The Power of Purpose

"Everybody has a song to sing"

Introduction

Humans are amazing creatures. We have consciousness, feelings and emotions, the ability to think into the future, plan and act; or not. Yet, we have some ways to go in our evolution as a species. We struggle, sometimes severely and often to our own loss or harm.

In an era defined by complexity and distractions, understanding and embracing the power of purpose has become an essential pursuit for many.

The power of purpose is a profound force that drives behaviour, shapes choices, fuels passion, and builds resilience. It provides direction, focus, motivation, and a sense of personal fulfilment.

Beyond personal implications, purpose also extends to organisational goals, social impacts, ethical decision-making, and legacy building.

This article delves into various elements that contribute to understanding and harnessing the power of purpose, including intention, grit, serendipitous events, mentors, the cumulative wisdom of learning and self-actualisation

1. Foundations of Purpose

Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs is a useful framework to understand what drives human beings –

• Physiological (Survival Essentials)
• Physical & Psychological Safety
• Connection & Belonging (Love & Relationships)
• Esteem (Appreciation & Respect from others)
• Self-actualisation (Fulfilling self-potential)

Direction and Focus with Intention: Having a purpose gives you a direction in life, but it requires intentionality to set the course. For instance, if your purpose is to promote environmental sustainability, your intention might be to reduce waste in your daily life or to engage in community clean-up efforts. Without intention, the purpose remains abstract and lacks actionable steps.

Motivation, Persistence, and Grit: Purpose can provide motivation, but grit is needed to persevere through challenges. Consider a student aiming to become a doctor to help underserved communities. The purpose is clear, but the path is demanding. It requires not just a transient desire but grit to navigate through years of strenuous education and training.

Personal Fulfilment and Intention: The alignment of purpose with personal values can lead to satisfaction, but intention is needed to align actions with this purpose. For example, if your purpose is to lead a healthy lifestyle, intentional choices about diet and exercise are needed to fulfil this purpose.

Improved Performance with Grit: Purpose can lead to success, but grit ensures that you stay the course even when the road gets tough. A small business owner with a purpose of providing quality local products may face fierce competition and market fluctuations. Grit is needed to persevere and innovate to maintain and grow the business.

Well-being, Purpose and Intention: Living in alignment with one's purpose enhances well-being, but it requires intentional choices to create this alignment. For instance, if your purpose is to have work-life balance, you must intentionally set boundaries and make decisions that prioritise family and personal time.

Community and Social Impact: Making a social impact often requires both a clear purpose and the intention to act, backed by the grit to overcome challenges. For example, a non-profit with the purpose of alleviating poverty must have clear intentions in its programs and the grit to continue working despite potential funding or logistical obstacles.

Resilience in Change: A strong purpose can help you navigate change, but grit is what helps you remain steadfast when faced with uncertainty. Consider an athlete whose purpose is to compete at the highest level. Injuries or setbacks may occur, but grit enables them to continue training and adapting to achieve their goal.

Ethical Decision-Making: Intention is vital in aligning purpose with ethical decisions. A company with a purpose of ethical sourcing must intentionally choose suppliers and practices that align with this value, even if it may be more costly or time-consuming.

Shared Purpose: Shared purpose fosters community, as seen in organisations where employees rally around a common goal, like reducing carbon emissions. This shared purpose is more meaningful when backed by intention and collective effort.

Legacy and Long-term Vision: Building a legacy often transcends short-term goals, and grit is needed to sustain efforts over time. An author with a purpose to inspire through literature must have the grit to write consistently, even in the face of rejection or failure.

Purpose alone may not be sufficient to create meaningful action and fulfilment. Intention transforms purpose into actionable plans, and grit ensures persistence and resilience in the pursuit of those plans. These elements intertwine to give depth and substance to the power of purpose, turning it into a guiding principle that can lead to significant personal, professional, and societal impact.

Multiple Purposes in Life

Life is multifaceted, and so is the reality of purpose. As we traverse through various stages of life, engage in different roles, and explore diverse interests, our purposes may evolve, multiply, or even transform. This concept intertwines with living with intention and purpose.

Multiple Roles

In life, we often take on various roles – as parents, workers, partners, friends, artists, activists, and more. Each of these roles may come with its own unique purpose (sometimes concurrently), contributing to the intricate rich tapestry of our existence.

