"Purpose" is the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. It can also refer to a person's sense of resolve or determination. In other words, it's the goal or objective towards which one is working or striving for.
Base your intents on your purpose
Purpose and intent are related concepts, but they have
slightly different meanings.
Purpose refers to the reason or goal for which something is
done or created. It is the overall objective or desired outcome.
Intent, on the other hand, refers to the plan or
determination to do something. It is the specific course of action or decision
that one has made in order to achieve a certain purpose or goal.
You could think of, purpose as the what, and intent as the
how.
What gives purpose meaning?
Purpose can have different meanings for different people and
can come from various sources. Some common ways that people find meaning in
their purpose include:
- Personal
values and beliefs: People often find purpose in aligning their actions
with their core values and beliefs.
- Service
to others: Helping others and making a positive impact on the world can be
a source of purpose for many people.
- Career
and work: Many people find purpose in their work and the impact they have
in their field.
- Creativity
and self-expression: Creating art, music, or writing can be a way for some
people to find meaning in their purpose.
- Spirituality
and religion: For some, purpose is found in connection to a higher power
or belief system.
Ultimately, the meaning of purpose is personal and unique to
each individual, and it can change and evolve over time.
In the early stages of life, one’s purpose would be more
biased toward career and work and the financial safety it brings. However,
as people mature through life, the purpose would be more oriented toward
personal values and beliefs. Some even start focusing on the service to others. For
example, one’s job could no longer be done for compensation or
remuneration, but rather for the good cause that works leads to.
Creativity, self-expression, and spirituality are also crucial
pillars on which some people base their purpose. That has the tendency to
lead them toward the kind of transcendence they are seeking for.
Purpose and Happiness
Purpose and happiness are closely connected in that having a
sense of purpose in life can contribute to overall well-being and satisfaction.
Studies have shown that people who have a clear sense of purpose in life tend
to be happier and have better mental health outcomes.
Having a sense of purpose can give people a sense of
direction and meaning in their lives, which can help them feel more fulfilled
and satisfied. It can also provide a sense of belonging and connection to
something greater than oneself, which can be a source of happiness.
Additionally, when people work towards a purpose that aligns with their values and passions, they are more likely to feel engaged and motivated, leading to increased happiness and satisfaction. If you feel disconnected
between your work and your motivation towards your work, that is probably because you have not been able to connect to your work and
its purpose. You should either consider building alignment between them or find
work that better aligns with your purpose.
It's worth noting that having a sense of purpose alone is
not sufficient to guarantee happiness, and other factors, such as social
connections, physical health, and overall life circumstances, play an important
role as well. But having a sense of purpose can be an important piece in
overall well-being and happiness.
Transcendence and Purpose
Transcendence and purpose are related because they both
involve reaching beyond one's current limitations or understanding.
Transcendence refers to rising above or going
beyond the limits of ordinary experience or understanding. It can refer to
spiritual or religious experiences, as well as experiences in nature, art, or
other areas of human endeavor. Transcendence can also be associated with a
sense of awe and wonder and with feelings of unity, connection, and oneness
with the world.
Purpose, as previously defined, is the reason for which
something is done or created or for which something exists. It can also refer
to a person's sense of resolve or determination.
In that sense, purpose can be seen as a transcendence that involves reaching beyond one's current circumstances
and striving for something greater. Having a sense of purpose can give people a
sense of direction and meaning in their lives and can help them to transcend
the mundane and every day.
Additionally, when people work towards a purpose that
aligns with their values and passions, they may also experience a sense of
transcendence and connection to something greater than themselves. This can
lead to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
I find that the Japanese concept of Ikigai if worth exploring
to further understand this space.
Ikigai and Purpose
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that translates to "reason
for being" or "purpose in life." It is often represented
visually as a Venn diagram with four circles:
- what you love,
- what you are good at
- what the world needs
- what you can be paid for. 1.
The intersection of these four circles represents your Ikigai, or the unique purpose or calling that brings fulfillment and
satisfaction to your life.
This is an oversimplified overview of Ikigai, yet it outlines a very deep and insightful concept.
In the context of purpose, Ikigai can be seen as a framework
for identifying and pursuing one's purpose. It emphasizes the importance of
aligning one's passions, strengths, and values with the world's needs and
finding a way to make a living. By identifying one's Ikigai,
individuals can strive for a sense of purpose that goes beyond the self and
contributes to the greater good.
Ikigai can be seen as a way to achieve transcendence by
finding a sense of purpose that connects the individual to something greater
than themselves and leads them to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
By pursuing what they love, what they are good at, what the world needs, and
what they can be paid for, they can find a sense of connection and oneness with
their work and the world.
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