Chief's Blog

Find Your Purpose

Finding Your Purpose Matters

Job Hunting
July 27, 2024•2 min read

At first glance, it might not seem important to live your life with purpose. After all, so long as you get through the day and are reasonably happy or content, it's all good, right? Not really. Without purpose you're missing out.

What happens when you try to live your life without purpose?

Purpose Gives Drive

Purpose gets us going and makes us eager to start the day. Without purpose, you might feel your day is aimless to the point where there's no reason to try setting goals. Left unchecked, this can affect mood and even lead to depression. It's no wonder purpose is one of the most important things to drive us forward.

Purpose Builds Relationships

Purpose is one of those things that really brings people together. Having common interests and goals creates strong bonds. Without purpose, you might find it harder to connect to others, especially on a deeper level.

Purpose Gives Direction

Decisions can seem difficult sometimes when you have no purpose. When you’re not working toward a goal or interest, it's easy to waver or let others lead the way. But purpose means you weigh decisions against what's important to you, meaning you honor yourself. More importantly, you keep to your own set of values every time you're faced with a choice.

Purpose Gives Value

Without purpose, you might wonder whether you're making a difference. In contrast, purpose tells you that you're making a difference and adding something to the world with every action that honors this purpose.

Purpose Reduces the Need to Keep Up With Others

If you worry about what others are accomplishing, it's probably because you're unsure of your own purpose. With purpose, it becomes less important what those around you are doing because you're more interested in your own personal journey.

Purpose Reduces Stress

We experience stress most when things around us feel out of control. With purpose, you know your direction and have a pretty solid idea of what you need to do to get where you want to go. Even more important is how purpose helps you get back on track if you're sidelined for a crisis, giving you firm direction and control when things around you feel like they're out of your hands. This all reduces stress and helps you deal with challenges calmly and reasonably.

With purpose, your life changes for the better. It's no wonder taking the time to figure out what you're all about is crucial to a healthy and happy life. Take the time for yourself. You won't regret it.

Pat Turner is a retired chief fire officer. He proudly served for thirty years with the Santa Clara Fire Department in California. He advanced through the ranks to achieve the rank of Training Chief. He spent a considerable amount of time supervising the daily activities of Bravo Battalion and he successfully commanded a significant number of greater alarm fires during his career. Chief Turner maintains certification as an instructor through the State Fire Marshal’s Office of Education. He trains prospective fire officers in areas involving instruction, command, investigation and others. He has successfully completed an intensive upper level course of study and practical application of skills to earn his certification as a Master Instructor. He has taught many officer groups throughout the state. He graduated with honors from the Fire Technology program at Mission College in Santa Clara, CA.

Chief Pat Turner

Pat Turner is a retired chief fire officer. He proudly served for thirty years with the Santa Clara Fire Department in California. He advanced through the ranks to achieve the rank of Training Chief. He spent a considerable amount of time supervising the daily activities of Bravo Battalion and he successfully commanded a significant number of greater alarm fires during his career. Chief Turner maintains certification as an instructor through the State Fire Marshal’s Office of Education. He trains prospective fire officers in areas involving instruction, command, investigation and others. He has successfully completed an intensive upper level course of study and practical application of skills to earn his certification as a Master Instructor. He has taught many officer groups throughout the state. He graduated with honors from the Fire Technology program at Mission College in Santa Clara, CA.

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