The Mind-Blowing Purpose of Purpose
“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.”
― Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Research and the insight of four decades of personal coaching indicate that a powerful sense of purpose is associated with numerous physical and psychological benefits.
I HOPE THIS BLOWS YOUR MIND –IN A GOOD WAY. Here goes…
…Studies of thousands of adults have repeatedly found that having a higher sense of purpose in life is associated with a lower risk of early death and chronic diseases.
1) Research clearly shows that individuals with the highest sense of purpose experience have a 46% reduced risk of mortality.
2) Purposeful adults are 24% less likely to become inactive and 33% less likely to develop sleep problems.
3) Purpose protects cognitive function and may reduce risk of dementia.
These include but not limited to increased life satisfaction, better sleep, improved health, and greater resistance to negative stress.
What do you think about these facts? If in doubt, do your own research and come to the same conclusion.
The emotional life payoff for defining and living your ‘purpose’ – HUGH!
So, let’s get to it! The reality is that you may have no idea what you want to do with your life. It’s not wrong or abnormal. It’s often a struggle almost every adult confronts, “What do I want to do with my life?” “What am I passionate about?” I often receive emails from people in their 40’s , 50’s and even 60’s who have no clue what they want to do with themselves.
The challenge with attempting to identify your “Life Purpose” is the concept itself. The concept of purpose implies that each one of us is born for some “higher purpose” and we must find it. That is ‘faulty thinking’!
Here’s the reality. We exist for some undetermined period of time. During this time, we make choices; we do things. Some of these things are significant. Some of them are unimportant. The important things give our lives meaning and joy. The unimportant ones? They basically kill time, whatever that means.
So, when people ask, “What is my life purpose?” What they’re actually asking is:
“What can I do with my time that is important and makes me feel fulfilled and joyous?”
Do you have purpose in your life? Do you even know what that means? Is the question intimidating? For some, it can be powerful, unsettling or both; for others, they know and live their purpose.
The subject of identifying purpose can be a little overwhelming.
Purpose is the source of self-help books, articles, podcasts, sermons, and general conversations.
The big question is “why?” My intention is to answer that question.
I have found that when people talk about having a sense of purpose, they often project that having a sense of purpose means achieving world peace, ending hunger, or curing cancer. Not so!
Purpose can be far less grand or daunting. For example, your purpose may be choosing to be a loving and present parent.
LIFE FACT: At its most basic purpose is love. Purpose directs your behaviors and actions. It acts as a compass or a ‘true north, an invisible force that guides your choices, direction and gives life value and significance.”
A couple more facts:
-Having purpose is an intention to achieve long-term goals that are meaningful and make a positive imprint on others or the world.
QUESTION: I recently was discussing this article with one of my dearest friends. He asked me, “Is having a purpose the same as having a goal?” That’s an important question.
ANSWER: No. Purpose and goals are not the same; a purpose is the underlying reason and meaning behind an action, while a goal is a specific, measurable outcome or desired future state that helps you achieve that purpose.
Goals can be short-term, such as saving money for a car or the latest music system, or long-term, such as taking the family on an African safari or purchasing a home. They are usually specific and measurable.
Goals are the “what” and purpose is the “why”; your purpose is a long-term, broad, and enduring motivation, whereas goals are shorter-term, concrete, and finite accomplishments that serve to fulfill your greater purpose.
-Having a purpose is other-focused, something bigger than yourself.
-A sense of purpose can be flexible and may change at different points in your life.
Let me further intrigue you with the benefits of having a clear purpose. This subject is so important to me that I will take the liberty of incorporating personal examples.
Having purpose provides a framework for daily life and long-term goals, empowering individuals to focus on what matters, resist distractions, and maintain an empowering perspective leading to a more flourishing life.
“Purpose is not a luxury, it’s a mindset, not a price tag.”
-Jordan Grumet M.D.
My personal sense of purpose inspired me to draft this article as it does for all the pieces I write. Purpose puts me on alert as to how I can help others.
If you feel you don’t have or are struggling to find your sense of purpose and want to move forward, here are nine practical suggestions. These are mere suggestions to get your creative juices flowing. My intent is to have these trigger other ideas.
Suggestion #1. Reflect on your values and passions
What truly matters to you?
What activities make you feel alive or deeply satisfied?
List your values without determining their priorities or judging. Then, go back and circle your top four.
