Here we go with benefits # 5 and 6. Have you picked any of your top 3-4 benefits yet?

Benefit #5–Value-based living
You will learn as you delve deeper into the Purpose Process that one integral component of a person’s life purpose is their core values—those intangibles of life that mean the most to them. Our core values are at the heart of all the values we’ve been taught we “should” value.

Think of it like three concentric circles: The largest circle is composed of our “should” values; the next circle inside that one is our “chosen” values—the should values that we actually choose to hold onto and live from; and the last circle is our “core” values—those chosen values that truly matter most to us. Since these core values are an integral part of a life purpose, when you live a Life on Purpose, you are living a value-based life, rather than one that is lifestyle-based.

People living off purpose are often focused on living more from the outer circle of their “should” values, what often is described as “keeping up with the Joneses.” In a lifestyle-based life, the focus is on life looking a certain way—the way we were taught our life was supposed to look. The focus is often more on stuff and on doing what’s expected of us, not on what gives us the most joy.

Benefit #6–Fun
Let’s face it, living on purpose is simply a lot more fun than living a life based in fear and obligations. People who know and are living true to their life purpose have a renewed zest for life. They can bring purposeful play to almost any situation and find or create ways for each day to be a reflection of their true joy and purpose.
Recently, I took time off from my normal work routine to take in an afternoon matinee of The Legend of Bagger Vance. While I thoroughly enjoyed playing hooky from work and the movie in general, there was one line that stood out above all the rest. As I heard the line, I realized it was the main lesson I was there to learn that day.

The caddie, Bagger Vance, said, “God is happiest when his children are at play.” I keep that line on my desk lamp so I won’t forget. Whenever I’m feeling like my work is drudgery or there’s effort involved, I know that, in that moment, I’ve shifted from expressing my life purpose to something else. Usually the something else is related to some “should” values acquired in the past.

People who live off-purpose lives have bought into the idea of “no pain, no gain.” It doesn’t have to be that way. Sure, there may be times when you need to exert yourself more diligently, but that doesn’t mean you need to suffer while doing it.

I lift weights three times a week as part of my health and fitness routine. Part of the object to lifting increasing amounts of weight is to fatigue the muscles so they will grow and become stronger. This doesn’t mean that I need to be suffering while I’m straining. I have the choice to sweat with enjoyment or to sweat while complaining about how hard it is or how unfair it is that I have to be stuck in my gym. I choose to bring joy and fun to my life, and so can you.

(Excerpted in part from Life On Purpose: Six Passages to an Inspired Life, available now.