Bruce was, as he always is, very complimentary about my work. He said he loved the new web site, liked the upcoming book ideas, and was impressed that I am now winding down my corporate consulting and putting my fulltime efforts into helping others find their purpose of life and a true passion for life. Then he asked me a very practical question, “Paul, what’s your backup plan if your current business plan doesn’t work out?” Without hesitating I replied, “Well, I don’t have a backup plan.” As I listened to my response, I realized the importance of my reply. I have always had a backup plan—until now. And in that moment, I discovered that I am truly and wholeheartedly committed to pursuing my Calling.

It seems to me that while “backup plans” make a lot of practical sense when it comes to war and business, they have no place in our lives in certain situations. A backup plan, while often practical, is really just an indication that we are unsure of how things will turn out. We build these plans because we lack total confidence that we know what we’re doing and in our ability to predict the future. Of course, in much of life it would be foolish not to develop a backup plan. But when it comes to surrendering to our Calling and fulfilling our purpose, backup plans often become the excuse we run to as soon as we encounter our own self-doubts.

Here’s a way to gauge your level of commitment to your Calling and life’s purpose. Imagine walking down the aisle on your wedding day, arriving face-to-face with your beloved, looking deep into his or her eyes and whispering just before the ceremony begins, “No worries, darling. I’ve got a great backup plan if this doesn’t work out.” Yikes! Why would this comment be so shocking? Because a backup plan indicates a lack of belief in, and commitment to, the relationship. And when it comes to listening to your Calling, and the One who Calls, a backup plan is just as strong an indicator that you’re unsure. While you can never predict the future perfectly, you can commit to pursuing your Calling and fulfilling your purpose regardless of the outcome, in sickness and in health, in times of plenty and in times of want.

Please understand, I am not encouraging recklessness. I’m not suggesting that you or I should abandon common sense. What I am saying is this. Many people really don’t know what their Calling is. They’re unsure of their life purpose and don’t know where to find their passion. I’m not speaking to these people. But if you know what your purpose is, if deep inside you know the answer to the question, “What should I do with my life?“, if that quiet inner voice keeps providing direction, then do it!  No matter what it takes, no matter the results, do it. Be willing to do whatever is necessary to say “Yes” to your Calling, and then head out on a life journey dedicated to fulfilling your purpose. It is along this journey that you will find your passion and here that you’ll find life’s great adventure.

Bruce, thanks as always for being a catalyst in my thinking.

But there’s an unfortunate downside to all of these quick and easy solutions.  These nearly instant answers to many of our questions and desires can create unrealistic expectations in other areas of life. While we may want to instantly gratify all of our desires, some things simply cannot be solved in the twinkle of an eye. Finding our life’s purpose is a great example. A few people may find meaning and purpose in a blinding flash of awareness, but most don’t. It’s not as if all we have to do is think, “Gee, I’d like to know my purpose of life” then we just flip on an awareness switch, as if we’re turning on the living room light, and “poof” there it is. It does occasionally happen like this, but this kind of epiphany is the exception, not the rule. More often the realization is incremental, it’s subtle, and it requires a good deal of intentional effort.  Becoming aware of your life’s purpose is generally more like observing a sunrise than turning on a light switch.

When you observe a sunrise, you begin in darkness. Then, just over the horizon, you begin to see the first subtle rays of daylight. You’re not even sure that you see the light at first, but then as you watch carefully, the light becomes a tiny bit brighter. But here is where this analogy begins to break down. Unlike the sunrise, finding your life’s purpose is not inevitable. You can’t speed up the sunrise or stop it, and the day will emerge with or without you. But if you look away from the horizon when looking for your life’s purpose, the light will leave. And this light will not return until you begin seeking it again. Unlike the sunrise, finding the light of your life’s purpose will probably require your sustained effort. But if you’re willing to invest your time and energy in its pursuit, over time you can certainly find your purpose. In fact, the more wholeheartedly you seek your purpose in an open and expectant way, the brighter and clearer it will become.

Fortunately, while it requires effort and commitment, the pursuit of our life’s purpose is not a burden but a tremendously wonderful, rewarding, and energizing journey. My advice? Forget looking for the silver bullet. When it comes to your life’s purpose, there is no light switch. Instead, become willing to do whatever you need to do to find your life’s purpose, keep looking out expectantly toward the horizon, and then rejoice in each incremental increase in illumination that you will discover.

This online program is not just about gaining new knowledge, it’s about life-transformation. You will find the step-by-step approach easy to follow, deeply enriching and personally enlightening.

Paul, this is such an exciting and very timely work. So much of the content resonated with me and my current situation. 12 Weeks to a More Passionate Life is truly life changingBrenda Anthony, Orlando, FL

Practical. Engaging. Enlightening.

Each week the 12 Weeks to a More Passionate Life Workbook will guide you through a set of assessments, exercises, videos, and other activities. You will also have an opportunity to share your experiences with others going through the program via a private Facebook group.

Get Started Today.

Getting started with 12 Weeks to a More Passionate Life is easy. Simply click the “Get Started Tab” and sign up for a Sacred Path Gateway Account. Your personal Gateway Account will give you access to all the online tools and serve as your personal storehouse for all of your results. You can also download the 12 Weeks to a More Passionate Life Workbook to get a detailed view of how the program works and you can take the Begin Your Journey Assessment for free to get started with the program. If you’re ready to find your your true and authentic purpose and to begin to live a life of passion, sign up today!

Begin 12 Weeks to a More Passionate Life.

Get started by opening your personal Sacred Path Gateway Account today:

Get Started

This program provides a very practical process for finding a job that you’ll love to go to each day.  Forget most of what you’ve heard about how to find a job and learn how to find real passion in your work.

I’ve used Paul’s tools for years.  They work!  Not only have I used these tools and processes in my own life, I’ve recommended them to my colleagues and clients.  What a breath of fresh air to know that you really can find passion at work! Barbara Hollkamp, Washington, DC

A Step-by-Step Way to Find Passion at Work.

The From Passion to Paycheck Workbook will guide you through the many online exercises, assessments, videos and other activities so that you can identify the type of job that best matches your vocational identity and then show you how to land that job.  You can have the job you love.

Get Started Today (Coming this Winter).

To get started with the From Passion to Paycheck program just click the “Get Started Tab” and sign up for a Sacred Path Gateway Account. If you already have an account, just login and select the From Passion to Paycheck program.  The Gateway Account will give you access to all the online tools associated with this program and serves as your personal storehouse for all of your results. You can also download the From Passion to Paycheck Workbook to learn more about how the program works.

Begin From Passion to Paycheck (Coming this Winter).

Get started by opening your personal Sacred Path Gateway Account today.  If you already have an account, just login and register for the From Passion to Paycheck program.