Executing Your Purpose

[DerekNewland]

I pondered and exercised Steve's Discover Your Life's Purpose article, and I think I came to a conclusion as to what my purpose is. It feels right, and it's something I believe in. However, similar to Steve's purpose, it is quite vague.

It appears to me, that there are hundreds if not thousands of ways one can fulfill their said purpose in life.

My purpose, simply put, is to encourage others to think for themselves, contribute to the world we live in, and to help others in their everyday lives.

If I wanted to continue this, I could go on to say that I support democracy (for the most part), the freedom of knowledge and information (transparency), to encourage everybody to be open minded and to tolerate other's belief systems, that we are all equals, and that we should all treat each other as we would like to be treated.

This being said, I must say that I have invested countless hours in to figuring out exactly how I would like to pursue my purpose and follow my passions.

I enjoy many things.. music, wildlife, photography, science, technology, engineering, etc. So far in life, I'm 25 years old, I have managed to score a good job with one of the worlds top technology companies (without the need of a degree, I might add). I am also married, and I own my own home. I consider myself somewhat successful for my age, and with the limited formal education that I have.

Enough background. Here's the cheese...

I find myself unable to pick, and stick with, a specific track. Below is an "example" of my thought process over a given period of time. It's the best way I can describe my situation..


"Okay, I'm going to specialize in network engineering. It seems fun and looks like a prosperous career choice"

*a week (or even a few days) of submerging myself in related material*

"Perhaps application development (computer programming) may be a better career choice. It would give me a greater opportunity to work from home in the future, and to pick up gigs on the side."

*I might pursue this for a short time*

"Maybe I should go back to college and finish my degree"

*looks for colleges and resources for earning a degree online*

"Do I want to go to school for electronics engineering or computer science? Or how about physics? I did want to study physics at one point. But then what about my current career path?"

"I seem to enjoy teaching too, maybe I should try that some more..."

"Hey how about becoming a certified Linux engineer, that would be cool, too"

*Reads related materials, etc etc*

"Oh! Web design, that is enjoyable too! Or maybe web development??"

"Hmm, I still thing network engineering would be cool. Perhaps specializing in telecommunications? Or software? Or hardware?"

"Maybe I should start programming again.."

*Go to line 1 - Continue this loop*


If you read all of that, thank you.. If you didn't, I don't blame you. Anyways, as you may imagine, this causes me a great amount of stress. Especially since I have been stuck in this loop for what seems years and years..

The thing is, no matter where I look, or how much I look into it, nothing stands out for me. Nothing jumps up and shouts "HEY! YOU REALLY ENJOY DOING THAT, SO PURSUE IT WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND MIND!"

I've heard that, when one is faced with this situation, that they should just try different things, and if they don't like it, to go on to the next thing. I feel like I have done this with everything that has ever interested me. I feel like there are many, many, things I would enjoy pursuing, but nothing stands out in particular..

I'm not sure if many others have faced a similar situation, but if you have, I could really use some advice. Thank you for reading.

[James81]

The real gaping thing that jumped out at me in this post (and I read the whole thing including the thought loop ), was that this purpose:

My purpose, simply put, is to encourage others to think for themselves, contribute to the world we live in, and to help others in their everyday lives.

does not have a personal component to it at all. What is the theme of your life that is personal to YOU? That is, what is your purpose that does not involve other people in it at all?

(For example, my purpose is this: To explore, to teach, to be my own voice. Do you notice how each of those things is central to ME and my life personally? I think that purpose is extremely personal --and, I baulk at using this word because of the negative connotations around it, self-ish....that is SELF - ish. )

Then, out of that purpose will spiral your contribution to others. But it must be for yourself first before you can begin to explore how you'll use your purpose to contribute.

[vivekmari]

i think the problem is options.. seems like you will love whatever you are given. but sticking with it is a problem, because u want to derive the fullest from the particular thing..
as you know everything in the world has suffering as a part of it.. old Buddhist saying.. everyone would like to president of USA as he is the most powerful person in the world and he could help a lot of people in any way he likes. but there is also pitfalls.
stick to any particular task (eg.. certified linux engineer) and see to that u complete it. u always have the freedom of doing other things on the side..

[MartaA]

Originally Posted by DerekNewland

My purpose, simply put, is to encourage others to think for themselves, contribute to the world we live in, and to help others in their everyday lives.

I enjoy many things.. music, wildlife, photography, science, technology, engineering, etc.

I find myself unable to pick, and stick with, a specific track. Below is an "example" of my thought process over a given period of time. It's the best way I can describe my situation..

