Dooley Noted: 8/27/2015
Lately, an influx of people have gravitated to me, asking how they find their purpose.
Since I make my purpose very clear, it may seem as if it were always there.
It’s challenging to look at a successful, happy person and assume he or she was ever in your struggling boat.
But I was.
I struggled through most of my early 20s.
I knew I had much energy to give towards work. But I didn’t know how to ignite that flame towards a purpose.
So, I tried some things that caught my interest.
I found a profession that helped me when no one else could, so I devoted time to learning it.
That’s when I was required to take anatomy, a class that was challenging for me.
I hated the smell.
Working with deceased people freaked me out.
But the content was fascinating.
I knew to live a purposeful life, I needed to be fascinated. And if I could find a topic that forever fascinated me, then I could show the world how to come alive.
Dr. Ross Mattox was, at that time, my classmate and an anatomy tutor. He told his boss I’d make a great tutor.
I didn’t agree.
Anatomy was my worst board score.
He said I’d be great, and his boss was in need of help.
Students needed anatomy tutors. And I was fascinated by anatomy.
It didn’t matter that I wasn’t super knowledgable yet.
If I had the fascination, then I could fulfill the purpose.
I just had to turn my weaknesses into strength.
It’s now ten years since I tutored anatomy at my alma mater.
Dr. Mattox and I are still friends who motivate each other.
And I’m still working every day to learn more – and share more – about anatomy.
This is a purposeful life.
To my friends who are struggling to find purpose, please know it doesn’t appear from thin air.
Try things that pull you towards them.
Be fascinated.
Admit you have more to learn.
Turn weaknesses into strengths.
Let the fascination drive your purpose.
You’ll create your own path to a career that excites you and motivates you.
I’m living proof.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
