The problem with “purpose”

You may well be looking in the wrong place

There’s a problem with “purpose” and it’s related to the capitalist notion of human beings as cogs in the big old industrial productivity machine.

Here’s a dictionary definition of “purpose”:

noun

1. the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.

2. an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.

3. determination; resoluteness.

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

Your purpose in your work is not your purpose in life

Your business has a purpose: A reason for being, an aim, goal, intended result for whomever your ideal client is. However, this is not the same as your purpose, on this earth, as a free and autonomous human being. Because – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, until I’m blue in the face – you ARE NOT your business. That’s right. Even if you’re a sole trader, a solopreneur, a company of one, a lone wolf or whatever you want to call yourself. Even if you really, really, really care about your work and the change you’re trying to create in the wider world through your business.

A passion for work can mean you don’t stop

I know you pride yourself on how passionate you are about what you do. I know you work hard because you care so much and are so clear on the value you bring through what you do. But here’s the thing, conflating the purpose of how you make your living with your purpose as a human being is a big problem.

Here’s why: You don’t stop. Your boundaries are weak, at best, and (let’s face it) non-existent, a lot of the time. Even when you aren’t officially “working”, your mind is on your work, from the moment you wake up in the morning, to the moment your forever-whirring brain finally switches off at night. The guilt is real, especially when you’re with your family. The stress is also real. Your body and your mind needs a break.

How do you find a sense of purpose aside from the work you do?

So where does purpose come from? It’s the sense of meaning that comes from being intentional in the way you live your life. You know that amazing feeling you get when you find yourself doing things the way you really want to because you got absolute clarity on how you want things to be? That's purpose: intentionality.

This could be as simple as deciding you want more space in your diary because you like the way it feels. It could be removing digital devices from your life after a certain time of the day, picking up a book when you have the urge to scroll or eat or chew the skin around your nails. Or it could be deciding to quit your job and do something entirely different. The point is, purpose is not actually about what you do. It’s the sense of meaning that comes from deciding how you want to be and taking action from there.

And the way to find it? Give yourself permission to stop, slow down, turn off your mind and tune into your body. Because your body has answers. You just have to quieten down long enough to hear them.

Breathwork is a brilliant way to tune in to your body. Want to give it a try? Express your interest here