Harmony and Conflict

Balancing multiple purposes can be both challenging and rewarding. At times, different purposes may align and harmonise, enriching our lives in complementary ways. At other times, they may conflict, requiring careful navigation, compromise, and self-awareness. A good example is a young rising executive focused on climbing the corporate ladder, who is at the same time a parent to young children. Balancing priorities is an ongoing challenge.

Personal Growth and Fulfilment

The journey through multiple purposes is not just about fulfilling obligations or achieving goals; it's about personal growth, exploration, and the continuous search for meaning and fulfilment. Each purpose, whether related to career, family, hobbies, or societal contributions, adds layers to our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Recognising and honouring our various purposes enables us to navigate life with flexibility, empathy, grit, and wisdom.

It's a complex interplay of evolving motivations, intentions, and roles that shape our lives, providing both direction and meaning. We find a roadmap to a fulfilling life rich in significance and devoid of regrets.

Serendipitous and Life-Changing Events

The journey towards fulfilling one's purpose is rarely linear. Serendipitous and life-changing events can play pivotal roles in shaping, redirecting, or even redefining purpose.

Embracing these unexpected turns, while maintaining intention and grit, can lead to new opportunities and more profound meaning. The ability to adapt purpose in response to unexpected life events adds depth and resilience to the pursuit of personal and professional goals, making the journey itself a fulfilling and dynamic experience.

Serendipitous Events and Purpose: Sometimes, unexpected events can lead to new paths or even redefine purpose. A serendipitous meeting with a mentor, stumbling upon an inspiring book, or an unplanned travel experience might open new perspectives. For instance, a business executive who randomly volunteers at a local shelter may discover a new purpose in philanthropy, leading to a career shift towards social work.

Life-Changing Events that Modify Purpose: Significant life events, such as a severe illness, loss of a loved one, or a near-death experience, can dramatically alter one's purpose. Someone who survives a serious health scare might find a renewed purpose in promoting healthy living and awareness. A parent losing a child to a preventable disease might find a new purpose in advocacy and education around that illness.

The Interaction of Intention, Grit, and Serendipity: Intention and grit are essential in pursuing purpose, but serendipitous events can sometimes redirect those efforts. A scientist working diligently on a specific research project might accidentally discover something entirely different but equally significant. This discovery could redefine their purpose and direction, and the grit that fueled their original work can now be applied to this new path.

Adaptation and Resilience: The capacity to adapt purpose in light of life-changing or serendipitous events shows resilience and flexibility. An entrepreneur who experiences a business failure might take lessons from that experience to find a new purpose in mentoring other aspiring entrepreneurs.

Organisational Shifts: Organizations, too, may find their purpose altered by unexpected market trends or accidental discoveries. A tech company initially focused on entertainment might stumble upon a technology that has significant educational applications, leading to a shift in the company's mission and purpose.

Community and Social Impact: Community projects and social initiatives can also benefit from serendipitous events. An organisation working to support education might find unexpected funding or partnerships that enable them to expand their reach and modify their purpose to include broader community development.

Ethical Considerations: Ethical decision-making might also be affected by significant life events. A person who experiences the consequences of unethical practices might be inspired to advocate for transparency and integrity within their industry, altering their personal or professional purpose.

Legacy and Long-Term Vision: Building a lasting impact often involves adapting to changes and recognising the opportunities in serendipitous events. A writer whose book unexpectedly becomes a bestseller might see an opportunity to leverage that success to promote literacy and education, thereby expanding and enriching their original purpose.

Unplanned events modify our purpose and create a new sense of meaning. These unexpected twists add depth and direction, illustrating the dynamic nature of purpose.

Mentors and Role Models

Mentors and role models add valuable dimensions to the pursuit of purpose.

Mentors and Purpose Alignment: Mentors and guides can provide essential support and direction in discovering and aligning with one's purpose. A young entrepreneur, for instance, might find a mentor who helps them shape their business with ethical practices and community engagement, elevating their initial purpose.

Role Models and Aspirational Goals: Seeing someone who has achieved what you aspire to can ignite ambition and refine purpose. A student interested in environmental conservation may be inspired by a role model who has made significant impacts in the field, leading them to strive for higher goals within their chosen purpose.

Learning and Cumulative Wisdom: Education and ongoing learning contribute to a deeper understanding of one's purpose and how to achieve it. A doctor continually learning new techniques and treatments can expand their purpose from not just healing but innovating within their field.

