Go Through the Motions on Purpose

Today’s blog post was inspired by a priest I follow on social media, Father Mike Schmitz. Stay with me…this has nothing to do with religion. He shared on a podcast, how sometimes we attend church and just go through the motions. We don’t actually worship on PURPOSE. 

So this really got me thinking about life in general.  Am I just going through the motions, or am I living my life on purpose? 

Every single day, we have to go through the motions, right?! We have to wake up, shower, eat, exercise, go to work, drive home, eat dinner, tend to our families, go to bed and then...start the whole thing all over again the next day.  Of course, it varies slightly based on each individual's life, but basically the same things have to be achieved in a day. 

What if, just what if, we actually did all those things on purpose instead of just going through the motions? What if you wake up in the morning creating a morning routine that brings you joy and accomplishes something meaningful? I believe that everything we do in the morning sets us up for the day we want to have.  I also know that life throws us curve balls throughout the day, and I can’t guarantee that everything you set out to do will happen the way you planned, but I can guarantee you will be better equipped to handle whatever does.  

Your Morning Routine on Purpose
Here’s what your morning would look like...

• Wake up with plenty of time to enjoy the start of your day
• Start each day in gratitude through prayer or mediation 
• Write down what you plan to accomplish
• Move your body for twenty minutes 
• Sing in the shower
• Eat something healthy

Your Job on Purpose
How could you do your job on purpose, instead of just going through the motions?

• Make a conscious effort to be the best you can be by taking the steps necessary to enjoy being there. 
  • While driving into work, listen to uplifting music.
  • Be friendly and generous to your co-workers. 
  • Walk during lunch with a co-worker while getting exercise at the same time.  30% of your day is spent with your co-workers, get to know them and build relationships.
  • Look for opportunities to stand out and get ahead.  

Love on Purpose
Do you love on purpose? Do you look for ways on purpose to show the people you care about how much they mean to you? Simon Sinek, motivational speaker and author, was speaking on this same topic when he asked the audience this question, “Why does your spouse or partner love you? Is it because one time you went on a date to dinner and a movie?" He said not even close...”It’s not one thing you do one time, but it’s what you do every day.”  

70% of our happiness comes from our relationships with the people who mean the most to us, so why wouldn’t you make a conscious effort to love them on purpose and not just go through the motions?

• Say I love you daily.
• Hug them regularly.
• Offer to help them any chance you can. 
• Surprise them.
• Be a good listener.
• Be there for them when they need you the most.
• Be positive. 
• Take every opportunity to make their life better.  

Can you now see, how going through the motions on purpose, can make all the difference in your happiness? We all have to go through the motions of life so why wouldn’t you want to go through each day on purpose? 

On my journey to love what’s next, I found it’s so much more fulfilling to live my life this way and because of it, I am happier and full of joy; being present, at peace and having purpose. I also believe the people in my life are happier too!  

Do you have an example where going through the motions on purpose could or has changed your life? Please share in the comments below.