“All that context can do is keep me maintaining the status quo, at best edging it up gradually. It can help me achieve more of the same and sometimes even an improved version of the same, but it can’t help drive me to achieve goals outside the context of need. And there are a lot of hugely interesting goals and experiences that don’t fall within the realm of need.”

You nailed it. I’ve been “moving sideways” for the last few years with precisely the symptoms you describe. By clearly articulating the circumstances and symptoms, and authentically sharing the beneficial results from your own life, I think you finally got through to me. This is the article that has convinced me to go back and perform the exercise from your previous article on “how to discover your life’s purpose.”

You have written another great, thought-provoking article. I have never thought about the distinction between need-based goals and purpose.

Keep it up