Self-Efficacy and Goal Achievement: Believing in one's ability to succeed (self-efficacy) plays a critical role in achieving higher goals. An artist confident in their skills might aim to use their art to raise awareness about social issues, not just to create aesthetically pleasing work. This belief in oneself can lead to more significant impacts.

Altruistic Work and Expanded Purpose: Engaging in altruistic work often leads to a broader and more profound sense of purpose. A business leader focused on profitability might, through mentoring and guidance, come to see the value in corporate social responsibility, thereby expanding their purpose to include positive social impacts.

Ethical Decision Making: The accumulated wisdom gained through experience, learning, and mentorship can lead to more informed and ethical decision-making. An executive, shaped by years of learning from various mentors and experiences, may ensure that their company’s purpose aligns with sustainable and ethical practices.

Enhanced Community and Social Impact: Education and learning from role models can lead to more effective community engagement. A community organiser might learn from successful social movements and apply those lessons to create more significant social change.

Resilience: Mentors and role models can provide support and wisdom in the face of setbacks, reinforcing resilience. A writer struggling with rejection may find encouragement and guidance from a seasoned author, helping them persevere and refine their craft.

Legacy, Long-term Vision, and Mentorship: Building a lasting legacy often involves learning from those who have come before. An athlete striving to break records may seek guidance from retired champions, incorporating their wisdom and experiences into a purpose-driven pursuit of excellence.

Mentorship and Serendipity: Sometimes, mentorship relationships form serendipitously and can significantly impact one's direction. A casual conversation with a seasoned professional at a conference might lead to an ongoing mentorship, providing new insights and opportunities within one's field.

Mentors and role models bring insights, inspiration, and practical guidance that can shape and elevate one's goals. Combined with the influence of learning, cumulative wisdom, and self-efficacy, these relationships foster a richer understanding of purpose and empower individuals to strive for higher goals, including altruistic work. Whether through formal mentorship or the influence of public role models, these relationships contribute to a more nuanced and impactful journey towards fulfilling one's purpose, reflecting the complex interplay of personal growth, community impact, and ethical integrity.

2. Challenges and Strategies

Despite having purpose and intention, it's common for individuals and organisations to falter or encounter difficulties in fulfilling those aims. There are several reasons for this complexity, including:

Challenges

Inadequate Planning: Even with a clear purpose, lack of a well-defined plan can lead to failure. Proper planning includes setting achievable goals, determining the necessary resources, and creating timelines. Without these elements, intention alone may not be enough to carry out a purpose.

External Obstacles: Sometimes, external factors beyond control, such as economic downturns, political changes, or natural disasters, can impede progress. A business with a clear mission can still falter in the face of unexpected market shifts.

Lack of Resources: Pursuing a purpose often requires specific resources, including time, money, expertise, and support. If these are lacking or are underestimated, it can hinder progress.

Psychological Factors: Fear of failure, self-doubt, or perfectionism can stall or derail efforts, even when the purpose and intention are strong. Overcoming these psychological barriers often requires self-awareness, resilience, and sometimes professional support.

One of the biggest regrets at end of life (recorded and described by caregivers) is the regret of not having done something. Whilst humans have a desire to make a mark in this life, what holds them back is a fear of not being good enough and subsequently a fear of failure. We underestimate our abilities and sometimes look for the "perfect" moment to do undertake a big or complex task. These moments never arrive; they are here now.

It helps to be proactive and brave. Seek learning and seek guides or mentors to talk through your visions, aspirations and hurdles through progressive life stages. Clarifying purpose and options invariably lights the way to intentional living, reduces stress and builds self confidence.

Misalignment with Values: If a stated purpose doesn't align with deeply held values or if it's pursued for the wrong reasons (such as external pressure or societal expectations), it may lead to a lack of motivation and commitment.

Conflict with Other Goals or Responsibilities: Life is complex, and multiple goals or responsibilities can conflict with each other. Striving for a purpose in one area of life might clash with obligations or desires in another, leading to difficulties in pursuing that purpose.

Complexity of Task: Some purposes are extraordinarily complex and challenging, requiring specialised skills or extensive learning. Underestimating the complexity or overestimating one's abilities can lead to faltering.

Lack of Support: A supportive environment, including encouragement from friends, family, mentors, or colleagues, can be crucial in fulfilling a purpose. Lack of this support can hinder progress.

