What is Your Purpose on the Planet?

Others don’t like it because it seems to imply pre-destination. I mean, how could I have some sort of “ultimate purpose” if even I don’t know what it is? Doesn’t the question imply that there is an answer already? And the only way there could already be an answer is if there is some deterministic force, God or other, beyond this physical plane that could decide things before they happen.

And a lot of people simply feel like the universe doesn’t work like that. I personally resonate with such a perspective.

There’s no “Not Choosing”

Like it or not, the question is still powerful and probably the single most important idea for directing our lives towards the best version of our selves and a state of thriving. So how might we address this question?

Ultimately, the purpose of your life will be easy to see once you’re on your death bed:  it will depend directly on what you actually did, how you spent your time… what did you actually do when you had the chance?

So there is no ‘not choosing.’ Not choosing is a choice: The only legitimate answer to the meaning or purpose of our lives is through the actual actions we take/took.

If we don’t consider the question directly then we’re likely to end up living for nothing more than satisfying our urges as they arise. And these tend to be egoic, short-term, pleasure-seeking impulses… not exactly the definition of a profound existence.

Be Bold: Take a Stance

Purpose is not a give-in. You have to assign it for yourself. And your decision will have a lot to do with your worldview. Of course in the 21st century it’s in vogue to ridicule questions that even attempt to address ‘ultimate truth’ such as the meaning of life. But we’re not talking about ‘ultimate truth’ and the meaning of Life… it’s much more helpful to consider relative truth and the meaning of Your life.

Because that question can be answered, but only by you. No one else has the power or authority to tell you what your existence is all about. But if you assign meaning to your life, this can be one of the strongest catalysts in propelling your life forward.

If you have a purpose, you have a reason for getting out of bed each morning. You can easily decide how to best spend your time because you have a north star directing your voyage.

Don’t Fret – You’ve Plenty of Time

Fortunately, there’s no rush. Don’t think you have to come to a conclusion by the end of this article. But it is important, if you really care about the quality of your existence, that you at least consider this question as you continue forward.

To Find an Answer We Must First Ask the Question

Have you heard of the Reticular Activating System?  The RAS is a part of the brain that is responsible for filtering out what it considers to be useless incoming information. It’s why you always notice other people who drive the same car or use the same phone as you. The RAS is a filter that decides what information is worth paying attention to and what is not.

Though it generally works subconsciously, through asking questions we can ‘open up the filter’, so to speak. For example: find everything in the room that is red….

 

then switch to yellow……

 

 

and blue….

 

You probably didn’t consciously notice these colors until you started looking for them. Once they became ‘relevant’ to you, they stood out. ‘Meaning’ works the same way.

If the question of purpose and meaning are not at least ‘on your mind’ then it’s likely that any relevant information to your search won’t even be registered. This quest, much like any learning experience, really starts with awareness.

Now that the filter is open, we’re more likely to pick out the clues that have already been hiding all around us.

Where to Look?

A fruitful place to start the search is around the intersection of our values, strengths, and interests.

Even if we haven’t been pre-assigned a purpose, our ability to thrive is surely helped by some natural currents that we did inherit. We can do almost anything and go almost anywhere, but we’re more likely to get to desirable places if we choose destinations that go with our flow. (If you’re 5’2”, it may not be your purpose to be the greatest dunker in the history of the NBA)

The point here is that you are already good at many things. You certainly have above average talents in one area or another. And there are other things that just totally enthrall you. If you combine what you’re good at with what you naturally love, then you’re increasing the odds that you will live a deeply satisfying life and have a positive impact/contribution to this planet.

And your values create the framework/guidelines as to where you’re willing to look for this meaning in the first place. For example, if being close to family in the States is your top priority, then your purpose probably isn’t to protect the endangered Bactrian Camel of Mongolia for the next 40 years.

Let the Search Begin (or Continue)

Here are some good orienting questions to reflect on. If you do some writing on these ideas, come back to them periodically, and continue developing in the ways that interest you, an answer is sure to surface. Then you can direct your life from there. The best place to start is from wherever you are,  so….

1) What are your deepest values? -> What do you care about most in this life? What makes you mad, what makes you excited/happy?

2) What are you good at? -> Are there any skills you’ve had even since you were young? What was around you as you grew up? Is there anything that other people tell you that you’re good at?

3) What interests you? Are there any activities or areas of knowledge that you just can’t get enough of? What inspires you? Who inspires you? And what have those inspirational figures done to make their lives what they are?

4) Where could you look if you wanted to dig more deeply into these questions? Who could you talk to? Where could you find more information?

5) If you’re still feeling stuck, send me a message directly at Jeremy@precisionprinciple.com

I Know you Can Do It

Whether you’ve considered these questions before or not, now is the time to make things happen. I know you can do it, and here at precisionprinciple.com, you have a community of people who support you on your journey.

Get out there and make your life mean something. Because this is probably the only chance you’ve got.

 

Comments are closed.