In our relentless pursuit of meaning and fulfilment, we often stumble upon fundamental questions: Why am I here? What drives me? What’s my purpose? How can I matter? The journey to uncovering purpose is not just a solitary quest; it’s a two-pronged exploration that delves into both our personal aspirations and our broader vision for the world.
Self-Purpose: The Personal Compass
My own journey has led me to understand that purpose has two distinct facets: ‘self-purpose’ and ‘greater purpose’. The former is our internal compass, guiding us through our personal roles within our families, workplaces, and communities. It’s that unique drive that shapes our individual paths, dictating our actions, choices, and ultimately, our personal fulfilment.
For instance, some find their self-purpose in the joy of creating, like the stimulation I find in designing and developing businesses, or my daughter’s pleasure in the tactical depths of board games. It’s these personal aspirations and passions that anchor us, giving our daily lives direction and meaning.
Greater Purpose: Vision Beyond Self
In contrast, the ‘greater purpose’ extends our gaze beyond the horizon of self. It encompasses our vision for the world at large – be it environmental conservation, societal betterment, or the advocacy for peace. This facet of purpose is about leaving a lasting impact, contributing to the greater good, and making a difference on a broader scale.
Take Elon Musk as an emblematic example. Musk’s journey, from selling a computer game he coded at 12 to pioneering companies like SpaceX and Tesla, illustrates how a deep-rooted purpose can drive transformative success. Each of his ventures – whether it’s revolutionising space travel or advocating for sustainable energy – stems from a vision that transcends personal gain. Musk’s game was never about money; it was about altering the course of human history and ensuring the survival and prosperity of humanity.
Aligning Vision with Action
What’s remarkable about Musk, and what we can all learn from, is how every step he took aligned with his broader visions. His journey wasn’t a series of disjointed ventures; each was a calculated move on a board strategically set towards achieving his grander goals. His resilience in the face of setbacks and failures mirrors the spirit of a child in a game – undeterred and undefeated, learning and evolving with every attempt.
Our Game of Life
Drawing parallels to our life-as-a-game analogy, Musk’s story exemplifies how a clear, defined purpose can chart our course. It’s not about the immediate thrill of victory; it’s about playing for a legacy, for leaving the world better than we found it.
Our conversation around purpose often seems like a quest for a hidden treasure, expected to be unveiled in dramatic revelations. Yet, in reality, it’s more about a steady journey of introspection and self-discovery. It’s about actively aligning our thoughts, identifying what resonates within us, and then pursuing it with passion and joy.
The Pursuit of Purpose
As I sat with a friend one evening, witnessing the sky’s canvas change colours, our conversation meandered to this universal quest for purpose. It became clear that this isn’t a solitary journey but a shared human experience. Our purpose often reveals itself in simple actions, in moments of pure joy or passion, whether it’s through writing a story or sharing knowledge.
What does this all mean for you? Your purpose is a blend of your deepest personal aspirations and your vision for a larger impact. It’s about finding that sweet spot where personal fulfilment meets the greater good. And in this journey, remember, it’s not about finding a grand epiphany but about continually aligning your daily actions and choices with your innermost desires and aspirations.
So, as you continue your game of life, ask yourself: What’s my purpose? And let that question guide you towards a path of fulfilment and meaningful impact.