Written by Joanne Bonami, Psychotherapist
Joanne Bonami is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist at Live Purposely™, a private practice based in Florida.
To live purposefully, you must commit to ongoing education because it is how you continue growing, adapting, and understanding the world more deeply. Education is not just about formal schooling or reading textbooks; it extends into all areas of life, including emotional, intellectual, social, and even spiritual growth. It helps you discover your values, goals, and what truly matters to you. I know this because I have lived it.
What do I mean by education?
Reading
Yes, reading books, articles, and other forms of media can be a significant part of this process. It broadens your perspective, introduces new ideas, and provides tools to better understand yourself and others.
Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is essential. It involves understanding and managing your emotions, developing empathy, and forming meaningful connections with others. Education in emotional intelligence helps you navigate relationships, handle setbacks, and explore your emotional landscape effectively.
Looking within
Self-reflection is the most powerful form of education. When you pause to look inward, you develop self-awareness and gain a deeper understanding of your desires, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. This process helps you align your actions with your values and your purpose.
Does the need for education ever stop?
The answer is no. Education is a lifelong journey. In an article in the Harvard Business Review, the benefits of lifelong learning are clearly outlined. Yes, learning has financial benefits, but some claim that education can even increase longevity. The author writes, "Our capacity for learning is a cornerstone of human flourishing and motivation… even if education had no impact on health, prosperity, or social standing, it would be entirely worthwhile as an expression of what makes every person so special and unique."
So, where do you start? A resource that has resonated with me is Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book has significantly influenced how I approach learning and personal development. It focuses on the power of small, consistent habits and how they can lead to meaningful, long-term change.
Clear's insights on habit formation align perfectly with the idea of staying curious and open to learning, even as the world around us evolves. The book helped me realize that growth does not need to happen all at once; instead, it is the small, steady improvements we make every day that add up over time. This is especially true as new challenges and experiences arise throughout life. The world also continues to evolve, so staying curious and open to learning helps you keep up with these shifts—whether in knowledge, emotional growth, or personal development.
Ask yourself: "What do I truly want to learn about myself and the world around me?" This broad question could get you thinking about everything from career goals to personal growth to emotional health. Another powerful question might be: "How can I live in alignment with my values and contribute to the world meaningfully?" This helps focus the learning process on purpose and impact. These are questions you can ask yourself repeatedly, and you may be fascinated by how your answers change over time.
How do you maintain your learning journey?
Make consistent efforts: Build daily habits that support your purpose.
Be flexible: Accept change and adapt your path while staying true to your values.
Remember your reasons, your "Why": Regularly remind yourself why you started this journey and the impact you want to make.
Build resilience: Prepare for setbacks and see challenges as opportunities to grow.
Celebrate achievements: Recognize both big and small accomplishments to reinforce your commitment.
Check your progress: Review your journey often to see how far you've come and to stay motivated.
Take care of yourself: Regularly check in with yourself to maintain balance and stay true to your purpose.
There are times when you may lose motivation. Living life purposefully isn't easy. Define your purpose and start with small actions aligning with your values to build momentum and confidence. But also remember to find joy in learning and exploration. The world is full of inspiration, and being able to see it is reward enough for choosing this path.
Why I educate myself to help others
I have been working with clients for decades now and know that I constantly need to ask myself, "What else can I learn to bring to them? What can I learn about myself to help them?" My career is dynamic; I don't stand still but am constantly learning, thinking, and developing to live my own life purposefully and to help my clients do so. It requires a conscious decision to engage and keep engaging.
In my journey to purpose, I learned the following
The importance of living with purpose before assisting others
Living with a clear sense of purpose is essential not only for personal fulfillment but also for effectively helping those around us. When we understand our goals and values, we can offer genuine support to others in their journeys.
You can't inspire purpose in others until you live it yourself
To truly inspire others to find and pursue their purpose, we must embody that principle ourselves. Our actions and enthusiasm for our purpose serve as powerful examples, motivating others to strive for meaningful lives.
The connection between my purpose and helping others discover theirs
My personal journey toward discovering my purpose has equipped me with insights and experiences that allow me to guide others. This connection is vital; by reflecting on my challenges and successes, I can better relate to those seeking their paths.
I can't show others the way until I walk it myself
Authenticity is crucial when supporting others. I must first navigate my path and confront my struggles. Only by walking the path of purpose can I genuinely assist others in finding theirs, offering relatable advice grounded in real experience.
Why helping others live purposefully begins with my journey
The journey toward a purposeful life is deeply personal, yet it has a ripple effect. By committing to my growth and understanding my life's purpose, I lay the groundwork for helping others realize the importance of their journeys. My experiences can illuminate their paths and encourage them to pursue lives filled with meaning.
I can stand before others now and say that I have the tools to live my life purposefully, but I will also readily talk about how I am still learning and have found huge solace and joy in that. Learning, and sharing that learning, has become integral to my journey. As I guide more people, their experiences also educate me. It's a beautiful and enriching process that will be my legacy.
Read more from Joanne Bonami
Joanne Bonami, Psychotherapist
Joanne Bonami knew from a young age that she wanted to help people. A kind, warm, and empathetic therapist, she gently guides her clients to where they feel they are achieving their life’s purpose. Joanne was born in Haiti and now lives in Florida. She has 15 years of experience and is passionate about helping people recognize their dreams and achieve their full potential to feel gratified and content. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, Joanne combines her training in psychotherapy, coaching, and consultation and, in a full and varied career, has helped hundreds of people live purposely.