I can't help realise that there is not a very direct connection between the purpose you came up with, and which you say you feel fine about, and the choices you set up in your thought loop. Ok, technology and engineering are between the things you enjoy... but that's not enough. Your loops of thought are just that: thoughts. Your mind won't ever tell you your purpose, it will just try to make a plan upon any "good idea".

You have to find out what are you passionate about, with your heart, with your body.

Ok, here's what I think you could do:

1. Leave the world outside for a while. Forget all the names of careers, specializations and professions that may exist out there.

2. Get in touch with your heart. Just breathe deeply a couple of times and put your attention on your chest.

3. Just ask yourself, aloud better, what do you TRULY want to do in order to follow your purpose.

4. Pay attention to any feeling, though (yes, now you can pay attention to the thoughts that can "appear" in your mind) or sensation that comes to you. Be careful, it may not be related directly to a career. But pay close attention.

Hope that helps!

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by James81

What is the theme of your life that is personal to YOU? That is, what is your purpose that does not involve other people in it at all?

(For example, my purpose is this: To explore, to teach, to be my own voice.

I dunno. To me, the word "teach" already means that you must have people to reach. The word "voice" implies that you're going to express yourself to other people.

And anyway in the first place, I don't understand why the so-called purpose cannot involve other people.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by DerekNewland

I'm not sure if many others have faced a similar situation,

Yeah, me.

There are many different things that appeal to me. And not any one thing that stains out from all those other things.

[DerekNewland]

There are many different things that appeal to me. And not any one thing that stains out from all those other things.

So, in a way, I feel like all professions are equally important. The world needs teachers and leaders and engineers and artists and so on and so on.

I also feel that one can accomplish literally anything if they focus all of their time, energy, and passion on it.

That said, I feel like just picking one thing to focus on would be totally random and chaotic, given that all professions are equally important and obtainable.

I know that I cannot do all things. I also know that not specializing (or not having a primary passion) will not get a person far in life (or at least it wont make them stand out).

I now must ask myself if I'm really thinking logically about everything.

And, this reminds me of a question I once saw a forum / blog post about.. Do people find their passion in parallel with master of said skill? Do I need to practice and become something before I will obtain a passion for it?

Or, should I just pick something that looks cool and go with it, without ever looking back at the seemingly infinite other possibilities that could have been?

[DerekNewland]

And, as a side note:

I can look at any profession in the world and see enjoyable aspects of that profession which I would enjoy. Helping people, building things, being creative, learning radical cool stuff, improving the world, etc..

[James81]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

I dunno. To me, the word "teach" already means that you must have people to reach. The word "voice" implies that you're going to express yourself to other people.

And anyway in the first place, I don't understand why the so-called purpose cannot involve other people.

Actually, the purpose absolutely affects other people. That's what is so counter-intuitive about the whole thing.

It's just that it applies to you FIRST and inspires you FIRST and it's specifically FOR you and ABOUT you. And when you are living a personal, inspiring, self-discovered purpose, it will spiral out of you and it will impact other people far greater than a purpose that is tailored TO other people first and foremost.

That's been my experience. I explore for me. I teach for me. I am my own voice for me. I do those things because they touch a very deep part of me, and I don't need other people to do any of those things (I can and do teach myself all the time...I can be my voice to myself), even though I get great joy out of being those things with other people.

But in the process I've found that living that purpose for myself *is* having an impact on others. Thing is, I'm not living my purpose to change things, to make a difference, or to contribute in any way. But the impacts of living my purpose is changing things, is making a difference, and is being expressed (in part) through my contribution.

But that's not the only things my purpose are doing for me. My purpose gives me a focus, and that focus is very much in everything I do. I don't need a *job* to fulfill it, even though I will be getting a job that allows me to express those things very fully (as a teacher).

I've actually been toying with changing the word "purpose," because the type of purpose I talk about doesn't fit the preconceived notions that we all have about purpose. A word I'm thinking of using is actually "theme." I think that might fit a little bitter than purpose (or even personal purpose).

When I say that my theme, or my role, in life is to explore, to teach, and to be my own voice, does that influence your perception of what I'm talking about? I think people think of purpose in terms of something you DO, rather than the way I mean it...which is something you ARE...or something you are being...or, the way it makes most sense to me, is the role you play...your "character" in this life (i.e. think like a movie character here). They are elements that comprise of who I am, that guide my focus.