MINE: Freedom, love, fun, helping others.
Suggestion #2. Compare your values with your behavior.
This step is vitally important. Do you walk your talk?
MINE: I’ve developed the habit of doing this every day; I compare my values with my behavior, especially when I feel a bit stuck.
Suggestion #3. What activities make you feel alive or deeply satisfied?
MINE: Reading fiction and non-fiction. Seeing all categories of film. Asking questions to friends and strangers. Socializing with others much smarter than me. All these stimulate my thinking.
Suggestion #4. Journaling.
MINE: I journal every day even if it’s a couple of sentences and, even though it might be boring.
Not every entry in my journal gives me a new insight but every once in a while, it does. My many years of journaling are the basis for my new book.
Suggestion #5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
If you don’t know, ask friends, family, or mentors what they see as your natural talents. Identifying your weaknesses can give you the insight to either grow in a certain area or seek help.
MINE: My brain works fast which means I make mistakes. Sometimes that manifests in writing and sometimes in listening. I have others to help me with grammar and spelling, and I’ve learned a few tricks to ask questions in order to make sure what I’ve heard is correct.
“Many of the moments when you think, ‘I wish I had handled that better,’ or ‘I should have seen that more clearly,’ aren’t really about poor judgment. Often, the root cause is either rushing through the task or skipping basic self-care.”
-James Clear
Take this free strengths test. I have.
Suggestion #6. Serve others
Purpose often emerges when we contribute to something larger than ourselves.
Volunteer, mentor, or engage in community service aligned with your interests.
Think about the hardships and challenges in your life. What did you learn that you can pass on or teach others?
MINE: I’m fortunate, as a coach, in that I have developed the skill to ‘help people get unstuck’ in their life. I, now, often do this as a gift. That is my contribution.
Suggestion #7. Stay curious and experiment.
Given my experience, I am absolutely convinced that ‘curiosity’ should (and I do not use that word lightly) be prominent in your day-to-day living. It costs nothing and can give you a wealth of knowledge.
Try new experiences, hobbies, or roles, READ! It breaks my heart when I am informed that young people are not encouraged to read.
Here are a few examples of what clients and have told me:
Exercise and time spent outdoors, strong social connections, writing and poetry, meditation, volunteering, enrolling in a class, learning a new language, or watching instructional videos, small acts of kindness, art and crafting, music, and performance.
Purpose isn’t always found—it’s often built through exploration and repetition.
Suggestion #8. Stay open to change
Change is challenging.
Depending on events and self-growth, your purpose may shift over time. That’s natural.
Embrace growth and allow your sense of meaning to evolve with you.
This is an exercise based on one question that I pose in my workshops. If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing in your life, what would it be?
Rules: You may not disappear anyone. You may not bring harm to anyone. It has to be realistic.
Should you be interested, below is an article I wrote on change. Cut and paste.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-manage-change-13-steps-james-mapes/
Suggestion #9. Actively seek out role models and mentors.
Learn from people whose lives inspire you. I have never been turned down when I’ve asked someone as to their advice on identifying a life purpose or, just ‘purpose.’ Quiz them as to their journey of discovery and what helped them stay aligned with their purpose. It takes courage to ask but it will give you a great emotional payoff.
A question to ask yourself: Am I spending time with the right people?
I had been looking for the perfect quote to conclude this article. This is it:
“If you’re lucky, a family member or friend might step in and pull you out of autopilot. But if you’re not so lucky, you’ll have to become your own Gandalf. You’ll need to shake yourself awake and step out of your comfort zone. At first, this process will feel challenging—because leaving your comfort zone always demands greater effort and responsibility. But this effort also gives you the chance to leave your own mark on life.
Maybe your purpose will be as simple as caring for stray animals in your neighborhood. Or perhaps you’ll build a powerful company and carve out your own path in the business world. The scale doesn’t matter. What matters is consciously making choices that bring meaning to your life.”
-Eric Jorgenson, The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness
Apply these nine suggestions and you will discover or uncover you “purpose” and live an exceptional life.
IMAGINE THAT!
James Mapes is the founder of Quantum Leap Thinking™, creator of The Transformational Coach™, expert on the psychology of “applied imagination,” best-selling author, highly acclaimed business speaker, consultant, seminar leader and personal excellence coach.