EVERYDAY MENTOR

Andrew Gray

Hello Reader

Welcome again!

Today is a big newsletter day for me. You see, tomorrow I turn 50!!

Like everyone else who has ever reached such a milestone, I really can't believe it. In fact, I've spent the best part of the last 3 months in complete denial about it. Actually, I've found the anticipation of tomorrow a little unsettling to be honest.

However, I have made a decision. Today is the last day I am allowed to live in denial about it. First thing tomorrow morning I will shift to gratitude, acceptance, action and focus.

Milestones like these can sometimes force us to confront the 'big questions' of our life. I would like to take a moment to tackle one of those questions in today's article . . .

"Why Am I Here?"

This is a big, hairy, scary question for us to ask ourselves. Of course I'm not talking about the answer to where am I physically located, or where am I situationally.

I'm referring to something much larger . . . . The answer to the question "For what reason was I put on the planet?" and then of course in concert with that question is the complementary follow up "Am I fulfilling that purpose in some way?"

These are of course, VERY large concepts to grapple with.

In fact, it can be hard to even find the time to make a start on such a task.

Therefore I hope to simplify the process for you, so that you can discover and/or reinforce to yourself your own bespoke answer to this question.

Many years ago (perhaps 15-16) when I was still in my early 30's, I had a major epiphany about myself (who I was and my place in the world).

At this point in my life, I had experienced quite a lot regarding new skill sets, vocational learnings, career path etc.

I was becoming quite established in understanding my unique wiring as a person.

Then, on a particular day, I experienced a lightbulb moment that I will never be able to forget. I had just concluded a meeting with a staff member of mine, which had been especially fruitful in outcomes, and transformative for the colleague of mine, due to the clarity I was able to provide them in regards to challenges they were facing.

As they left the room, and without filter or intent, these words came audibly out of my mouth "That's it! I'm a coach. That's who I am"

Naturally I was shocked at my own 'outburst' and yet simultaneously liberated by this internal revelation bomb that had just detonated on the inside.

Clearly, I had been subconsciously endeavouring to grapple with this subject matter for some time, and for whatever reason today was the day when the conclusive evidence burst into reality in front of me.

I remember feeling utterly alive with energy and joy and purpose and hope and direction.

You see, for many years I had experienced other people telling me what they believed to be my primary strengths, gifts and therefore purpose in life.

And whilst most of their commentary had been vaguely harmonious to my internal frequency, something still wasn't quite pitch perfect in my own belief about who I was put on the planet to be . . . until my big epiphany day!

When I announced to myself that day that "I was a coach" it instantly painted a 4k, high resolution image around my self-view.

The corresponding language in my self-talk about my purpose was immediate and crystal clear;

"I'm here to encourage people"

"I help people to unravel knots in their thinking"

"I'm great at seeing situations clearly for other people"

"I want to be a coach"

This new found understanding began to shape everything I did in my career and relationships, and has been a Northstar compass guiding my decisions ever since. Intimate knowledge of my unique shape and reason has become the best filter for me to decide what I will, and will not commit my resources to. I live every day with an abiding sense of knowing that I am actively fulfilling the reason for why I am here. It brings tremendous joy and satisfaction to my soul.

What can you do to arrange a similar experience in your own life?

Start with one simple, powerful question;

"What single activity or output, that is good for others and good for me, makes me feel more alive and enthused than any other?"

Commence a search for the answer to this question and pursue it relentlessly. When you find it, do everything in your power to take at least one step in the direction of a life oriented around this singular purpose. If you will do this, so many other things in your life will begin to fall into their rightful place.

Your true purpose should make you feel alive, liberated, excited, needed, useful, joyful, creative, capable and empowered.

Knowing the answer to the question 'Why Am I Here?" might just be one of the greatest means to mitigate unwanted ailments in the soul.

You were created with unique purpose in mind, and that purpose, without doubt can be discovered.

Everyday Mentor Vision 2025

I have exciting growth plans for this newsletter in 2025, including;

An increasing presence on TikTok (follow link below)
An increasing presence on X (follow link below)
An increasing presence on Instagram (follow link below)
Launch of Everyday Mentor YouTube channel (subscribe link below)
Launch of new membership only opportunities designed to provide you with customised and strategic help with your Inner Life health goals