As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day in the United States, it's a good time to reflect on the value of purpose. We passionately make the point in both Juggling Elephants and in our presentations based on the book that we need to base our actions on purpose. And the Founding Fathers of the United States definitely worked from the perspective of purpose.
The signers of the Declaration of Independence knew they were risking much when they created and signed the document declaring independence from Great Britain. Many were wealthy landowners who knew they would lose their property and money by standing up for freedom. They could lose their lives and the lives of their family members could also be in jeopardy because they stood up for this "soon to be" new nation.
As is often the case with purpose, however, they knew their actions could result in a better life for all people-and 233 years later-we live in the greatest country in the world. One of the most rewarding benefits of acting with purpose is that the impact lives on long after we do.
What about your purpose? Few of us face the risks of our Founding Fathers as we live out our lives. In fact, we can thank them for making it easier for us to live out our purpose. May we never take our freedoms for granted, and may we live lives of purpose that make the world a better place for future generations.
America lives in the heart of every man everywhere who wishes to find a region where he will be free to work out his destiny as he chooses.
-Woodrow Wilson
Monday, May 30, 2011 at 06:30AM