Reclaiming Aliveness

How to Realign with Purpose and Zest for Life

Let me share something that’s become increasingly apparent in my coaching sessions recently: so many people have lost the aliveness in their lives. They’ve lost that spark, that zest for life—the fully engaged mind, presence, and vital spirit that makes each day feel meaningful and full of awe.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to blaze through the day, ticking off task after task, and yet feel that nothing was truly felt, discovered, or celebrated. You might be busy—working hard, managing responsibilities—but feel out of tune with your essence, disconnected from the present moment. You’re moving forward without that sense of purpose or vitality that once made life exciting.

I’ve been working with many people on this issue lately, and the pattern is the same: the issue isn’t lack of achievement; it’s lack of alignment.

Mark is a dedicated school principal who was well-known for his commitment to his students and staff. His days were packed from the moment he walked into the building until late into the evening—back-to-back meetings, lesson observations, dealing with parent concerns, and managing the latest curriculum updates. He was always busy, always moving, but deep down, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something important was missing.

Mark had been a leader in his school for years and prided himself on keeping things running smoothly. But lately, it felt like he was just going through the motions. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt that deep sense of connection to his work, the why that had driven him into education in the first place. His to-do list was endless, and no matter how much he accomplished, it never felt like enough.

His days blurred together, and while he was keeping the school afloat, he was losing touch with the moments that used to matter—the smile on a student’s face after a breakthrough, the laughter in the staffroom, the small wins that reminded him why he loved being a principal. He realized that he hadn’t celebrated a single one of the school’s recent accomplishments with his team. They were pushing hard through challenges, but nothing was being truly felt or recognized.

At home, things weren’t much better. Mark found himself distracted, always mentally preparing for the next school day or responding to urgent emails. His family noticed his absence, even when he was physically present. He used to love talking to his children about their day or helping them with their homework, but now he was drained, distant, and couldn’t find the energy to truly engage.

One day, after yet another late-night meeting, Mark sat in his office reflecting on the past year. His school had made significant strides, and his team had worked incredibly hard, but none of it felt satisfying. The joy and passion that had once fueled his leadership had dimmed. He realized that he was so focused on keeping things moving that he’d forgotten to be present in his work and in his life. He was chasing goals and solving problems, but he was disconnected from his purpose.

Mark knew something had to change. The next morning, instead of diving straight into emails, he spent a few quiet moments reflecting on what he was grateful for and what small victories he could celebrate. He began starting each day with these moments of reflection, allowing himself to reconnect with the things that mattered most. He made time to talk to his staff—not about deadlines, but about their own well-being and achievements. He slowed down to have conversations with students, rediscovering the joy in their growth and learning.

Over time, Mark began to realign with his deeper purpose as a school leader. It wasn’t about being the busiest or most accomplished—it was about staying connected to the why behind his work: the students, the teachers, the sense of community. He started celebrating the small wins, both with his team and at home, and found that doing so recharged him in ways he hadn’t realized he needed.

Mark’s story is a powerful reminder that even in a role as demanding as school leadership, it’s not about the quantity of tasks completed but the quality of presence you bring to each day. True success doesn’t come from being constantly busy—it comes from being truly alive in your work, aligned with your purpose, and connected to the people around you. By slowing down and tapping back into his why, Mark rediscovered the joy and fulfillment that had always been there, waiting for him to engage with it.

What’s the solution?

It starts with something simple but profound: recognising the impossibility of your own existence. Just pause for a moment and think about the grace and wonder of the universe that somehow led to you, right here, right now. You are alive. You exist. And that in itself is a miracle.

When you remind yourself of this—when you really tap into the energy and expansiveness that created your very next breath—you can start to realign with that force. This means reconnecting with your heart, your true self, and the moment. It’s about reviving the spark within you through self-awareness, which often requires real, deep coaching conversations. Conversations that help you understand where you’ve lost connection with yourself and guide you back to your inner aliveness.

In essence, it’s about learning to generate your own energy. This doesn’t happen by accident; it’s a practice. Just like athletes train their muscles, you need to train yourself to tap into the vitality of each moment to bring back the enthusiasm and vibrancy that make life rich.

Realign, Don’t Just Achieve

What I’ve seen over and over again is that the problem many people face isn’t the lack of success or productivity, it’s that they’re not aligned with their true desires, passions, and purpose. They’re pursuing goals that might look good on paper, but they’re not deeply connected to what makes them come alive.

When you’re out of alignment, no amount of achievement will feel fulfilling. You need to realign to your human aspirations—the things that bring you joy, purpose, and meaning. This could be a passion project, a mission you believe in, or a shift in the way you approach your work and relationships.

But here’s the key: alignment requires deep self-awareness. It means you need to take the time to understand what truly lights you up, how you define meaning, and how your thoughts are shaping your life. Most of all, you need to learn to manage those thoughts better so they serve you rather than sabotage you.

Self-Improvement: A Way of Life

Here’s the truth I’ve learned from working with high performers: Nothing matters unless you engage. The most successful people I know don’t just focus on external wins; they make self-improvement a way of life. They commit to the inner work - every day - not just to win at their careers, but to win at life.

These people do the hard work of self-discovery. They face their fears, let go of their pasts, and stand tall in their fullness. They know that every day is an opportunity—a gift—to grow, engage, and feel alive.

And that’s the secret to winning life—not just surviving or moving through the motions, but truly living with zest, joy, and purpose. It’s about showing up fully present, feeling the awe, beauty, and wonder of life, and creating meaning in every moment.

Keep Doing the Work

So if you’re feeling disconnected or out of alignment right now, know you’re not alone. But also know this: it’s possible to reclaim that aliveness. It’s possible to reconnect with your purpose, energy, and zest for life. But it starts with you.

Do the inner work. Tap back into your heart—practice generating energy and realigning with what truly matters to you. And remember, every single day is an opportunity to grow.

We’re all cheering you on. Keep doing the work, my friend.

Because the world needs your aliveness.