Discover Your Shared Purpose for Better Relationships
Human beings are social creatures, and relationships are a crucial part of our lives. Relationships can vary from romantic relationships to professional relationships, family relationships, and friendships. Despite the type of relationship, success is determined by the presence of a shared purpose between people.
A shared purpose refers to a common objective or goal that two or more individuals strive to achieve together. It gives direction, motivation, and focus to the relationship. People who discover their shared purpose not only strengthen their bond but also accomplish their goals much faster than if they had worked alone. In this article, we will delve into the significance of shared purpose in relationships and how to discover it.
The Importance of Shared Purpose in Relationships:
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Provides direction:
When people share a purpose, they are aware of the direction they are headed and what is required to get there. It acts as a guide and assists people in prioritizing their actions. For instance, in a romantic relationship, if both partners have the shared purpose of building a family, they will focus on saving money, planning their future, and creating a stable environment for their children. If they do not have a shared purpose, they might end up spending money on things that do not align with their long-term objectives.
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Builds trust and commitment:
When people share a purpose, they need to trust one another. They must believe that the other person is committed to the same goal and will work towards it. This fosters trust and commitment, which are the foundations of a strong relationship. For example, in a professional relationship, if two co-workers share the purpose of successfully completing a project, they will have to trust each other to complete their parts on time and support each other when required.
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Enhances communication:
When people share a purpose, they communicate better and are more likely to listen actively and understand each other’s viewpoints. This is because they recognize that they must come to a common understanding to achieve their shared purpose. For example, in family relationships, if the parents have the shared purpose of raising responsible children, they will communicate better about parenting strategies and come to a common understanding about what is best for their children.
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Increases motivation:
When people share a purpose, they are more motivated to accomplish it. They believe that they are part of something bigger than themselves, and their efforts matter. They are also more likely to overcome obstacles and setbacks because they know their hard work will lead to something meaningful. For example, in a friendship, if two friends share the purpose of running a marathon, they will motivate each other to train harder and push themselves to meet their goal.
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Creates a sense of belonging:
When people share a purpose, they feel that they belong to a community of like-minded individuals. This enhances their sense of belonging and assists them in building a stronger identity. This is because they share a vision and feel that they are part of something more significant than themselves. For example, in a volunteer group, if all the members have the shared purpose of helping underprivileged children, they will feel that they belong to a community that is making a difference in the world.
How to Discover Your Shared Purpose for Better Relationships:
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Identify your individual values:
The first step to discovering your shared purpose is to identify your individual values. This is because your values shape your beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Your values are what you consider important in life. For example, if you value honesty, you will prioritize telling the truth in your relationships. If you value adventure, you will be more open to trying new things.
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Identify your partner’s values:
The next step is to identify your partner’s values. This is essential because your shared purpose needs to align with your partner’s values. If your partner values stability and routine, and you value spontaneity and adventure, it might be difficult to find a shared purpose that aligns with both of your values. Therefore, it is crucial to have an open and honest conversation about each other’s values.
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Discuss your goals:
Once you have identified your individual values, the next step is to discuss your goals. This is where you explore what you want to achieve in your relationship. Be specific and realistic about your goals. For example, in a romantic relationship, your goal might be to buy a house or start a family. If you are in a professional relationship, your goal might be to complete a project successfully.
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Find common ground:
After you have discussed your individual goals, the next step is to find common ground. This is where you explore areas where your goals overlap. For example, if you and your partner both value adventure, you might find a shared purpose in going on a trip together. If you and your co-workers both want to complete a project successfully, you might find a shared purpose in working together and supporting each other.
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Create a shared purpose statement:
Once you have found common ground, the next step is to create a shared purpose statement. The statement should be a clear and concise summary of your shared purpose. For example, if you and your partner share the purpose of building a family, your shared purpose statement might be “We are committed to creating a loving and stable home for our children.” If you and your co-workers share the purpose of completing a project, your shared purpose statement might be “We are committed to delivering a high-quality project on time and within budget.”
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Keep your shared purpose in mind:
Once you have created your shared purpose statement, the final step is to keep your shared purpose in mind. This means that you need to ensure that your daily actions align with your shared purpose. This is where your shared purpose becomes your guide, and you need to remind yourself of it constantly. This will help you stay focused, motivated, and committed to achieving it.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, discovering your shared purpose is essential for building better relationships. It provides direction, builds trust and commitment, enhances communication, increases motivation, and creates a sense of belonging. To discover your shared purpose, you need to identify your individual values, identify your partner’s values, discuss your goals, find common ground, create a shared purpose statement, and keep your shared purpose in mind. When you discover and work towards your shared purpose, you strengthen your bond, achieve your goals, and create a fulfilling and meaningful relationship.