[rodav]

What do you consistently enjoy doing? What are you really good at? What activities give you energy? I don't find them in your thought loops.To answer those questions you need to be self aware. You have to be conscious how you feel when doing something. Perhaps you can try journaling to capture your thoughts and emotions. Later, you'll find out that there are elements there that stick out. It could be what you love doing or what you don't like doing.

[DerekNewland]

Say I am doing what I enjoy (i do have my so-called dream job). Is it possible to do what you love, what you would do if you didn't get paid, and not feel fulfilled and motivated?

[Anythingwilldo]

My purpose in life is what I love to do most. You could pay me nothing to do it, and I would continue to do it.

A lot of people seem to confuse purpose for life as something logical, rational, obtainable.. Some magical pill that will make there life better. If we let go of this belief, and just follow our hearts, we will find and execute our lives purpose.

Just let it be.

[DerekNewland]

"A lot of people seem to confuse purpose for life as something logical, rational, obtainable.. Some magical pill that will make there life better."

This definitely struck a chord. I, previously, have seen this as something to be figured out with logic. Like a big equation.

I must say that, over the last day or two, I've been reminded of how much I like solving people's problems, and making their lives easier. I also enjoy knowing how things work, and how to build things. These two things mixed with the path I've followed so far, look like they would (or already do) make me happy.

I now think that what I need to do is focus on the things I already do that make me happy the most (and reflect on similar previous experiences). And to let go of the feeling that I have to be decisive about a specific career path. If I focus on the things I enjoy most, and pursue them, than happiness should follow.

[Clint Cora]

One of the best ways to really zero in on your top choices in terms of purpose is to answer the following question - if you never had to worry about money again, what would you do on Monday morning and the rest of your life?

Take your time to answer this as some real thought should go into it. It may reveal some interesting things. Remember, when you tackle this question, it's not a matter of what you can do, it's a matter of what you want to do.

[Annie Zero]

Originally Posted by DerekNewland

"A lot of people seem to confuse purpose for life as something logical, rational, obtainable.. Some magical pill that will make there life better."

This definitely struck a chord. I, previously, have seen this as something to be figured out with logic. Like a big equation.

It was for me, pretty much. Sans the part about "making life better", that's irrelevant.

Originally Posted by DerekNewland

I must say that, over the last day or two, I've been reminded of how much I like solving people's problems, and making their lives easier. I also enjoy knowing how things work, and how to build things. These two things mixed with the path I've followed so far, look like they would (or already do) make me happy.

I now think that what I need to do is focus on the things I already do that make me happy the most (and reflect on similar previous experiences). And to let go of the feeling that I have to be decisive about a specific career path. If I focus on the things I enjoy most, and pursue them, than happiness should follow.

So you do everything just for the sake of happiness. Not because you want to do the right thing, but because you want to be "happy". In my humble opinion, you got this backwards.

You seem to be implying that you don't know *why* something makes you happy, that happiness is just a superficial indicator of you doing the right thing because you wouldn't be able to tell otherwise.

Feelings are indicators, but that's that. Happiness isn't an end or a goal in itself.

[AngelPsychic444]

Originally Posted by DerekNewland

I pondered and exercised Steve's Discover Your Life's Purpose article, and I think I came to a conclusion as to what my purpose is. It feels right, and it's something I believe in. However, similar to Steve's purpose, it is quite vague.

It appears to me, that there are hundreds if not thousands of ways one can fulfill their said purpose in life.

My purpose, simply put, is to encourage others to think for themselves, contribute to the world we live in, and to help others in their everyday lives.

If I wanted to continue this, I could go on to say that I support democracy (for the most part), the freedom of knowledge and information (transparency), to encourage everybody to be open minded and to tolerate other's belief systems, that we are all equals, and that we should all treat each other as we would like to be treated.

This being said, I must say that I have invested countless hours in to figuring out exactly how I would like to pursue my purpose and follow my passions.

I enjoy many things.. music, wildlife, photography, science, technology, engineering, etc. So far in life, I'm 25 years old, I have managed to score a good job with one of the worlds top technology companies (without the need of a degree, I might add). I am also married, and I own my own home. I consider myself somewhat successful for my age, and with the limited formal education that I have.

Enough background. Here's the cheese...

I find myself unable to pick, and stick with, a specific track. Below is an "example" of my thought process over a given period of time. It's the best way I can describe my situation..


"Okay, I'm going to specialize in network engineering. It seems fun and looks like a prosperous career choice"

*a week (or even a few days) of submerging myself in related material*

"Perhaps application development (computer programming) may be a better career choice. It would give me a greater opportunity to work from home in the future, and to pick up gigs on the side."

