The Cruise I Never Took: But I Find My Compass
The Cruise I Never Took
Three months ago, I was faced with a choice: a week of sun, sand, and bottomless buffets on a Caribbean cruise with my husband, or twelve weeks of deep, sometimes uncomfortable, introspection. Most people would have taken the boat. I chose the classroom. And while I didn’t come back with a tan, I returned with something far more permanent: a compass for the rest my life.
Trading a Cruise for a Course
A Deeper Yearning is Calling
We often spend our lives “architecting” the outside: our careers, our homes, our next vacation, hoping that if we get the scenery right, we’ll finally feel fulfilled. But even with decades of experience and a full toolbox, many of us still hit walls where we ask the same six existential questions:
1. Who am I?
2. What should I do with my life?
3. Where do I belong?
4. How can I be happy?
5. How do I make the right choices?
6. What is the point of striving when life is so short?
Six Existential Questions in Life
We check the boxes, but something deep down is lacking depth. We feel the “drift”. We have the success by external measures, yet we remained internally unanchored. We find ourselves searching for the why behind the what.
Answers Are Rich
I recently completed the Meaning & Purpose Life Trainer Certification. For twelve weeks, I sat with 29 participants from 12 different countries, guided by two expert professors: Mike Steger and Kiko Kislansky. We didn’t just talk about “feeling good”; we moved beyond theoretical limbo and dismantled the science of meaning, purpose, and human flourishing.
I walked away with a rigorous new framework for living my life:
The 3 Dimensions and 5 Levels of Meaning: Learning that purpose isn’t a single destination, but a multi-layered practice. Meaning is not only accessible during the good times. Even in challenging life situations or setbacks such as job loss, we can still find meaning in suffering.
The Personal Purpose Canvas: I mapped out my Internal Grounding (talents passions, and purpose) and aligned them with my External Connections (visons, message, and legacy). With this tool, we can design a life that stays true to who we are.
A New Toolbox: I now have a comprehensive package of methodologies that I’m integrating into my keynote speeches, YouTube videos, and workshops. I took the opportunity to use the tools to evaluate my current life purpose statement. I upgraded my previous statement to version 3.0. You can see the progression from version 1.0 to version 3.0 below.
Joyce Li_LIfe Purpose Statement version 1.0 to 3.0
Worth It or Not?
The trade-off was worth it. Instead of a week of memories and leisure, I gained a global community of 30+ purpose-driven leaders and, more importantly, total clarity on my path forward. I’m no longer navigating and meandering toward my mission; I’m living my life purpose with vigor and intention.
Call to Action
Meaning isn’t something you find under a palm tree; it’s something you cultivate through action. Are you ready to stop drifting and start crafting your own message and legacy?
If you are ready to move beyond theoretical limbo, I’ve built a structured space to help you do exactly that. It's called the Purpose Alignment Lab (PAL) — a 7-week journey to architect your own Harvest Career Portfolio.
Click here to see if the next cohort is the right “trade-off” for your own growth.
Let’s connect in the comments: What is one “trade-off” you’ve made recently to invest in your own growth?
