Purpose, meaning, and the big question of what we are doing here are all areas I’ve struggled with for most of my young adult life.
And, I think most of us do. At least, in some part.
The Personal Journey of Purpose
It’s worth remembering, though, that the pursuit of purpose and a meaningful life is a personal one. Meaning that it’s a personal journey, and discovering what purpose and meaning mean, not just for our own lives but life as a whole, differs from person to person.
I like this reminder because, as was recently discussed on an episode of The Diary of a CEO, no single so-called guru, or self-acclaimed expert in purpose, can tell any of us what our purpose is, or what this crazy thing called life is all about!
We’re here to discover that for ourselves. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the ultimate purpose of life…
Who knows?! 🤷♂️
That said, I believe some individuals are further along this journey than we might be, and there is ancient wisdom and certain traditions and practices that can help us along the way.
The Problem with Quick-Fix Purpose Advice
But the self-proclaimed experts who share that there are…
3 steps to finding purpose…
Or,
Do this magical thing to discover your life’s purpose…
…are all talking BS as far as I can tell, despite many having good intentions and genuinely wanting to help people!
That’s not to say ancient wisdom, traditions, practices, information, concepts, and certain individuals we meet on our journey don’t have value. They most certainly do.
However, their purpose is to point us in a direction. We still have to take the first step and walk our own path, which is often the most difficult step to take.
I see these things as more guides rather than gospel. And in the modern world, with so much clickbait, BS, and noise, especially online, it can be difficult to navigate.
This contributes to confusion, which we need less of, not more.
A Three-Part Concept for Life’s Big Questions
A three-part concept that can help us with the big life question of purpose, meaning, and what this thing called life is all for, thus reducing confusion, can be broken down into:
1. Direction
When we have direction for our lives, most of the time, life becomes that little bit more purposeful.
Why?
Because we have something to strive towards, something ahead of us that’s worth getting up in the morning and fighting for.
We just have to make sure that what we choose to strive towards is cultivated from the inside out, not from the outside in.
Meaning that it’s aligned with our values, not what we think we want based on trying to achieve status, power or fame, or filling some hole within ourselves.
It’s wise to check in with ourselves and ensure that what we’re pursuing isn’t based on some illustrious goal that enables us to fit in with others and be accepted by society.
Pursuing these types of goals will never bring us long-term happiness or fulfilment. Yet, most of us only learn the lesson through experience, once it’s too late, instead of learning from those who have come before us.
Maybe this is one of those unteachable lessons, which is a concept Chris Williamson from Modern Wisdom talks about, and states is a special kind of lesson which cannot be discovered without experiencing it first-hand.
At the end of the day, we are striving and meaning-making machines.
We love to strive for things, and when we do, it often makes life more purposeful. It’s just wise to be conscious of what we’re moving towards and where that’s coming from.
2. Growth
I’ve shared many times before that I believe growth is one of the ultimate purposes of life.
We, and everything in the world, are designed and meant to grow. This can be most evidently seen within nature. Everything around us grows, from the trees to the tiniest blades of grass, and the bushes outside our front window.
All of nature grows (and then dies), which is an evident part of life. We are no different. The great thing about being human is that we can grow in multiple ways: spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.
And once we have a direction, bringing us back to my first point of how and where we want to grow, life doesn’t only become more purposeful, but meaningful.
The bottom line: decide how you want to grow and let that be one of your north stars!
3. Connection & Relatability
Whether you identify as an introvert like me, or find yourself being the centre of the party, we are social creatures and need each other.
Let me put it this way…
Connection not only improves our health and well-being but also makes life more purposeful and meaningful.
When we connect and relate to the people around us, especially on shared values, life can take on a whole new meaning.
The older I’ve become, the more I’ve realised the importance of social connections and being around people with shared values.
But not only that, I’ve also realised that even with those who may see the world differently from me, there is always something to learn, and a way we can connect – even if it’s small.
That doesn’t mean I’ll be inviting them to my next birthday party or buying them a Christmas present this year. But it does mean navigating life with an open mind (and heart) to how we can connect and relate to others, despite different, often conflicting world views.
This isn’t always easy, but most definitely worth it, even if it’s for the fact alone that it makes our interactions more peaceful and enjoyable – let alone life more purposeful and meaningful.
Final Thoughts: Walking Your Own Path
So there you have it. A three-part concept to help us with the big life questions of purpose, meaning, and what this thing called life is all for…
I don’t promise that this will answer all of your questions in this area, or any of them, for that matter. It’s a concept I’ve learned, like, and am using to navigate this area because I can see how it could lead to a more purposeful and meaningful life.
Remember: this is a personal journey. Each of us has to walk our own path. Take what resonates, leave the rest.
Reminders
1. Have a direction, no matter how small.
When life feels overwhelming, clarity comes from knowing what we’re moving towards, no matter how small, which fuels purpose in our lives.
2. Grow daily.
Growth and progress are often found in small steps which compound into big transformations over time. Decide how you want to grow, then move in that direction.
3. Connect with thy fellow human.
There’s no getting away from that relationships make life meaningful. When we connect with others, especially through shared values, experiences, and kindness, life develops a deeper purpose and meaning. Try it.