Your Why
What's the purpose of a purpose? A purpose is the "why" for your life. We, at some point, all search for a "why", beyond the "cause my Dad knocked up my Mom". We search for the inspiration, the motivation, the drive to get off the couch and get our life moving. The problem is, there is never a single "why" which just feels right.
Ok, let's back up for a second. As men, we know being purposeful is a great way to feel alive, and be our fullest in life. We know when we've been connected to a purpose before, it has inspired us to take actions beyond what we'd expect of ourselves, and be a better version of ourselves. So, what's the problem?
It's an order-of-operations thing. I know, you hated algebra in school. Let's leave that aside. The order I'm talking about is the having and doing of a purpose vs. the feelings of a purpose. Men think that just because every time they've been purposeful they've felt inspired means that it was an inspirational purpose. What if, it was just being purposeful. We had a purpose to accomplish, whether ours or someone else's, then we did actions towards that purpose, then by taking those actions we felt inspired. Granted, what came next is more actions because of that inspiration - but notice what came first. Choosing a purpose - regardless of how it made you feel. The feelings come later. That you have a purpose is more important than what purpose you have. The goal is being purposeful, in any purpose which serves more that just your need to survive.
With all that said, what's a good way to pick a purpose?
- What are some areas you've found yourself getting off the couch and getting busy in the past?
- What are some injustices which you can't tolerate in the world?
- What do you most value in our community, society or the world which you would like to strengthen or spread?
- If you won the lottery and never had to work, after the trips and gifts, etc, how would you spend your time?
- If you could push a magic button and have anything alter in the world, what would it be (even if it wasn't to serve you)?
Those are just some places to look. But, remember, it's more important to have a purpose than to have the right one. If those questions don't get you an answer within the week - just pick one and get busy doing it. You'll know if it "feels" right only after being in action towards it.