidence and self-belief. 

So if there were to be a takeaway, let it be this - Keep an open mind to explore who you are and don’t rule anything out. Try not to let judgment and conditioning keep you in a box that you don’t fit in. When you’re being your most authentic you, you’re at your very best, and that’s what the world needs and you deserve.