Purpose is the final trait that brings Autonomy and Mastery together for greater success! So, exactly what is Purpose? You would think we would all know. And how does it fit into our Success Trio?
Being the glue that binds Autonomy and Mastery, Purpose is a goal that is defined. It takes determination and is the object for which somethings exists or is done. The word, Intentionally, is very important. Meaning that it is a goal that is intended and not something that is thrust upon us out of necessity.
People are often asked, What is the Purpose of Life? Such a basic question can be answered all kinds of ways. Did you ever hear the one about the man who spent all his life trying to find the meaning of life until one day he met a peasant who said that the swami who lived up this gigantic mountain knew the meaning of life. The man climbed the mountain at great peril to himself for 10 days until he reached the top where the swami had a hut. In front of the hut sat the swami. The man approached him and said “I understand you know the meaning of life,I have searched the world to find out, please tell me”. The swami eyed him for a awhile and then said in a voice filled with knowledge: “Life is a Fountain”. Shocked the man replied: “Life is a Fountain?”. The swami got up from his cross legged position and walked up to the man and said: “Life is not a Fountain?”.
We might say that the man wasted his life looking for someone to define his purpose. How many other people are doing that in real life? Are you?
To purposefully do a task, it must be planned. First, however, there has to be a need. Once that need is uncovered, then the purpose becomes clear about what the outcome should be. For instance, if your refrigerator is smelling, then you know something has to be done. Your purpose is to have a refrigerator which doesn’t smell. It is not for you to clean out the refrigerator. That only one way of handling it. It’s important to recognize the difference. One is jumping to one possible solution while the real purpose is overlooked. Also this kind of thinking can stifle creative thought.
How many other ways can you see to getting the refrigerator not to smell anymore? An obvious, but absurd one, is to buy a new refrigerator….however, absurd thoughts for other situations might prove fruitful… Don’t limit yourself!
Next week we will put all three Success Traits together and see what we get. DON’T MISS IT!