Society and family push us to study, excel, graduate, get good jobs, and then get married, have children and be happy. But in whatever we do, are we fulfilling our life’s purpose?

Last week was one of the best moments in my life. I  got a chance to attend a retreat known as the "History Makers”. Saying was blessed is an understatement. There I was, with a group of friends, sparing some time away from the noise, distractions, work and sleep. The retreat that lasted for three days left a mark in my life, how I wished I was given back my past years to use them for something useful. 

One thing I know for sure, is that each of us was created for a specific purpose, and servanthood is one of them. One of the lectures focused on using our gifts, resources, and abilities to serve others.

As he stood in front of us, pastor Hassan Kibirango, who was taking us through the training, asked a question that left the room silent for a while. He asked, "If you died today, what will people remember you for?”

It clicked that I still have a long way to go, I hadn’t utilised my abilities to the maximum for the good of others. Well, that night still lingers in my mind. He then gave us an assignment where each of us was to write their obituary. I recall I spent about five minutes hesitant to write mine down because I was scared of death, it seemed as though my time had really ended.

But then, it opened my eyes wider and I evaluated myself. Somehow, everything seemed real. I wrote my death notice, explaining the cause of my death, burial, the people who would attend, and what family and friends would remember me for. The night of November 28, will remain in my books as the day I decided to make a change in my life. 

Trust me, it wasn’t an easy assignment, but it communicated that there is still a lot to do, I have to leave a legacy behind. I don’t want people to find it hard to speak at my burial for lack of what to say about me.

While in the retreat, we were also asked to also jot down some of the things we want to achieve. But I realised that until I left some habits behind, I wouldn’t fulfill my purpose. 

Some of these include procrastination, failure to have a written plan and following it, and spending much of my time on things that are not useful especially social media, movies and so forth. So moving forward, I have developed a plan that I must follow from the time I wake up, to the time I sleep. That way, I can monitor the day’s activities. 

It is amazing knowing that you know exactly what to do and when and it even saves you from wasting your time on things that actually don’t value you. I am putting off connections and people that are keeping me stagnant. I have noticed that if I don’t share some values with someone, I am just there dragging myself in that friendship and I don’t want to be that person. 

Give me just a few years, you will see how far God is yet to lift me. Now that I know what I want to do and how I will do it, let’s start this already. For every goal achieved, I am expected to offer myself some treats. 

Goals can only be effective if broken down into daily, short-term and long-term goals. But it’s also necessary to have someone to hold you accountable. 

I don’t know what you have been procrastinating, is it a Master’s degree, starting your company or initiative, whatever it is, use your wisdom, talents, expertise, to give hope, skills, support to others. Don’t leave stones unturned. 

Our support is what matters, there are many financial hardships, divorce, domestic abuse, and many other issues that torment communities. We could become that spark of inspiration that helps someone move their life in the right direction. When we perform a good deed, we influence the people around us.

Perhaps, being useful in people’s lives uplifts one’s mood thus reducing any feelings of anxiety and depression. When you notice that your existence revolves around pleasing yourself alone, then there is a problem as that’s a path to unhappiness and a lack of meaning.