One of my major precursors for all training is to develop a definite purpose for that training. Whether it is to heal an injury, learn a skill, or change a habit, a purpose is what brings you back to the path.

If you are aware of where you would like your path to lead, or better yet, the views you would like to have from your path (goals), then I recommend asking yourself the question, “Why”, until you can’t answer it anymore. When you get to an internal motivation, rather than some material or external factor, congratulations, you have found a purpose. For instance, if you love to play music, do you love to play so that people will clap for your performances, buy tickets and albums, or do you just live and breathe to feel at one with your music, your listeners, your instrument? Money is great, but we see where that leads. Needing the esteem given by adoring fans is great too, but what happens when you don’t receive it? Gelling with the music is most likely what motivates all of the great performers who achieve longevity.

There are plenty of times in our lives when we are faced with a challenge or a conflict, and our purpose can be the fuel for our victory. Example. I injured myself at work almost three weeks ago. I have considerable pain in my shoulder. Today, my orthopedic Doc told me that I have a partially torn rotator cuff, and that I need a few weeks of physical therapy to see if we can get me back together again. Having gone through shoulder surgery before, I know that rehab is worse than the injury. It’s just a rough spot to have a pain point.

My motivation for working a very painful shoulder right now is near minimal. It hurts, I’m pissed, and I don’t feel like aggravating it further. However, my purpose is to enjoy flying jets, and to enjoy helping people learn conflict and safety skills. I love to do that, and getting to work with people on these things is my motivation. So, it looks like I have a new path to go down to get to where I want to go.

So, how do I translate this to my “path” thinking? Easy. Every night, and every morning, I spend a little time being mindful of my purpose, and building my path to my purpose through rehabilitating my shoulder. I visualize the tendons healing, the miraculous socket that allows all of our ranges of motion in our arms coming together and strengthening. I view the pain of motion as temporary, and the completion of every repetition as strengthening my new arm.

I did not want this view from my path, but by focusing on the lessons this vista has provided, I know I can get back on track and move toward higher ground. By doing this kind of roadwork, by digging into the purpose when something has set us back, we move ourselves to a much more resilient set of associations when bad things happen.

How would you like to take your setbacks? Do you want to feel devastated and hopeless, or would you rather have a renewed energy for your days ahead. Dig to your purpose, and plot your path. It will make all of your life a bit more of an adventure.