I personally believe that there is no divine purpose that is given by the universe. Life is essentially meaningless and even if we do something extraordinary that helps the entire world, it is essentially meaningless in the grand scale of the cosmos. A single asteroid can simply destroy our efforts, or our legacy will slowly but surely be eroded with the passage of time. I know this may sound pessimistic/nihilistic, but I see beauty in the ephemeral existence called life. However, I do have reasons to believe that our experiences help us evolve or change and who we become keep existing even if we die or the world is destroyed. The information about our experience of life is etched in the fabric of space & time, and it wont as long as the universe exist.
Even though, there may be no purpose of life; you can create a purpose in your life and add a meaning to it. Your purpose is like your ultimate chief aim in your life. But, I like to keep the duration between 7 to 15 years. In his book ‘The Alchemist’, Paulo Coelho calls this our ‘Personal Legend’. It’s like designing a game plot or writing your own story for your own Game of Life. And while pursing it, you will achieve everything that matters to you in life.
Why do you need a Core Purpose is life?
In my experience, it’s not strictly necessary to have purpose in life. A lot of people are very happy and successful without any purpose and it is sometimes difficult to pursue; however, there are some really great benefits for have a core purpose or personal legend in life.
Meaning and Fulfilment: A sense of purpose gives life meaning and direction. It provides a framework for setting goals, making decisions, and finding fulfillment in one's actions. Knowing that your life has a purpose can bring a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment.
Motivation & Resilience: Purpose serves as a powerful motivator. When individuals have a clear understanding of their purpose, they are more likely to be motivated to work toward their goals. People with a strong sense of purpose tend to be more resilient in the face of adversity. When confronted with difficulties, individuals who feel their actions are meaningful are better able to cope and overcome challenges. With time, this motivation & resilience evolve into a more powerful trait called Grit: The courage and resolve to keep persevering in the face of challenges.
Guidance in Decision-Making: Having a purpose can serve as a guiding principle when making decisions. It helps individuals prioritize their activities and make choices that align with their values and long-term objectives.
Health & Well-Being Benefits: Research suggests that having a sense of purpose is associated with better physical and mental health. It can contribute to lower stress levels, improved immune function, and a reduced risk of certain health conditions. Individuals with a clear sense of purpose often report higher levels of overall well-being. This includes greater life satisfaction, happiness, and a positive outlook on life.
Social Connection: A shared sense of purpose can foster social cohesion and connection. When individuals come together around a common goal or purpose, it creates a sense of community and shared identity.
Longevity: Some studies suggest that having a purpose in life may contribute to increased longevity. It is believed that a sense of purpose may influence lifestyle choices and encourage behaviors that promote health and well-being.
Contributions to Society: People with a sense of purpose often make meaningful contributions to society. Whether through their work, relationships, or community involvement, individuals driven by a sense of purpose can positively impact the world around them.
Self Actualization: Pursuing a purpose often involves personal growth and development. It encourages individuals to continuously learn, adapt, and evolve, contributing to a more fulfilling and enriching life. However, the most important reason is that pursuing your core purpose, you evolve as a human being, and this evolution transcends space & time.
Understanding the Legendary Purpose:
A legendary purpose goes beyond the self. It's about contributing to the world in a way that is remembered and admired long after one's time on Earth has passed. This purpose drives you towards self-actualization, urging you to refine your character, celebrate exceptional achievements, and positively influence others. But, crucially, this pursuit is for you - to evolve, grow, and live a life of profound meaning and impact.
Embarking on the journey to discover a legendary purpose is about transcending beyond mere self-interests to craft a life that not only elevates oneself but also has a profound impact on millions. A legendary purpose is not just about achieving personal success; it's about embodying extraordinary qualities, refining one's character, achieving exceptional accomplishments, exerting a positive influence, and leaving a lasting legacy. It's a pursuit that transforms you into an extraordinary individual, leading an extraordinary life, where wealth, fame, power, and pleasure are mere byproducts of a much grander vision.
The 3P’s Framework for Discovering Your Legendary Purpose:
To navigate the path toward your legendary purpose, consider the three P's: Passion, Potential, and People. This framework helps you introspect and align your desires, abilities, and the impact you wish to have on the world.
