The Pursuit of Purpose: JB's Monday Momentum Week #8
Purposeful Living: Why It Matters and How to Find Yours
Estimated reading time: four minutes
Hello friends,
I assume (and hope) we all aspire to live a fulfilling life. What makes a life fulfilling? Well, there are numerous aspects that require a week of their own to be fully dissected, but fulfilling a purpose is undeniably a key ingredient. But what exactly is this purpose? As I wrap up high school and enter the next stage of my life, I’ve been thinking about this question more and more. This week, I'll share my perspective on what purpose might mean as a naïve eighteen-year-old.
If you missed last week’s edition, you can click here to check it out.
A Question I am Contemplating:
How do we find our true purpose?
Before delving deeper into this topic, I want to make it clear that I am far from being an expert (like all subjects I discuss). Being an eighteen-year-old high school senior, I find it particularly challenging to provide a definitive answer to this question due to my lack of significant responsibilities such as a job or children. Nonetheless, I do believe as we navigate through life, understanding our purpose can provide a sense of direction and fulfillment. My opinions on purpose are relatively new and are evolving, so they are more abstract than some of my other ideas—consider them as you see fit.
Let's start by attempting to define purpose. This concept can vary among individuals, but to me, purpose is a fundamental aspect of one's identity. It serves as your "why." Your purpose pushes you to strive and always give your best. It is your centerpiece, influencing your decisions in one way or another. Purpose is the thing that itches the back of your mind that motivates and propels you forward. This can be something ever-changing or the same thing for your entire life (although, if your purpose is consistently changing, is it really a purpose or just a goal?).
Recently, I was introduced to a new concept that suggests purpose is inherent within us all. The challenge lies in putting it into words. Essentially, the struggle isn't about discovering your purpose but rather defining it. We all have this intrinsic motivation that pushes us. Each of us has passions and visions for how we want to live our lives. But are you able to effectively capture it in words? Personally, I find this concept to be reassuring. While I am eager to identify and define my purpose, realizing that I am already moving in alignment with it provides motivation.
There is valuable insight to be gained from this concept, but let's explore an alternate viewpoint on uncovering our purpose: Let’s say we can decide what our purpose is. How do we make sure it will contribute to us living a fulfilling life? In my opinion, the most effective approach is through consistent reflection; I wouldn’t expect that your purpose is revealed through some overnight awakening. The “sudden moment of realization” might happen to a select few people, but it seems more unlikely and I wouldn’t count on it. Contrarily, regularly contemplating and taking time to delve into your thoughts, you can attempt to pinpoint what has been driving you recently. You can see what you value most and based on those values discover or choose your purpose. In one sentence, the key idea is this: Exploring our inner motivations and reflecting on what truly matters can help unveil our purpose over time.
Quote on the importance of purpose:
“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” ― Viktor Frankl (Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor)
Goal for the Week:
No phone for at least an hour after I wake up
I have a habit of checking my phone right after I wake up. I've found that on days when I don’t check my phone, I feel more energized. Although I don’t check my phone for long, it still feels unnecessary and is a waste of time. It doesn’t take much thinking to see how useless this habit is: What important things could have happened overnight that need my immediate attention? The reality is … nothing.
What I’m Reading:
Clear Thinking — Shane Parrish (72% done)
Giovanni’s Room — James Baldwin (38% done)
When Breath Becomes Air — Paul Kalanithi (51% done)
What I finished Reading:
The Road — Cormac McCarthy
A post-apocalyptic novel that follows the journey of a father and son has earned its status as a modern classic for a good reason. In The Road, McCarthy adeptly creates a sense of enduring hardship that draws readers in, showing the never-ending suffering the boy and his father face. While the harsh realities of their world are ever-present, the heart of the novel lies in the deep love between a father and his son. This love serves as their driving force, enabling them to endure unimaginable circumstances. Viewing the story through this lens transforms the novel from a tale of devastation to a beautiful exploration of the bond between parent and child. Alongside this central theme of storge, McCarthy also explores concepts such as the search for meaning, resilience, trust, and the interplay of selfishness and altruism, adding depth and complexity to the story. I give The Road an 8.6/10.
What I’m listening to (one podcast, one artist, one song):
The Daily Stoic: Shane Parrish on Finding Clarity and Making Better Decisions
Shane Smith & the Saints
“Somewhere Between” — Dylan Gossett
Thanks for reading! Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated for next week and feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Take care,
James
Amazing