Burnout and Fatigue: Passion for a purpose can sometimes lead to over-commitment and burnout. Without proper self-care and balance, even the most determined individuals can falter.

Moral or Ethical Dilemmas: Sometimes, pursuing a purpose might lead to unforeseen moral or ethical challenges. Navigating these complexities might cause delays or changes in direction.

Expectation of Linear Progress: The journey towards fulfilling a purpose is rarely straightforward. There can be an expectation of constant progress, and when obstacles occur, they may be seen as failures rather than natural parts of the process.

Adaptation to Changing Circumstances: Life is dynamic, and purposes may need to adapt to changing personal, professional, or societal contexts. Rigidity in sticking to an initial intention might hinder adaptation and growth.

Faltering despite having purpose and intention is a natural aspect of the human experience, reflecting the complexity and dynamism of life. It's not necessarily indicative of failure but rather an opportunity for learning, adaptation, and growth.

Understanding these challenges and developing strategies to navigate them can enhance resilience and ultimately contribute to more profound success in fulfilling one's purpose.

Simplicity & Decluttering

Clarity and Focus: Decluttering both physical space and mental commitments allows for greater clarity and focus on what truly matters. By removing extraneous objects or obligations, you can concentrate more fully on your goals and purpose, making your path toward them more direct and unobstructed.

Alignment with Values: Simplifying life often involves a reflective process of identifying what is most important and valuable to you. This alignment with personal values can make daily life more meaningful and ensure that your actions are in sync with your larger purpose.

Increased Energy and Motivation: A cluttered environment or overly complicated life can lead to feelings of overwhelm and fatigue. Simplifying and organising can free up energy, making it easier to pursue activities that are aligned with your purpose and provide a sense of meaning.

Reduction of Stress: By reducing physical clutter and unnecessary commitments, you reduce potential sources of stress. This calming effect can enhance well-being, making it easier to connect with what provides a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Improved Decision Making: A simplified life often leads to more intentional and mindful living. This improved awareness can enhance decision-making processes, ensuring that choices align with purpose and contribute to a more meaningful life.

Greater Time for What Matters: By decluttering and eliminating unnecessary tasks or commitments, you create more time for activities that align with your purpose. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, volunteering, or working on personal development, having more time enables you to engage more deeply in what brings meaning.

Encourages Mindfulness and Presence: The practice of simplifying encourages mindfulness and presence in the moment. This state of mind can enhance the connection to one's purpose, allowing for more deliberate and meaningful engagement with daily activities.

Facilitates Personal Growth: The journey of simplification often leads to personal growth and self-discovery. Reflecting on what truly matters, what brings joy, and what aligns with your purpose can be a transformative experience, leading to a deeper understanding of self and life's meaning.

Fosters Altruism: Simplifying often involves letting go of possessions or commitments that no longer serve you. This can foster a sense of generosity and compassion, as you may choose to donate items or time to those in need, aligning with broader altruistic goals.

Simplifying and decluttering is not just about creating a tidy space; it's a holistic approach to life that emphasizes focus, alignment with values, intentionality, and mindfulness. These aspects can directly enhance the sense of purpose and meaning in life by removing barriers and creating space for what truly matters.

The practice encourages reflection on personal values, goals, and purpose, allowing for a more coherent and fulfilling life experience. Whether it's the physical act of decluttering a room or the more abstract process of simplifying commitments and relationships, these practices can be powerful tools in the pursuit of a purpose-driven and meaningful life.

Deliberate Practice

Deliberate practice is a focused and systematic approach to improving skills, often used in fields like music, sports, art, and various professional domains. It's more than mere repetition; it involves setting specific goals, obtaining immediate feedback, and concentrating on technique and improvement. Here's how deliberate practice can be essential in aiding intention and action, and why it is so:

Alignment with Goals: Deliberate practice requires clear and specific goals. It's not about mindless repetition but practicing with an intention to improve. This alignment with specific goals ensures that the practice is directly contributing to the broader intentions and actions.

Immediate Feedback: One key aspect of deliberate practice is the continuous feedback loop. Whether it's from a coach, mentor, or self-assessment, this feedback helps in understanding what's working and what needs improvement. Such insights drive intentional actions and refine the process of moving towards a goal.

Focused Effort: Unlike casual practice, deliberate practice demands concentrated effort. This focus helps in building the necessary skills and knowledge required to achieve specific goals. The purposeful and intensive nature of deliberate practice facilitates progress toward intentions.

