When we think of superheroes, we often think of characters with incredible abilities like super strength or the ability to fly.
However, there is another superpower that is often overlooked: having a deep purpose in life.
Think Spiderman or Ironman vs Denzel in Man On Fire or Russell Crowe in Gladiator... I know which films impact me more.
In this post, we will explore what purpose is, how it differs from goals and meaning, the benefits of having a purpose, and how to find your purpose in life.
What is Purpose?
In psychological terms, a consensus definition for purpose has emerged in the literature according to which purpose is a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something, that is at once personally meaningful and at the same time leads to productive engagement with some aspect of the world beyond the self.
Not all goals or personally meaningful experiences contribute to purpose, but in the intersection of goal orientation, personal meaningfulness, and a focus beyond the self, a distinct conception of purpose emerges.
It is the driving force behind our actions and decisions. Purpose gives our lives direction and meaning, and it helps us to focus on what is truly important.
Goals, Purpose, and Meaning
While goals, purpose, and meaning are related, they are not the same thing.
Goals are specific, measurable objectives that we set for ourselves. They are steps we take to achieve our larger purpose.
Purpose, on the other hand, is the overarching reason for our existence. It is the big picture that gives our goals context and meaning.
Meaning, meanwhile, is the significance we place on our experiences and relationships.
The Benefits of Having a Purpose
Having a deep sense of purpose in life has been linked to a variety of benefits.It makes us less vulnerable to what some call, psychological discord. That lost feeling we often experience whenever our attention isn’t occupied by external things, which can manifest itself in boredom, anxiety, and depression.
Focusing our attention externally and selflessly on the world beyond ourselves gives us a constant source of activity to channel our mental energies.
Another important factor is that aligning ourselves to a purpose often makes us less self-centred. We feel a part of something bigger, something outside ourselves.
Purpose is also closely linked to ‘flow’ — the state of intense absorption in which we forget our surroundings and ourselves. If you have a strong sense of purpose, you’re likely to experience flow states more frequently.
Purpose can also enhance our self-esteem. So long as we feel that we are successfully dealing with challenges and moving closer to our goal, our self-confidence increases. We feel a sense of competence and achievement, an enhanced ability to deal with difficulties and challenges.
Ultimately, Someone with purpose is attractive because they're living a life of meaning and intention. Not just going through the motions or settling for mediocrity. They're striving for something greater and inspiring others to do the same. Like a moving train that can't be stopped, either get on and enjoy the ride or get off.
So, if you want to be more attractive to others, focus on finding your purpose and pursuing it with passion and determination. Your positive energy and sense of direction will draw people to you and make you more desirable.
How to Find Your Purpose in Life
Finding your purpose in life is a deeply personal journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, there are some things you can do to help you discover your purpose:- Reflect on your values and passions. What motivates you? What brings you joy? What are you deeply passionate about?
- Think about what you are good at. What skills do you have? What comes naturally to you?
- Consider the needs of the world. What problems do you see that you could help solve? What needs are you uniquely equipped to meet? What upsets you?
- Try new things. Sometimes we don't know what we're truly passionate about until we try it. Take a class, volunteer, or explore a new hobby.
- Journal - Break your past down into epochs or 3-5 year groups and write about what happened in those years, then read it back and see if there is any correlation between jobs, goals, traumas or experiences.
How to Know You Have Truly Found Your Purpose
Finding your purpose is a lifelong journey, and it can be difficult to know for sure when you have truly found it. However, there are some signs that you are on the right track:- You feel a deep sense of fulfilment and joy when you are pursuing your purpose.
- You are willing to face challenges and setbacks in pursuit of your purpose.
- Your purpose aligns with your values and passions.
- Your purpose makes a positive impact on the world around you.
- You have more "GRIT" and determination and don't get fazed by small issues and problems that come your way.
When life nudges you with traumatic events do you crumble or can you be relied on to stand strong in the face of adversity?
Conclusion
Having a deep purpose in life is a superpower that can help us to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. By understanding what purpose is, how it differs from goals and meaning, and how to find it, we can unlock our full potential and make a positive impact on the world around us.“What we do in life…..echoes in eternity.”
Bodhi Bones
