D.O.S.E. is all about having vision, making it happen, and then reaping its reward.
The reward is energy, and a sense of purpose.
Writing down everything is a large part of gaining clarity for how to apply D.O.S.E. in your life. And it should all be tied to vision.
In my last post I stressed how important it is to think through why you exist and then write it down in a simple purpose statement.
Here’s an example of how I’ve formulated my purpose statement:
I exist to know God, and to make Him known.
I will do this in the following ways…
- Give myself to the worship of God in my daily devotion to Christ, growing in my knowledge of Him through His word and prayer
- Grow in my knowledge of God through education, both formally in school and informally in my day-to-day life as a lifelong learner
- Make God known to my wife and children each day in practical ways
- Make God known to my family and friends through a lifestyle of generous, financial stewardship
- Make God known to the people of the local church where I serve
- Make God known through my music
- Make God known through my website and blog
- Make God known to my neighbors and people in my city
Of course the details get fleshed out in another place. Much more could specifically be said. But a good purpose statement is clear and concise. Also remember this is mine. It’s not yours. You need to do your own. One that reflects who you are.
As a Christian pastor I’m certainly stoked about Theology (the study of God). And even that would look unique to who I am. I’m married. I love to write and create music. I’m a student. I enjoy blogging. Those are all parts of who I am – the how flowing from the why.
Don’t forget this all about getting motivated for the “D” in D.O.S.E. – Discipline. But we need focus and clarity in our lives to stay disciplined for the long haul.
Once you’ve done a purpose statement I would then suggest creating a Personal Growth Plan. Before moving on to the next post in D.O.S.E., I’ve invited my coach and friend Jim Reklis to do a few posts on how to put together a Personal Growth Plan for your life. He has greatly helped me in this area.
Life is not a sprint, but a marathon. It’s the focus and clarity of your vision that will help fuel the discipline needed to see change happen in the world around you.
Your personal growth is where it starts…