Enhancement of Skills: Through constant refinement and adjustment, deliberate practice enhances the skills required to meet the desired goals. The attention to detail and commitment to excellence builds a mastery that is vital in fulfilling intentions and taking effective actions.

Builds Resilience and Persistence: Deliberate practice is often challenging and requires dedication and persistence. This continuous effort builds resilience, which is crucial in maintaining momentum towards goals, even when faced with setbacks or difficulties.

Allows for Adaptation and Flexibility: Since deliberate practice involves ongoing assessment and feedback, it allows for adaptation and flexibility. If something isn’t working, adjustments can be made. This adaptability ensures that actions remain aligned with intentions and that strategies can be modified as needed.

Creates Habits and Discipline: The structured nature of deliberate practice helps in forming habits and discipline. These habits can then translate into other areas of life, reinforcing the ability to act with intention and purpose.

Application Across Various Domains: The principles of deliberate practice can be applied beyond specific skills, extending to personal development, career growth, or any area where improvement and mastery are desired. It's a versatile approach that can be tailored to various intentions and actions.

Deliberate practice is a potent tool for aligning intention with action. Its structured, goal-oriented, and feedback-driven nature ensures that efforts are directed towards meaningful improvement.

By focusing on the process and embracing a mindset of continuous refinement, deliberate practice fosters the skills, habits, and resilience needed to pursue intentions with efficacy and purpose.

Whether in professional endeavours, personal development, or artistic pursuits, deliberate practice offers a methodical path to excellence, aligning efforts with goals, and turning intentions into tangible progress and success.

3. Purpose and Self-Actualisation

Alignment with Core Values and Beliefs

Self-actualisation requires an understanding and alignment with one's core values, beliefs, and authentic self. This alignment fosters a sense of purpose, directing actions and decisions towards what truly matters to an individual.

Realisation of Potential

Purpose often drives individuals to pursue their highest potential, pushing them to stretch their abilities and reach their goals. In seeking self-actualisation, individuals are driven to realize their full capabilities, which often align with their deeper purpose.

Personal Growth and Development

Self-actualisation encourages ongoing personal growth and development. It is a continuous process of learning, reflecting, and growing, which parallels the evolving nature of purpose. As individuals grow and change, so too does their understanding of their purpose.

Creativity and Innovation

Creativity is a hallmark of self-actualised individuals. It allows them to see possibilities, think outside the box, and innovate in various areas of life. This creativity often fuels their purpose, leading them to unique contributions in their careers, hobbies, or social engagements.

Enhanced Well-being and Satisfaction

People who are on the path to self-actualisation often experience enhanced well-being and life satisfaction. A clear sense of purpose contributes to this satisfaction, providing direction, meaning, and a sense of fulfilment.

Contribution to Others and Society

Self-actualisation often involves contributing to others and society at large. Many find their purpose in serving others, making a difference, and leaving a positive impact on the world. This altruistic aspect intertwines with the concept of purpose, reinforcing a sense of connection and significance.

Self-actualisation and purpose are deeply intertwined concepts, each reinforcing and enriching the other. The journey towards self-actualisation is a personal and unique path that often aligns with an individual's sense of purpose.

It is about realising one's potential, growing continually, living authentically, and contributing positively to the world. By embracing both self-actualisation and purpose, individuals can cultivate a rich, meaningful life that resonates with their innermost values and aspirations. The pursuit of self-actualisation not only enriches the individual but also has the potential to enrich society as a whole through creative, empathetic, and altruistic endeavours.

Conclusion

The power of purpose transcends mere motivation; it’s a multifaceted journey shaping our existence. It encompasses our deepest intentions, unexpected life events, guidance from mentors, personal challenges, the pursuit of self-actualization, and much more.

This brief exploration illustrates how purpose is a dynamic force which changes over time. Through understanding, embracing, adapting, and nurturing our purpose, we pave the way for a fulfilling, meaningful life with no regrets.

Whether in work achievements, personal growth, or altruistic endeavours, the pursuit of purpose provides a blueprint for a life rich in meaning and self-fulfilment.

By aligning our actions with our deepest values, engaging in deliberate practice, simplifying our lives, and striving for self-actualisation, we unlock the potential to live with intention, resilience, creativity, and profound satisfaction.

Be awesome!

Frank Choy

13 August 2023