Can't Figure Out My Purpose

[Dan.Linehan]

Originally Posted by pianoperformer

Dan,

I don't know. Is it best to serve oneself? I don't think.

Sure! Service to yourself and service to others are deeply interrelated.

Here are your basic options:

1. Stay uninspired and depressed, and don't help anyone or yourself. Basically a lose/ lose situation.

2. Do stuff only for yourself, and heck! Screw people over while you're at it. Win for you, lose for them. Too bad so sad.

3. Do stuff only for others, regardless of your own feelings about the matter. Ask everyone in your life how you can serve them best, then do whatever it is they say. Lose for you / win for them. You are now a total doormat.

4. Do stuff primarily for yourself and don't harm others while you're at it. Win / win.


Is it best to serve yourself? Of course it is. And you'll probably choose not to screw over other people over while you do it. Screwing people over in this day and age is pretty hard to do successfully anyway. Heck, the best way to do it is probably to work for a corporation, but that's another post entirely.

I'm not saying that serving yourself is your purpose. What I am saying is that you do have to serve your own interests first, and you'll probably have to practice paying yourself first for a long time before your purpose truly becomes clear. Your most inspiring purpose will be a cumulation of activities that you love doing with all your heart and soul, those things that delight and fulfill you consistently. It takes a bit of practice to find out what all those things are, and how to weave them together. But you definitely can't find out by moping around.

[pianoperformer]

Angela, your post was beautiful. Thank you. That has really lit something in me.

Dan, I do see what you are saying. I do know some of the things I enjoy, and I'm thinking of doing a bit of all of them just for a bit of security. For instance, I could program while trying to make it as a performing pianist. Just not sure if I'd do it as a freelancer, or actually try to find a job in that field. That also means that I don't know if I should also try to get a degree in computer science. I've been programming so long and in so many different languages that I don't know how much more college could teach me about it. I was so bored in a C++ class I took two semesters ago, because I knew it all.

[Dan.Linehan]

Originally Posted by pianoperformer

I've been programming so long and in so many different languages that I don't know how much more college could teach me about it. I was so bored in a C++ class I took two semesters ago, because I knew it all.

It doesn't make much sense to take classes if they don't inspire you and you aren't learning anything. What kind of website could you build that might be inspiring?

[pianoperformer]

Dan,

I don't know yet. I've been trying to think about that, but really nothing comes to me.

[Dan.Linehan]

Originally Posted by pianoperformer

Dan,

I don't know yet. I've been trying to think about that, but really nothing comes to me.

If you do want a job in the tech field, most companies will be more impressed with an interview candidate who has built several good websites or applications over someone with a CS degree and nothing else to show for it.

[pianoperformer]

True. I just have to come up with something to make, first. I was thinking of making a music web site for musicians to log their practices, to set goals for it, track time, etc. I may start there. What do you think?

[Dan.Linehan]

Originally Posted by pianoperformer

True. I just have to come up with something to make, first. I was thinking of making a music web site for musicians to log their practices, to set goals for it, track time, etc. I may start there. What do you think?

Sounds good to me.

Lots of people are looking to learn instruments. I'm sure many of them would love a place where they could share their experiences, ask questions, upload videos, find free resources and tutorials, etc.

[pianoperformer]

I believe that already exists. But what doesn't exist is what equates to an online practice journal. I have been keeping my own, and it's been rather useful, so I thought others might be interested as well. Also I'll probably add some social capabilities, just so people can communicate.

[Trezker]

Go for it. We'll expect regular progress reports.

[pianoperformer]

Haha, definitely.