How a Definite Purpose Relies on Others

I’ll say it once more in case you missed it, nothing hurts as much when we have a definite purpose! The one thing I can assure you of though is that there were plenty of times in the decade that followed that last story where I wasn’t sure we were actually winning. But as I look back at it, I can point to doors that were opened through that process whether they looked like opportunities at the time or not… 

On down the same page from where I pulled the last quote from The Master Key to Riches, Hill goes on to share this:

Riches may be attained by appointment only; by the choice of a definite purpose and a definite plan for achieving it; also by the selection of a definite starting point from which to take off.

But, let no one make the mistake of assuming that the habit of going the extra mile pays off only in terms of material riches. The habit definitely helps one to tap into the source of spiritual riches, and draw upon the source of every human need.

The decision to move on from where I had worked for my entire adult life indeed served as a starting point and see the impact I could have by helping others develop skills that would move them forward had grown into a definite purpose, but I can’t say that I had a clear plan in place yet then. Over the next several years, I worked in roles directly related to my previous job titles - but I became increasingly focused on providing resources for the people around me to become more effective leaders, in my full time gigs and in nearly every minute I was awake outside of those.

Reflecting on each step along the way, I can list specific opportunities we recognized that we likely never would have otherwise and I can think of dozens (if not hundreds) of people we’ve been able to develop relationships with who have helped us continue honing and working toward the achievement of our definite purpose. As Hill closes the chapter I’ve been referencing, he emphasizes this: “For it is obvious for all who accurately that no man ever attains a high degree of enduring success without the friendly co-operation of other; nor does any many ever attain enduring success with helping others.”

If a bank balance or income statement were the only scorecard we used to tell whether we were winning or losing, the time since Cindy and I left our full time jobs with comfortable salaries would have been all that pleasant. But as our definite purpose has become increasingly clear, and we’ve been able to see the direct impact the work we’ve done has had on others, it’s been much easier to capture more wins and learn from any loss. And each has been a result of the “friendly co-operation of others” and by intentionally helping others. Remaining consistent in this, though, has required us to be able to keep that definite purpose in front of us ALL THE TIME; through our mission, our vision, our values, and every action we take to achieve them - so we’ll pick up there soon!