*I might pursue this for a short time*

"Maybe I should go back to college and finish my degree"

*looks for colleges and resources for earning a degree online*

"Do I want to go to school for electronics engineering or computer science? Or how about physics? I did want to study physics at one point. But then what about my current career path?"

"I seem to enjoy teaching too, maybe I should try that some more..."

"Hey how about becoming a certified Linux engineer, that would be cool, too"

*Reads related materials, etc etc*

"Oh! Web design, that is enjoyable too! Or maybe web development??"

"Hmm, I still thing network engineering would be cool. Perhaps specializing in telecommunications? Or software? Or hardware?"

"Maybe I should start programming again.."

*Go to line 1 - Continue this loop*


If you read all of that, thank you.. If you didn't, I don't blame you. Anyways, as you may imagine, this causes me a great amount of stress. Especially since I have been stuck in this loop for what seems years and years..

The thing is, no matter where I look, or how much I look into it, nothing stands out for me. Nothing jumps up and shouts "HEY! YOU REALLY ENJOY DOING THAT, SO PURSUE IT WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND MIND!"

I've heard that, when one is faced with this situation, that they should just try different things, and if they don't like it, to go on to the next thing. I feel like I have done this with everything that has ever interested me. I feel like there are many, many, things I would enjoy pursuing, but nothing stands out in particular..

I'm not sure if many others have faced a similar situation, but if you have, I could really use some advice. Thank you for reading.

You could always get a second opinion from a "Life Purpose Oracle Deck". I've used this deck and it's great to see what comes up, anybody can give themselves a reading, it's very easy;

Amazon.com: Life Purpose Oracle Cards (9781401924751): Doreen Virtue: Books

Product description:

Before you were born, you worked with your angels to orchestrate a life mission that would help others and be emotionally rewarding. This card deck by Doreen Virtue will allow you to conduct accurate and trustworthy readings to explore that life purpose. Each of the 44 beautifully illustrated cards contains an illuminating message from the angels related to this topic.

The accompanying guidebook explains the general meanings of the cards and provides specific details that can offer more clarity about your career and spiritual path. Whether you’re seeking answers for yourself or your loved ones and clients, these cards can yield valuable insights. The angels are happy to guide every aspect of your life purpose!

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by Annie Zero

So you do everything just for the sake of happiness. Not because you want to do the right thing, but because you want to be "happy".

Why do you want to be right?

[DerekNewland]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

Why do you want to be right?

I think doing the 'right thing' means doing what is in-line with your values and moral compass. And, if you are in-tune with these, following them and doing the 'right things' will eventually bring happiness. Even though happiness shouldn't be your goal. Your goal should be living life in-line with your values and moral compass.

For example, say you enjoy helping others. Your values tell you that everyone should help each other and contribute to the world as a whole. Therefor, doing the 'right thing' would be helping others. As a result of doing the right thing, you're in-tune and in-line with your personal values, you would feel happiness by pursuing this.

I have no idea if that's what was meant, or if I expressed myself correctly. Figured it was worth a shot =)

[Annie Zero]

^Yup, pretty much what Derek said.

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

Why do you want to be right?

Why do you want to knock people down if they're convinced of anything at all being right? Let me guess, you're a nondualist? It comes naturally to you to make pseudo-meaningful high-horse remarks when someone expresses a specific conviction?

But let me humor us all: why do I want to be right? Well, I guess I really like to exercise my mind and figure out what that "right" thing is -- in more generic terms, and also how it's supposed to come through in specific situations in my life. It's kinda like math except not with numbers. I have something to start with -- my own specific values and life philosophy, which of course may change over time (also subject to the maths) but I'm a fairly consistent person, so my "math" stays fairly consistent too. And anyone who's doing math wants to get the right answers, otherwise they wouldn't be doing math.

Oh, and also if I get right answers consistently then I might be practically useful not just for myself but other people too.

Does that answer your question?

Notice I didn't mention happiness anywhere? Your emotions are your inner compass, I don't know about you but I need all of them in order to function.

But there is something I'm aware of, and I think so are you: that "right" isn't universally right. You may even call it artificial. I decided, doing some abstract math, that this is "right" -- and then I will stand by it like it's the absolute right, because for me it is. Because I know that if I'll try to find the actual absolute right then I'll be searching forever, I will always find flaws in my own math and never get the right answer.

