Today is the fifth day of Kwanzaa–Nia, which, in Swahili, means “Purpose.” I’ll admit I’m not very familiar with Kwanzaa, but the “happy holidays” controversy got me curious about other celebrations going on around me besides Christmas, so I read a bit about it. Without going into great detail, each day of Kwanzaa has a principle on which to meditate and act upon.
It’s appropriate that today, just two days before a new year, has been designated as Purpose Day. The meaning of the verb form of purpose is to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself; to resolve. For Kwanzaa, Purpose Day involves community purpose as well as self:
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
My personal purpose day involves completing my resolution plan of attack, so, in effect, I’ll be joining in with others who spend the day focusing on their purpose. And focusing on our purpose is key as we ponder our goals for the coming year.
For us to be successful, every day will be purpose day because each daily task should lead toward an ultimate result. Without that end in mind, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to stay motivated and implement the day-to-day habits that will be required to attain our goals.
For example, if my goal is to lose weight, my daily routine must include healthy eating and exercise. If I’m not reminded daily of my purpose–goal, intent, resolve–behind these changes of habit, it will be all too easy to slip back into my comfort zone and continue making the same poor choices that got me to this size in the first place.
In the past, I’ve blogged several series–one on non-fiction writing, another on perking up prose, etc., and I’ve been contemplating what should be my next blog series. Today I’ve decided. I once conducted a workshop called “Design Your Own Luck,” which is essentially a goal-setting series. I began compiling those notes into what will hopefully someday become a book. I’ll post the overview tomorrow, and then, Lord willing, on New Year’s Day, we’ll get going on the series.
Spend a little time today considering your purpose. Ask God what His purpose for you is.
Have a blessed day!
