What does it mean to truly live with purpose?
This is a question I find myself coming back to again and again — not just as a coach, but as someone who's committed to living a life that matters. And today, I want to share something that's been weighing on my heart, a powerful truth that has the potential to transform how you approach every single day.
It's found in Romans 12:1-2 :
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
This is a blueprint for living with intention, momentum, and meaning that applies to every area of your life, regardless of where you are on your journey.
Let's start with this powerful concept: you are a living sacrifice .
What does that mean?
It means that how you live says something . It speaks volumes about who you are, what you value, and where you're going. Your life — the way you show up each day, the choices you make, the people you serve — is a reflection of your deepest beliefs and commitments.
And here's the thing: when you set something up that is bigger than yourself to live for, it creates a gravitational pull that moves you forward — even when life gets hard. Especially when life gets hard.
Purpose isn't just a nice-to-have. Purpose is the fuel that keeps you moving when motivation fades, when obstacles appear, when doubt creeps in. It's what pulls you out of bed on the tough mornings. It's what keeps you going when everyone else has given up.
Think about the people you admire most. The ones who inspire you. What do they have in common? They're living for something. They have a mission, a calling, a reason that transcends their own comfort and convenience.
That's what it means to be a living sacrifice — to dedicate your life to something greater than yourself.
Now, let me get practical with you.
I've talked before about the 10 arenas of life , and I believe that each one deserves intentional purpose. You can't just have purpose in one area and neglect the others — that creates imbalance, frustration, and burnout.
Here are the 10 arenas:
When you define your purpose in each of these areas, something powerful happens: life becomes more worth living .
You stop drifting. You stop reacting. You stop letting circumstances dictate your direction.
Instead, you start directing your life with clarity, confidence, and intentionality. You create forward momentum. You build a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and meaningful.
Let me ask you something: Are you drifting?
Are you going through the motions, hoping things will get better, but not really sure how or when?
Are you watching weeks turn into months, and months turn into years, without real progress toward the things that matter most to you?
If so, you're not alone. Most people are drifting. They're busy, but not purposeful. They're active, but not intentional. They're surviving, but not thriving.
And here's the hard truth: someday is how you lose months — which turn into years — of your life.
You tell yourself, "Someday I'll get in shape. Someday I'll start that business. Someday I'll repair that relationship. Someday I'll pursue my dreams."
But someday never comes.
Why? Because without a clear purpose and a plan, life just happens to you instead of for you.
That's why this passage in Romans is so powerful. It calls us to something higher. It challenges us to stop conforming to the patterns of this world — the drifting, the distraction, the default mode — and instead to be transformed .
So how do you break free from drifting? How do you start living with purpose?
The answer is right there in Romans 12:2: "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
This is where the real work happens. Not out there in the world, but in here — in your thoughts, your beliefs, your mindset.
Here's the key question I want you to sit with: What are you doing in the mornings to renew your mind?
Are you starting your day with intention? Are you filling your cup with truth, wisdom, and inspiration? Or are you rolling out of bed, grabbing your phone, scrolling through social media, and letting the world dictate your mental state before you've even had a chance to center yourself?
Your mornings matter. Your mornings set the tone for your entire day.
When you take time in the morning to renew your mind — through reading, reflection, prayer, journaling, or personal development — you're filling your cup. And when your cup is full, you can pour out into the world from a place of abundance, not depletion.
You show up better for your family. You show up better for your work. You show up better for yourself.
But when you skip this step, when you rush into the day without filling your cup first, you're running on empty. And eventually, you burn out.
So let me give you two simple, actionable steps you can take starting tomorrow morning:
Before you check your phone, before you dive into your to-do list, before you engage with the world — fill your cup .
Start your day with good self-development. Read the Bible if that's your faith. Dive into a personal growth book. Listen to a podcast that inspires you. Spend time in reflection or meditation.
Do something that renews your mind and reminds you of your purpose.
This doesn't have to take hours. Even 15-30 minutes can make a massive difference.
The key is consistency . Make it a non-negotiable part of your morning routine.
Here's a game-changer: win your day first thing in the morning — before you step out the door.
Take 5-10 minutes to plan your day with intention. What are your top priorities? What needs to get done? What can wait? How do you want to show up today?
When you plan with purpose, you move with intention. You're no longer reactive — you're proactive. You're no longer drifting — you're directing.
This simple habit can transform your productivity, your focus, and your sense of accomplishment.
Here's what I want you to remember: you are a living sacrifice .
How you live matters. What you do with your time, your energy, your talents — it all matters.
And when you live with purpose — when you define what you're living for in each of the 10 arenas of life, when you renew your mind every morning, when you plan your days with intention — you create a life that's not just successful, but significant .
You create forward momentum. You build a legacy. You inspire others.
And most importantly, you prove — to yourself and to the world — what is good, acceptable, and perfect.
If you're ready to stop drifting and start living with purpose, I want to help you.
I've created a FREE 5-Step Clarity Blueprint — a simple, powerful tool designed to help you unlock clarity, confidence, and focus so you can finally achieve your goals.
This blueprint will walk you through:
✔ Identifying where you're stuck
✔ Clarifying your purpose across key life areas
✔ Creating an actionable plan to move forward
✔ Building momentum that lasts
✔ Living with intention every single day
Text "CLARITY" to 423-542-3337 and I'll send it to you right away.
Don't let another day slip by without purpose. Don't let another week turn into another month, and another month turn into another year.
This is your moment.
Make your morning count. Go out and win your day.
Dr. Howard Dennis, CHPC
Your Certified High Performance Coach