Finding Purpose

[Mind Link Shapes]

Has anyone read the book 'The Power of Purpose'? I think it's really helping me become a more purposeful human being. It's almost as if you can train yourself to recognize purposeful activities and non-purposeful activities. It was pretty depressing at first because I realized I was not living a purpose-filled life, but now that I recognize this I am able to change it. It's still a little depressing because I am not really using what I do best to help people and serve society. It's like I have to claw and scratch my way towards a more purpose filled life. It's not going to be easy and I hope I don't get lost along the way. I was wondering if anyone has read this book and/or experienced something similar in their life? I'm sure it is possible to come to this conclusion without the book, but it helps to think about these things literally and train your mind to recognize purpose.

[Ahyar Dreamspark]

I haven't read the book, nor had I heard of it, but will definitely check it out.

 

As for purpose, the concept has been in the back of my mind for many years. I thought I had figured out my purpose about 10 years ago but then motivation just...disappeared. Now it feels like this purpose is back, except I have no energy whatsoever to do things anymore and it's frustrating/depressing as all hell.

 

I always realize when the decisions I make aren't purposeful. Writing this post right now is not purposeful because I should be working instead. Any free time I spend playing video games is not purposeful. Saying yes to things just to please people when I don't really want to do things is nor purposeful. Realizing all of this almost instantly and STILL DOING IT because I'm all out of willpower points just adds an extra layer of guilt to everything I do that isn't purposeful.

 

Purpose is a freaking curse. Or at least it will be until my willpower points return and once I stop putting everyone else before me. Who knows when that's going to happen, though

[Mind Link Shapes]

I've had a similar experience. Video games are not always purposeless. I was playing FF10 HD remaster and I felt it was purposeful for two reasons. It reminds me of my childhood when I first played FF10 and loved it. It goes all the way back to playing Zelda and Bubble Bobble on the NES. That coupled with the lovely remade graphics on FF10 HD makes for a great experience.

 

This is kind of how I see purpose:

 

What you are best at + helping people + what has motivated you from very little = Purpose

 

Thus, I can find purpose in almost anything. I was playing this iPad game today and there comes a point where it does become depressing. There doesn't seem like you are helping anyone including yourself and you get wrapped up in trolls. It just gets out of control and yes, I feel a lot of my depression stems from not spending time on purposeful activities, but there is purpose in the little things, like washing the dishes and something as simple as holding the door for someone. It really depends on the situation, but saying yes to helping people can be very purposeful. We are all here to help each other out, and if you don't it's going to be a depressing time. 

[SevenofSeven]

However is it purpose to donate your time and yourself or some selfish type gratification?

I volunteer as a Scout Leader and an Ambulance Officer. I like to help people because it makes me feel like I have made someone's day better, be it getting town kids out for a camp or getting sick/injured people the help they need. I feel better if they feel better. Does that make sense?

Then again when I have been asked why I do these things I have often laughed and said I have been racking up my good karma points. Purpose can be seen as different thing to different people, maybe.

[Luds]

Thanks, will have a look at this; your post came timely, just listened to a podcast that, among other things, touched on the concept of purpose.

Reminded me how I've been neglecting this as of late and how quickly that happens.Hard to focus on the signals among all the daily noise.

[insanity]

Any free time I spend playing video games is not purposeful.

I couldn't disagree more, playing has it's purpose, you don't always have to be working towards something. You do need time for yourself, time to relax and not be stressed out, and that's what playing does. If you choose to do that with video games, a book, a nearby park, or even just sitting in the quiet drinking a cup of tea... all are forms of play, and all have benefits as such.

 

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/benefits-of-play-for-adults.htm

[insanity]

However is it purpose to donate your time and yourself or some selfish type gratification?

I volunteer as a Scout Leader and an Ambulance Officer. I like to help people because it makes me feel like I have made someone's day better, be it getting town kids out for a camp or getting sick/injured people the help they need. I feel better if they feel better. Does that make sense?

Then again when I have been asked why I do these things I have often laughed and said I have been racking up my good karma points. Purpose can be seen as different thing to different people, maybe.

Absolutely, nothing says you can't have a selfish reason to your purpose. I'd argue that everyone's "purpose" has a selfish portion, simply because you wouldn't do it if either you didn't enjoy it, or it didn't move you in a direction that adds to your purpose.