By Linda Culotta, Mortgage Loan Officer
New Construction/Renovation Loan Specialist
The definition of the word “purpose” according to Dictionary.com is 1.“It is the reason which something exists or is done made,
used, etc. 2. An intended or desired result; end; aim; goal. 3. Determination, resoluteness. 4. The subject in hand; the point at issue. 5. Practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose.”
One of the 9 Blue Zones Power of 9 according to the Blue Zones discoveries by Dan Buettner, is the importance of having a purpose in your life. Know your purpose. Have a reason for waking up in the morning. Also, according to this important power of longevity of life, it has been stated The Okinawans call it “lidgal” and the Nicoyans call it “plan de vida” for both it translates to “why I wake up in the morning”. Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven, yes that is what has been documented, up to 7 years of extra life expectancy.
Where do you start with deciding your destination for your purpose? Ask yourself what you love to do, what are your gifts, passions and values? From there, you can begin your journey. Whether you decide to recreate your talents you have from your past career or you decide it is time for a change and you would like to take a risk with creating a purpose based on a new path, this will be an enjoyable and fulfilling time for you. I was fortunate to find my purpose and applied my passion to help others by assisting the
personal financing needed by home buyers. By doing so, I opened the door to so many new clients who are now friends and grew a strong business simultaneously. In my personal life, I have made it a habit to work out physically at my fitness center each and every morning the moment I awake. This has given me a purpose to keep a strong, healthy body and mind. There is information based on the flyer from Blue Zones Project by Healthways. Why Purpose Matters, People with purpose live longer and are happier and more productive. The Inventure Group Founder, Richard Leider published in his best-selling book, “Repacking your Bags,” proves there is a connection between purpose and a person’s health, happiness and contentment. Leider asked retirees over age 65, “If given the opportunity to live life over, what would you do differently?”
The majority of respondents said they would:
1. Hit the “pause button” to reflect on their lives to make the most of the time they had.
2. Take more risks to pursue their dreams and life priorities.
3. Find their purpose earlier in life.
Learn more or find a Purpose Workshop at bluezonseproject.com.
Some of the examples of businesses started by people who found a purpose and recreated themselves are:
1. Home Watch
2. Handy Man
3. Construction
4. Technology
5. Security
6. Caregiving
7. Auto Repair
8. Home Cleaning
9. Golf Lessons
10. Tennis Lessons
11. Tudors
12. Travel Agency
13. Project Management
14. Landscaping
15. Dance Lessons
16. Yoga Lessons
17. Financial Advisor
If your passion is to become a volunteer, you will find in the Gulf Shore Life Magazine in September, 2017, the best place for you to search for your options as the magazine lists 320 different causes looking for volunteers, activities, money, etc. This could be your resource to find your purpose.
Also, if you have found your purpose and would like to share it with me @ linda.culotta@lmcu.org, please feel free to email the information to me, I would love to hear from you!
About the author:
Linda Culotta is a mortgage loan originator with Lake Michigan Credit Union of Florida’s Collier branch, and is committed to improving the financial wellbeing of her clients. For more information about LMCU-Florida’s involvement with the Blue Zones Project®, or for questions concerning mortgage financing and lending products, contact Linda at (239) 908-5860. Or send her an email – linda.culotta@lmcu.org.