If X, then Y. If fear, shift to purpose.

A fundamental principle in engineering says if a certain set of conditions exist, then respond in a certain way. It is if X, then Y.

Living on purpose can be an abstraction. Sometimes it brings confusion rather than clarity. Yet, this “if X, then, Y” principle applies well to the art, science, and sport of living on purpose. It can remove confusion and replace it with clarity, focus and direction about how to proceed practically.

A simple example is if X - there is a desire to lose weight and feel lighter and more energized, then Y - more exercise and less food can be a great place to start.

Here is what comes up almost always in early conversations about living on purpose. I ask, do you want to live on purpose? The common answers are, “I don’t know what it is, I don’t know how to do it, and I don’t know what it means.” These are not answers to the question asked. They answer other questions.

In other words, if (X) the answer is NO... then (Y) it does not matter what it is, how to do it, or what it means. On the other hand, if (X) the answer is YES, then other questions organize themselves perfectly.

When someone says YES, I want to live on purpose, the order to do it becomes so obvious. Follow the logic.

Yes, I want to live on purpose, but I don’t know what it is.

The very next step is to discover your purpose so you can live it.

But, I don’t know how to do it.

The very next step is to learn how.

But, I don’t know what it means.

As you learn how, its meaning is revealed.

The most useful application of this principle is so simple:

1. If fear, shift to purpose.
2. If Purpose, create your Vision.

Of course, there is a requisite in those too. Your purpose and vision must be known to do it.

If you X want to live on purpose, then Y you must discover what it is, learn how to do it and it will reveal what it means to you all along the way.

For me, there it keeps unfolding situation by situation, day by day and there seems no ceiling to the freedom, power, and inspiration it brings as I learn and live to the best of my ability “on purpose now and now and here and now.