Daily Musing #6

Why bother finding a purpose in life? This is something I have not personally asked, but the question has popped up many times throughout life. Here are some current opinions, though I know they will develop further as they have since I was a young boy.

I see little point in getting up without a purpose behind it. This is the most fundamental belief I hold. And it has not changed since I was a child. I think this has been true since the beginning of time. The further back we go, the more nature imposed that purpose until today when I see it being more self-designated purpose. And if we do not put the effort in to find one for ourselves, it will be chosen for you, whether you realize it or not. And often when this is realized it causes great friction in a person’s life.

There are a wide range of purposes and needs to be, for the society we live in has added so many possibilities to be pursued. So here are a few things I believe signal a good purpose for the individual, which involve a series of questions to ask yourself. What sparks my soul? What have I been through that has built my knowledge and experiential foundation? Is there anywhere that these align? Depending on one’s age, this last has greater value, as the older we get, the less time we have to completely rebuilding ourselves, and so need to find ways to incorporate what we have into where we feel is best for us to go, and possibly find an acceptable compromise. There is always time for a divergence from one’s current path, however. This may not work, but I believe there is something new and true to be offered. If that is how you feel after answering these questions what you see as an acceptable solution, then you have struck gold.

After that, it is a matter of research and planning to figure out how to get from where one is to where we feel it is we need to go. And there is nearly always a path if we are willing to sacrifice enough for it. This can be time, money, relationships, or anything else that does not serve our chosen purpose. Then it is a matter of sustaining the passion and ambition to attain one’s goal, reducing distraction and detraction as much as possible.

We may have to pivot along the way, and that is okay. My hope is that we can increase the number of people who achieve their purpose, which need not be celebrity status or millionaire/billionaire levels of wealth. It just needs to be where you feel content with life. Remember, it will never be perfect, and for plenty, the “high status” goals mentioned have led plenty into depression rather than contentment. Be yourself and find your truth, always.