For the OP: if you think I'm making any sense at all, then I'd advise you to think about the above paragraph. You have a lot of options to consider but you can't seem to pin down which one of them is the right one. First you could try to consider that there is no right, you make it right. Do some math (but don't spend years on it), pin down a specific answer, and then act upon it. Exercise stronger will power if you must.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by Annie Zero

Why do you want to knock people down if they're convinced of anything at all being right? Let me guess, you're a nondualist? It comes naturally to you to make pseudo-meaningful high-horse remarks when someone expresses a specific conviction?

No, the point of my question was something else. I will tell you about it.

But let me humor us all: why do I want to be right? Well, I guess I really like to exercise my mind and figure out what that "right" thing is -- in more generic terms, and also how it's supposed to come through in specific situations in my life.

Good answer. You want to be right, because it gives you a feeling of liking something. Now, a feeling of liking something is a kind of happiness. If you are having an certain experience, or if you are in a certain situation, and you really like it, then you are very happy.

So when you say you want to be right, what you actually want is to be happy. In your personal framework, being right moves you towards happiness.

Happiness is the end goal of all human beings. They may not realise it. But happiness (and the cessation of suffering) are the only end goals. Always.

(You might want to refer either to Freud's pleasure/pain principle, or you might want to refer to Buddhism).

Example - imagine a very plausible conversation like this:

Q: "What is your goal?"
A: "My goal is to get a promotion."
Q: 'Why?"
A: "So that I get more money."
Q: "Why do you want more money?"
A: "So that I can buy a bigger house."
Q: "Why do you want a bigger house?"
A: "So that my family can be more comfortable."
Q: "Why do you want your family to be more comfortable?"
A: "So that they will be happy."
Q: "Why do you want them to be happy?"
A: "Because .... if they are happy, I will feel happy too."

Substitute the above original motivation - "I want to get a promotion" - with any other starting point, eg:

"I want to win an Olympic medal"
"I want to eat this burger."
"I want this Barbie doll."
"I want to buy a new car."
"I want to see the doctor"
"I want to be a good father."
"I want to be healthy"
"I want to pass my exams"
"I want to be cured of this disease."
"I want to become a doctor"
"I want to be successful"
"I want to be rich"
"I want to be respected"
"I want to be popular"

OR

"I want to be right"

and ask for the motivation behind that. And the motivation behind that, and the motivation behind that, and so on. Ultimately the end motivation is that the person either:

(1) wants to be happy;
(2) wants to avoid suffering.

These are the only two motivations that have no deeper motivation. You want to be happy, just because .... happiness is what it is. You want to avoid suffering, just because ... suffering is suffering.

So ... going back to your earlier post:

So you do everything just for the sake of happiness. Not because you want to do the right thing, but because you want to be "happy". In my humble opinion, you got this backwards.

You seem to be implying that you don't know *why* something makes you happy, that happiness is just a superficial indicator of you doing the right thing because you wouldn't be able to tell otherwise.

Feelings are indicators, but that's that. Happiness isn't an end or a goal in itself.

No, I don't think DerekNewland got it backwards. Happiness is not only a goal in itself; it is the ultimate goal. For everyone, all the time.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by Annie Zero

Oh, and also if I get right answers consistently then I might be practically useful not just for myself but other people too.

Sure. So let's say you are discussing a practical topic or issue, for example:

"How to Find a Good Job"
"How to Cook Excellent Pasta"
"How to Reduce the U.S Budget Deficit".

And you manage to get all the right answers, which are also practically useful, not just for yourself, but also other people.

But why do you want practically useful answers?

Because - you might say - they would help people (including yourself) to find a good job, to cook excellent pasta, or to reduce the budget deficit.

Then ask yourself - so why would you want that? And what's the motivation behind that, and the motivation behind that motivation, and so on?

Let's stay with the pasta example. Plausible line of inquiry?

"I want to be right."

Q: "Why?

A: "So I can produce practically useful answers."

Q: "Why?"

A: "Well, so that I can get practical things done. Like, figuring out how to cook excellent pasta."

Q: "Why do you want to figure out how to cook excellent pasta?"

A: "Well, so that I can EAT excellent pasta."

Q: "Why do you want to eat excellent pasta?"

A: "Because I would ENJOY it, you dumbo!!!"

--------

There you go. Enjoyment ....... That's a kind of happiness too.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by DerekNewland

I think doing the 'right thing' means doing what is in-line with your values and moral compass. And, if you are in-tune with these, following them and doing the 'right things' will eventually bring happiness. Even though happiness shouldn't be your goal. Your goal should be living life in-line with your values and moral compass.

