Who doesn’t like a freshly brewed cup of hot tea? I must have been around 10 years old when my mother allowed me to taste tea for the first time. Since then I have been hooked to this brew, which is the most popular drink the world over. One of the big brands introduced a new variety of tea several years ago. It soon became my favorite, mainly because of its distinct aroma. An old advertisement for this tea still remains fresh in my memory. A college boy brings his friends home. His mother offers to make tea for them. One of them declines, indicating that he did not drink tea. As the tea is prepared, an irresistible aroma wafts into the living room. As the tea is served, the boy now regrets his decision and longs for a sip.
Over the years there were subtle changes in the taste and aroma of my favorite brew. Slowly but steadily, the aroma seemed to lose in favour of strength. I gave up my brand loyalty and started searching for that aroma in other brands, but in vain. I have tried several experiments in my process of making tea, but the irresistible aroma continues to elude me. Recently I decided to go back to my favorite brand, hoping that the magic would return.
How many times have we faced such a situation in our day to day life? We start doing things with great enthusiasm, but lose steam as time progresses. Like my favorite brand of tea, we seem to lose our focus, thereby diluting our resolve to achieve our goals. The distinct quality of my tea was the irresistible aroma – that was its brand identity. Trying to make the tea stronger by changing its composition and thereby sacrificing aroma was a mistake. Similarly, when we dilute our purpose or mission, we end up losing out on the meaning in our life.
So what should we do to get the aroma back into our life? Most people tend to be so paranoid about finding their purpose, that the exercise turns out to be counter-productive. Another challenge is that most people change their purpose as they come across new experiences, develop new skills and meet new people. So where do we start? Answer these 5 questions and see for yourself in which direction they take you.
What do you love to do in your free time?
What is it that you would like to do more?
What kind of problems do you like to solve?
What is it that people keep coming to you for help with?
What is it that you are keen to learn?
Are you able to get that sweet spot which is the intersection of all the answers to the above questions? If yes, then congratulations – you have been able to get your purpose! If not, there is no need to beat yourself up. As long as you are enjoying what you are doing and letting these questions guide your way, you stand a good chance of bringing the aroma back into your life.^
^If you feel the need to get back the aroma in your life, contact a Life Coach who can guide you in your journey.