Passion:
Passion is your inner fire. It's what you love doing, what makes you lose track of time, and what fills you with energy and enthusiasm. To identify your passions, ask yourself:
What activities bring me joy and motivation?
If resources were unlimited, what would I choose to do?
What have been my proudest accomplishments, and what do they reveal about my passions?
Potential:
Your potential encompasses your talents, skills, experiences, and the unique perspective you bring to the table. Reflect on:
What am I naturally good at, and what challenges have I overcome?
Who are the people and what are the networks that can support my journey?
Considering my skills and resources, what unique contributions can I make?
People:
Focusing on the people aspect involves identifying whom you wish to impact through your purpose. To clarify this, consider:
What issues or challenges do I feel compelled to address for the benefit of others?
How do I want to be remembered by those around me and the broader world?
What legacy and contributions do I aim to leave behind?
Steps to Discover Your North Star:
Your purpose statement is the combination of your personal mission, the means to achieve it, and the reason behind it.
Analyse all the answers in the three aspects of a legendary purpose and make a list of positive impacts you wish to make on the world. For example, it could be something like, "To make a positive impact on the environment" or "To inspire others."
Mention how you can make it happen. A broad idea based on your potential should be enough. this may change with time.
Then answer why is it worth it to you. It’s not about others but you.
Verify whether it checks all the three aspects of a legendary purpose
Passion: How do you know this is your passion? Is there an obsession or a consistent pull towards it? Assess your enthusiasm: Are you willing to learn and grow, even when faced with challenges?
Potential: Evaluate your capabilities and any unique traits that equip you for this mission. Consider your life experiences and how they've prepared you to make a difference. Identify resources and networks that can support your journey.
People: Focus on who benefits from your purpose. How broad is the impact? What specific problem are you solving? Consider the wider implications: How will your purpose affect the world at large?
Find which ones resonate with you the most and rank them in that order.
Select the top option and write a purpose statement by combining the what, the how and the why?
Create your Legendary Purpose Statement
A clear, compelling purpose statement is your first step. It articulates your mission, how you'll achieve it, and why it matters—primarily to you.
Mission: Identify the impacts you aim to have in the world, like environmental conservation, improving education, solve world hunger, or inspiring change.
Action Plan: Outline broadly how you intend to make these impacts, leaning on your strengths and resources. Remember, the specifics may evolve.
Personal Why: Clarify why this purpose matter to you. Your purpose should resonate on a personal level, not just for the sake of others. Why should it be you?
E.g.:
“To liberate 50 million people from the shackles of their own minds and financial situation and set them on a path of self-actualization by sharing the tools & wisdom via books, courses, workshops, videos, etc. and support their entrepreneurial journey with my TD & OD consulting solutions because everyone has a huge potential to transform the world for better provided they become mentally and financially free, and it pains me to see people never achieving their fullest potential and suffer in their life because of their own mental composition like I did.”
Create an Ultimate Vision: Envision your Ideal-self on an Ideal-Day in your Ideal-Life
Having outlined your purpose, next define the 'Ultimate Identity' you aim to achieve. This should mirror the person you'll become as you pursue your purpose.
Identity Titles: Consider powerful descriptors that align with your envisioned future self. For example, "The Legendary Coach" who empowers millions to overcome mental barriers and achieve self-actualization.
Results: Detail the means and results you envision achieving. For example, creating a platform that offers courses and workshops aimed at personal growth and development.
Self-Actualization: What are you doing? How have you evolved? Describe the version of you that has realized your purpose.
Experience: Reflect on the emotions and experiences that come with achieving your purpose.
Contribution: Consider the impact you'll have made on the world and on individual lives.
Your ultimate vision is your guiding light, evolving as you gain experiences and insights. It’s about finding what resonates with you now, with room for growth and change.
Conclusion:
In summary, having a purpose in life is important for personal well-being, motivation, resilience, and contributing positively to the broader community. It provides a framework for living a meaningful and fulfilling life. And most importantly, a core purpose is a means to self actualize.
Mapping your legendary purpose isn't about lofty ideals but about actionable insights into what drives you, what you're capable of, and whom you aim to help. It's a blend of introspection, practical planning, and a clear vision for the future. Keep focused on these tangible steps, and let them guide you towards realizing your North Star.
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