The Case for It
In each of the blog’s first two years, I provided you with a four-part expose on my guiding life principles and values, which, judging from reader feedback, met with a resounding thud. Therefore, this message is more about “why” and “how” than “what.”
We start by examining the need to establish or pursue anything specific. All of us have a general idea about what we want to do. We are decent people laboring at a professional endeavor, taking care of our families, indulging in enjoyable pastimes, and are reasonably happy.
However, without clear direction, we spend too much time on fruitless or reasonable but unimportant endeavors and suffer the high cost of missed opportunities. Moreover, we are subject to the winds of influence from family, friends, and society unless we look within to determine our purpose.
The guiding principle or purpose (which I use interchangeably) is the North Star that orients your actions. You evaluate your activities in light of your purpose; do they further your purpose? Alternatively, you could view your principle as a filter that prevents inconsistent activities from intruding into your life. A stated purpose keeps your eye on the ball; many post it on their bathroom mirror or computer screen as a consistent reminder.
How?
No exclusive word defines a guiding principle; it can be good, purposeful, meaningful, happy, rewarding, etc.
Nor are there exclusive methods to develop and utilize a guiding principle. One can use a mission, vision, values, life purpose, personal constitution, or any other process espoused by personal development experts. In terms of how, a Google search for “how to live a good life” yields over 8 billion results.
The only requirement is establishing a guiding principle and abiding by it. If you do not select, you choose to endure the consequences of its absence.
Mine
After serious but not paralyzing reflection, I choose “fulfilling” – providing happiness and satisfaction. Seeking fulfillment includes the activities necessary to secure them and meets the emotional need for challenge, growth, and success.
I also have a life purpose statement, “I am the knight who loves others.” I do not invest mental or emotional energy wondering if my life purpose inspires me to live a fulfilling life or if living a fulfilling life enables my life purpose. Suffice to say, they work in harmony.
Importantly, I use the continuous ”ing” tense because life is a journey, and the tense indicates perpetual motion. Our principle must help us navigate to and through all stages of life.
I cannot write about something foundational without mentioning that faith forms my principle, and fulfilling activity brings life to my faith.
Yours
If you do not have a guiding principle that resonates with you and that you use to direct your actions, invest in yourself and formulate one. Formulation is a serious but not a monumental task. Most likely, you know it and just need to reveal it. Do not fear you are etching your principle onto a stone tablet; it can evolve as you live it.
If you have one but it is collecting dust in the corner, pick it up and put it to use.
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How much could you elevate your life and the lives of those you touch by manifesting your purpose? Why would you do anything else?
Go forth and craft your purposeful life.