Why should I live in line with my values and moral compass?

What if I did not? What if I did things which were very much against my own values? What would be the consequences?

I would be ............ very unhappy. Right?

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by DerekNewland

Even though happiness shouldn't be your goal.

A discussion of whether it should or should not be the goal is not terribly fruitful, because it simply IS the goal and you can't change it.

It's a bit like discussing whether the law of gravity should or should not occur. It occurs, that's pretty much it.

[Annie Zero]

ALG, you and I just don't think in the same categories. While I can't say that you're completely mistaken, I also can't relate to it.

I don't think I could ever see myself saying, "Well, I just want to be happy!" I don't ever just want to be happy. I know exactly what it is that I want and why, I don't have to know it by its external indicator -- the feeling of happiness.

And besides, my answers don't always end in total happiness for everyone. I'm a "darkworker" (I consider it a specialized subset of lightworking, this probably isn't the best term for it). We do a thankless job, yet a necessary one.

So I maintain that happiness isn't the end all and be all. God doesn't experience emotions.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by Annie Zero

I don't ever just want to be happy. I know exactly what it is that I want and why

Of course you know.

You want A, because of B.
You want B, because of C.
You want C, because of D.
You want D, because of E.
You want E, because of __________.

[Annie Zero]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

Of course you know.

You want A, because of B.
You want B, because of C.
You want C, because of D.
You want D, because of E.
You want E, because of __________.

Sorry, apparently I'm not as simple-minded as you.

[Acting Like Godot]

You see - you cannot escape. The underlying motivation is always happiness or the cessation of suffering.

Observe this statement, and ask yourself why you made it:

Originally Posted by Annie Zero

Sorry, apparently I'm not as simple-minded as you.

Plausible line of inquiry:

Why did you feel motivated to write that?
"Because I must win the debate."

Why must you win the debate?
"Because I mustn't let ALG get away with sounding so clever."

Why mustn't you let ALG get away with that?
"Because I would feel stupid."

Why mustn't you feel stupid?
"Because it's not a nice feeling."

There you go - the movement away from suffering. The motivation is always happiness, or the cessation of suffering.

[Annie Zero]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

Why did you feel motivated to write that?
"Because I must win the debate."

I'm not always debating. If I write something like that (repeating/asserting my point without further clarification + not editing myself to sound nice), I'm usually done talking, or at least done putting in an effort to help the other person understand my point of view.

You didn't convince me. Try harder. You can't make me feel stupid unless you convince me that I've been wrong.

/off-topic

[James81]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

Why did you feel motivated to write that?
"Because I must win the debate."

For the record, this is the sense that I got from YOU earlier in this thread. I pretty much came in here to share my personal experience with discovering purpose and it seemed to me like you wanted to debate that.

Not that it's a big deal to me (it wasn't...I enjoyed expounding on the subject), but I definitely got the debate vibe from you.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by James81

For the record, this is the sense that I got from YOU earlier in this thread. I pretty much came in here to share my personal experience with discovering purpose and it seemed to me like you wanted to debate that.

Not that it's a big deal to me (it wasn't...I enjoyed expounding on the subject), but I definitely got the debate vibe from you.

Of course, of course. I love debating. I'm a lawyer, remember?

Using myself as an example, the underlying motivation still doesn't change. Doing what you love brings happiness, and everyone's end motivation, whether they know it or not, is happiness. I enjoy debating, it is interesting for me to see ideas tossed up, challenged, poked and prodded - yes, it is a kind of happiness, certainly.

Using you as an example, James, may I ask - what is the ultimate purpose, of having a personal purpose? (Just because this is one of your favourite topics).

I am sure that in the end, you come to the same answer too. You want a personal purpose, because if you don't have one, you feel that your life is wasted, directionless, aimless, unfulfilling, sad, boring, lacking meaning ....... you would be UNHAPPY.

If you had a personal purpose, and you devote yourself to it, you would feel .... alive, pleased, satisfied, excited, important, useful, meaningfully committed ....... you would be HAPPY.

Therefore once again, the end motivation is the same. Everything that any human being does is always ultimately motivated by the same 2 things:

(1) to seek happiness; or
(2) to avoid suffering.

This is a universal truth. No matter how small an act may be, or how large, or how mundane, or how extraordinary, the ultimate motivation is the same.

Cooking pasta; debating; finding a personal purpose; wanting to be right; getting a promotion; reducing the US budget deficit - the ultimate motivation is still to seek happiness or avoid suffering.