Having a Purpose vs Living Purposefully: Creating a Distinction for Daily Fulfillment

The pursuit of meaning and fulfillment is a common thread that weaves its way through the tapestry of human existence. Many of us spend our lives in search of our purpose, a reason for being, something that gives our journey direction and significance. But there's a key distinction between merely having a purpose and living purposefully. In this article, we'll delve into the concept of living purposefully and how it can enrich our lives. So, let's explore the science of living purposefully and move beyond mere existence.

The Pursuit of Happiness

We all desire happiness. It's a universal pursuit deeply ingrained in our psyche. The concept of the "right to the pursuit of happiness" is a cornerstone of American political and philosophical thought, emphasizing individual liberty and self-determination as fundamental values. It has played a significant role in shaping the principles and aspirations of the United States and continues to be a central theme in discussions of individual rights and freedoms.

However, this fundamental right, while empowering, can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations, pressures to conform, or conflicts with other rights and societal interests. It's crucial to balance the individual pursuit of happiness with a realistic understanding of the complexity of human emotions and the need to consider the well-being of the larger community.

Beyond Happiness: The Quest for Purpose

It's important to recognize that there's more to life than simply being happy. Happiness tends to be a transient emotion, often tied to external circumstances, while purpose represents a deeper and more enduring sense of fulfillment. Purpose is about finding meaning, direction, and a reason to be. It's the kind of fulfillment that can sustain us even in the face of life's challenges and often involves contributing to something larger than ourselves. So, while happiness is a beautiful facet of life, the pursuit of purpose reminds us that life's richness comes from the journey, the connections we build, and the legacy we leave behind, creating a deeper and more meaningful experience.

It's a Personal Journey

The struggle to find purpose is a shared human experience. At one time, I believed my purpose was tied to the Church, In the face of challenges within a culture that put up barriers for women, it became necessary for me to redefine my purpose as living purposefully, allowing the "ultimate purpose" to unfold while staying in integrity with my values.

The journey has been unpredictable, but through journaling, I've found patterns and beauty in it. Holding loosely to the idea of one singular purpose and staying committed to living purposefully has works well for me. Creating the distinction between finding purpose and living purposefully has made all the difference.

The Difference Between Having a Purpose and Living Purposefully

Having a purpose and living purposefully are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct concepts. Having a purpose typically implies having a long-term goal or intention, something that gives your life direction. While this is undoubtedly important, living purposefully takes it a step further. It means actively and intentionally aligning your daily actions, decisions, and mindset with your overarching purpose.

When you have a purpose, you have a reason to wake up every morning and work towards achieving something meaningful. It can be anything from pursuing a career that aligns with your values to making a positive impact on the world around you. However, not everyone finds having a singular, long-term purpose easy or fulfilling for various reasons.

• Pressure and Expectations: If a person feels overwhelmed by the expectations placed on them or struggles with external pressures, having a fixed purpose can be frustrating.

• Fear of Failure: If one's purpose is tied to a specific outcome, the fear of failing to achieve that purpose can be daunting.

• Comparison Game: Comparing one's purpose to what others are doing can lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy.

• External Factors: When your purpose depends on externals like resources, health, or people, changes in those factors can disrupt your sense of purpose.

The frustration associated with having a purpose typically arises when it becomes a source of stress, expectation, or pressure rather than a source of meaning and fulfillment.

The Science of Living Purposefully

Living purposefully isn't just a philosophical concept; it's grounded in psychological and neuroscientific research. Studies have shown that people who live purposefully tend to experience several mental and physical health benefits:

• Reduced Stress: Living purposefully can help lower stress levels. When you have a clear sense of purpose, it becomes easier to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively, reducing the anxiety associated with uncertainty.

• Increased Resilience: Purpose-driven individuals are more resilient in the face of adversity. They view challenges as opportunities for growth and remain committed to their goals, even when facing setbacks.

• Enhanced Well-Being: People who live purposefully report higher levels of life satisfaction and overall well-being. This is likely because they derive a sense of meaning from their daily actions.

Ikigai, a Japanese concept that translates to "a reason for being" or "a sense of purpose in life," emphasizes the importance of finding joy and satisfaction in one's life by discovering and pursuing one's passions and talents. While ikigai is a Japanese concept, there are many other cultures and philosophies that share similar beliefs about living purposefully.

Being Proactive: The Key to Living Purposefully

Being proactive is an essential element of living purposefully. Proactivity involves taking control of your life, rather than reacting to external circumstances. It means actively seeking opportunities to align your actions with your purpose. Here are some practical steps to help you become more proactive in living purposefully:

• Clarify Your Purpose: Begin by defining your purpose and what it means to you. What values and passions drive you? What kind of impact do you want to make in the world?

• Set Goals: Break your purpose down into actionable goals. These should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

• Create a Plan: Develop a strategic plan to achieve your goals. This plan should outline the steps and resources required to move closer to your purpose.

• Prioritize and Time Management: Prioritize tasks that align with your purpose and use effective time management techniques to ensure you allocate sufficient time to these activities.

• Embrace Adaptability: Be open to adjusting your plan as circumstances change. Living purposefully doesn't mean being inflexible; it means staying true to your purpose while adapting to life's twists and turns.

The ultimate goal is to end each day with a sense of fulfillment and wake up every morning with the knowledge that we are living purposefully. This pursuit is driven by the desire to infuse our lives with meaning, direction, and a deep sense of accomplishment. When we live purposefully, each day becomes an opportunity to make a difference, no matter how small, and to align our actions with our core values and aspirations. It's about the joy of knowing that we are contributing to our own growth and to the betterment of the world around us. This intentional way of living provides a profound sense of satisfaction, as we become architects of our destiny, shaping our lives in accordance with our unique purpose. In the end, the journey of living purposefully is one marked by contentment, self-discovery, and a profound sense of fulfillment that resonates with our truest selves.

As Albert Einstein said, "Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value," emphasizing the importance of contributing positively to the world and aligning your purpose with meaningful impact.

Living purposefully goes beyond having a purpose; it involves actively shaping your life to align with your overarching goals and values. The science of living purposefully reveals its positive impact on mental and physical well-being. By being proactive and using the 3Ps Framework – Passion, Plan, Persistence, and Patience – you can create a life that is not only purpose-driven but also fulfilling and meaningful.

So, take the first step, clarify your purpose, and embark on your journey to live purposefully, leaving a lasting mark on the world.

Juli Reynolds is a Nurse Coach who helps Nurses and Entrepreneurs to get clear on their purpose and make the impact they desire without sacrificing their overall well-being. Listen to the Default to Yes Podcast and Sign up for her free guide to the 7 Steps to Moving Freely in the Direction of Your Dreams.