Life on Purpose: Six Passages to an Inspired Life

Dr. Brad Swift
Elite Books, Santa Rosa, Ca. (2007)
ISBN 1600700241
Reviewed by Patty Inglish for Reader Views (5/07)

There is a multitude of self-help books available today in bookstores, eBooks, and libraries, with new ideas published seemingly on a daily basis. At times, it appears that the public runs from book to book, hoping that the next new one will hold the “key to life,” only to be disappointed and dismayed that it did not. In America there are many backrooms and attics full of self-help books that, in fact, did not help.

Dr. Brad Swift has written more than a self-help book. He has mapped out six passages through the mire of daily life that pummels everyone, out into a purposeful, useful, rewarding lifestyle. Unlike the illusive “Northwest Passage,” “Life on Purpose: Six Passages to An Inspired Life” exists now and is a successful course through the larger landscape.

Founding the Life On Purpose Institute, Dr. Swift offers the six passages that make up the sections of his book:

1. Preparing for the Journey.
2. Starting on the Purposeful Path.
3. Uncovering What has Been Shaping Your Life.
4. Clarifying and Polishing Your True, divinely Inspired Purpose.
5. Learning the Tools for Living on Purpose
6. Mastering the Tools for Living on Purpose.

In addition to the six passages, the book contains more in its practical “Purposeful Toolbox”: Purpose Practices, Purpose Prayers, Purpose Places, Purpose Projects, Life Purpose Coaching, Purpose Pods, Purpose Partners and others for regular use.

Many people think and talk about “finding their purpose in life” or “finding themselves,” but Dr. Swift describes this process differently and puts a new perspective in place. Our purpose is not the job we were meant to do. Although we may all have a specific calling to do a job well-suited to us, thereby producing magnificent results, this is not our purpose. One’s purpose is at once more singular and more general. For example, Dr. Swift’s purpose is to "live an inspired and inspiring life of purposeful, passionate, and playful service; a life of mindful abundance balanced with simplicity; and a life of spiritual serenity." This purpose does not define a specific job, but it could be included in several positions including Buddhist monk, Franciscan brother, psychologist, mountaintop guru, musician, artist, comedian, librarian, circus performer, farmer, and many more, including Life On Purpose Institute’s job position of Life Coach. The concept of purpose recalls Patch Adams and his institute in West Virginia, at which patients are first asked what excites them about life. Our purpose, then, is exciting to us and goes beyond the job, although that can be part of it. Purpose in ourselves is that which brings joy to both ourselves and to others, through us.

In studying vocational and health psychology, I once stated that work should not be punishment, even though it is a necessity for most of us. By using Dr. Swift’s six passages and toolbox, I think that we can weave more joy into the workplace, even in work that we already enjoy doing. However, perhaps we need to change to another line of work. The six passages help us learn what our core values are, if we do not already know – and I think some people do not -- ask them what they would die for and they would probably say, “Nothing!” Life at all costs, even unhappy life. Not good. Our core values, a truly deep part of our character and personality, give us our larger overriding goals. These goals, then, help determine a life’s work that brings results and accompanying joy.

People successfully using the six passages have stated that the result was like the alignment of the universe for their own nurturance and reward. As they began fulfilling their individual purposes, good things began to happen for themselves and for others that they met and served. There may be a time to stand and fight in a job position, even when no results or poor results are the only results. However, when the fight passes a certain level of difficulty and becomes “too hard,” it may be time to turn toward another career direction, and the six passages can open onto the path to the most purposeful one of the best fit and results.

Along with Howard Gardner’s works on multiple intelligences theory since 1983, and the many books and other tools available to use in examining one’s vocational calling and skills, Dr. Swift’s book, “Life on Purpose,” should become part of any vocational or spiritual library.

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