The 3 Elements of Purpose

The 3 Elements of Purpose

Purpose. Nowadays, it appears impossible to escape the ubiquity of that term, tossed about as everyone's singular life mission.


How do you discover your purpose? ??

After finishing Clayton Christensen's book, "How Will You Measure Your Life?", I am eager to share its valuable insights, particularly towards the end where he delves into the discovery, definition, and measurement of purpose and its impact on oneself and others.

Christensen outlines three elements of purpose applicable to both individuals and companies:

  1. Likeness
  2. Commitment
  3. Metrics

Understanding how these elements relate to you could be a transformative exercise. The first element, "likeness," involves identifying the person you aspire to be. Christensen, for instance, envisions himself as:

  • A person dedicated to improving others' lives.
  • A kind, honest, forgiving, and selfless man.
  • A believer who not only believes in God but believes God.

These sentences, though concise, encapsulate clear themes guiding daily actions.

The second element, commitment, goes beyond merely noting down your likeness; it requires a genuine desire to embody that persona. Assessing your commitment helps refine your likeness.

The final element ties back to the book's title: How will you measure your life? Christensen suggests metrics rarely involve money or status; for him, it's the positive impact on individuals.

What stands out about this approach ???? Unlike many purpose exercises, this one is concise, logical, and clear. It serves as a practical compass for daily decisions throughout life.

Christensen emphasizes that defining these elements is a gradual process, acknowledging it may take years. This allows experimentation and openness to new opportunities without rigidly adhering to an initially defined purpose.

Moreover, this approach can be applied to business, aligning actions with personal values while not neglecting profitability. It encourages building a business true to your aspirations, avoiding unethical decisions for the sake of profit.

In conclusion, finding purpose with these three elements may seem challenging, but the journey could define the rest of your life. Christensen's book provides further guidance, making the process more accessible. If you're interested in exploring this further, consider reading the book(How will you measure your life ?)It did change the way I look at things! truly inspirational

Good luck!


Samir Gandhi

IIM Ahmedabad | Director-Goldmine Group | Trustee at 999life.org

1 年

Thanks for sharing insights On your personal recommendation, read this masterpiece book. Keep sharing bro

Suril Udeshi

Awarded "Restaurant Consultant of the Year 2024" by Restaurant Guru. ??

1 年

Awesome article!

Pranav Vyas

IIMA | Semiconductor | ASIC | Physical design

1 年

Awesome Chiraayu K Pandya ! “How Will You Measure Your Life?" From prof Clayton Christensen is not a one time but frequent read. Thanks for sharing insights

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