There is a form of happiness that comes from fulfilling our desires, and then there is happiness that results from fulfilling our potential and living with purpose.
When we forget about our own pursuits and instead devote ourselves beyond the self, it is then that we attain genuine happiness, for man is not a “needy” being but a “purposeful” being. When we immerse ourselves into things greater than ourselves, we graduate from artificial gratification to authentic inner happiness.
In today’s era and society, the self dominates. But self-absorption is counterproductive, because happiness lies not in meeting our needs but in living with purpose, especially by making positive contributions to the lives of others.
The stumbling block to this form of genuine happiness is that we become overwhelmed by this challenging and daunting task of “finding our purpose.”
Where do I fit into this grandiose picture? What is my purpose? How do I go about finding my purpose? How do I know when I’m achieving it? And when, and if I do achieve it, what comes next?
I believe these challenges come about because we envision purpose as some kind of monumental achievement, or an extraordinary calling, as opposed to a consistent day to day process.
Therefore, instead of trying to find your purpose, which is something that may remain forever elusive, endeavor to live purposefully. Living purposely can begin in the here and now, this very second, and can be implemented into our daily routines. Hopefully, one day we can look back and know we found our purpose by living a daily life of being purposeful.
Our internal qualities such as personality, convictions, interests and even weaknesses and vices, once disciplined and channeled, are all part of our distinctive purpose. Each person is unique, indispensable, absolutely necessary and granted with special qualities and distinctive responsibilities to fulfil their purpose. Self-discovery is the first step to knowing how to be purposeful.
Also, our opportunities, social and family circles, places we visit and the various experiences that come our way - although not inherent to our nature – give us our chance to be purposeful.
Think about your own unique qualities. Think about the various talents you were blessed with. Now, think of how these qualities and talents can be used to bring meaning to your surroundings.
Consider the opportunities that come your way i.e. your education, financial resources, position of influence etc. Nothing is random; all life’s journeys are an opportunity.
Consider the people in your life. People have strengths and weaknesses. Who can you help through troubled times? Who can you learn from?
Finally, the journey of life at times takes us to unexpected places. We become frustrated with detours and delays because we have an agenda and expectations. But in truth, wherever we are, whether it’s a place we would like to be or not, we are there for a purpose: to do an act of kindness or to learn something new. Our focus should shift to what that purpose might be.
The accumulative energy of these factors – personal strengths, life’s opportunities, our sphere of influence and the geographical places we find ourselves in, carry the secret to our purpose in life.