Purpose is Already Here

We spend so much time looking ahead.

Planning what’s next. Setting goals. Thinking about who we want to become. Trying to figure out our calling and wondering if we are doing enough with our lives.

There is nothing wrong with looking ahead. I love a good plan probably more than most people. But sometimes we get so busy looking for our purpose somewhere out there that we miss the purpose already happening right here.

You don’t have to wait for a future version of your life to live with purpose.

You can begin where you are.

Not next month. Not when life settles down. Not even tomorrow.

Right now.

That’s what we’re exploring together throughout September with 30 Days Toward Purpose. We’re paying attention to the life God has already given us while learning to trust Him with the parts we can’t see yet.

Start With What’s Already Here

Write down three roles, relationships, or places God has entrusted to you in this season.

Maybe you’re a leader, wife, mom, friend, volunteer, neighbor, coworker, mentor, daughter, business owner, caregiver, or something completely different.

Then ask yourself:

What does purpose mean to me?

Write down your current definition without trying to make it sound impressive. There is no right answer here. Just be honest.

Then start looking for evidence that purpose is already showing up in your everyday life.

Don't Underestimate the Ordinary

Think of one ordinary thing you do that makes someone else's life a little better.

Maybe you greet someone every morning. Remember someone's birthday. Check on a coworker. Answer the phone with kindness. Make coffee for your spouse. Encourage an employee who is having a hard day.

Those things can feel incredibly small.

But small doesn't mean insignificant.

When I lived in Japan, I walked to the train station every morning for work. Along the way, I passed a group of my neighbors who gathered each morning for their daily calisthenics. We always exchanged greetings as I walked by, and I thought they were absolutely adorable.

Then the earthquake happened in March 2011.

It took a couple of days for the trains to begin running again, so I wasn't making my normal walk to the station.

Those sweet neighbors noticed.

They came to check on me because they hadn't seen me walk by that morning and wanted to make sure I was okay.

I had no idea my ordinary morning hello had become part of their day. I didn't realize they were paying attention to whether I was there.

Sometimes we don't know the impact of our presence until something interrupts the ordinary.

Don't underestimate the small ways you show up in other people's lives. There may already be purpose there that you haven't learned to recognize yet.

Follow the Energy

Another clue is paying attention to what naturally engages you.

What activities make you lose track of time? What conversations light you up? What kinds of problems do you enjoy solving? Who brings out the best in you? What work leaves you feeling energized instead of completely depleted?

You don't have to turn every answer into a career change or a giant life decision.

Just notice.

Those patterns can teach you something about yourself.

If this is something you want to explore more, I have a free mini-course on Energy & Engagement that can help you dig a little deeper.

Keep Track of the Small Wins

At the end of each week, write down three ways you made a difference.

Even if nobody applauded.

Even if it wasn't part of a big goal.

Even if it was simply making someone's day a little easier.

Don't wait until December to decide whether the year mattered. You'll forget so many of the little moments that made it meaningful.

Small wins have a way of adding up.

So here's your question to carry with you this week:

Where did I see purpose hiding in ordinary life this week?

Growing Good

September is Self-Improvement Month, which makes this a great time to choose one habit that supports the person you're becoming.

Not ten habits. One.

What small practice would help you become a little more like the person you want to carry into 2027?

You don't have to wait until January 1 to begin. Starting now gives you four months to practice, adjust, learn, and build momentum before the new year ever arrives.

September 12 is the National Day of Encouragement, so here's another little challenge for you:

Send someone a card.

A real card. In the actual mail. With a stamp and everything. 😉

Tell them what they mean to you. Tell them something you appreciate about them. Give them a little joy when they open their mailbox.

That's purpose in the ordinary, too.

Rachel Recommends

My new L'ange blow dryer

My blow dryer of 15 years finally died about 10 days ago. I feel like we should probably take a moment to appreciate its years of faithful service.

I decided to jump on the L'ange bandwagon, and now I understand the hype. My new blow dryer is super lightweight and powerful, and I'm drying my hair in about half the time. I also scored a few new styling products at a discount, which made trying something new even more fun.

FabFitFun

I love trying new products. I do not love paying full price just to find out whether I like them.

That's why my quarterly FabFitFun box is one of my favorite little splurges. I can customize what goes inside, choose to be surprised, and add other products I've been wanting to try at discounted prices.

And I have five free starter boxes to give away!

The first five people who reach out via email and tell me they want one will get a free starter box!

A Couple of Freebies for You

For my multifamily friends:
October will be here before we know it! I've put together some fun resident service and activity ideas to help you plan ahead, plus a bonus idea you can still use in September.

For anyone who needs help noticing the wins:
Grab my free Look How Far You've Come Reflection Guide.

You have probably accomplished more, grown more, helped more people, and made more progress than you remember.

Sometimes we just need to stop long enough to notice it.

One Last Thought

You are here for a purpose.

You were created for a purpose.

And you don't have to wait until you have the perfect job, the next opportunity, a bigger platform, a clearer calling, or some future version of your life to start living it.

Purpose is already here.

It may be in the work in front of you.

The people around you.

The problem you helped solve.

The encouragement you offered.

Or even the simple hello someone would miss if you weren't there.

Pay attention this week.

You might be surprised by how much purpose has been hiding in the ordinary all along.