Summary

The website content discusses the importance of personal purpose and autonomy in achieving happiness and fulfillment in life, as illustrated through the story of a young woman who struggled to define her own desires amidst external pressures.

Abstract

The article "Having Purpose in Life" emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and personal agency in finding true happiness. It recounts the emotional interview of a 23-year-old woman who, despite having had numerous jobs, was unable to articulate her own aspirations, having always prioritized the expectations of others. The author contrasts this with the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, suggesting that true contentment is not found in external validation or material success, but in one's own actions and choices. The narrative underscores the transformative impact of being asked what one truly wants and encourages individuals to reflect on their life's purpose. The author shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the journey of discovering one's passion and advises readers to persevere in their search for meaning, regardless of external circumstances.

Opinions

External pressures and expectations can lead to a lack of personal direction and fulfillment.
Happiness derived from within is a key trait shared by the most content individuals.
Life's fragility and brevity should motivate individuals to strive for their best in all endeavors.
Resilience in the face of adversity is a characteristic of those who find true happiness.
Self-indulgence and ambition, as defined by others, are not paths to genuine satisfaction.
Personal well-being should be tied to one's own actions and decisions.
It is crucial to take time for self-reflection to understand and pursue one's true desires.

Having Purpose in Life

Listen to your inner voice, not what others tell you to do

I once interviewed a young lady who applied to the company I work at. She was only 23 but had already had eight jobs in her life. During the interview she told me what her mother-in-law wanted her to do, what her boyfriend wanted her to do, and what other people close to her wanted her to do.

So I asked her, “What about you? What do you want to do?”

She looked down and whispered, “I don’t know.”

Then she started to cry.

“You know, you’re the first person in my life that has ever asked me what I want to do. Every time someone asks me to do something, I say yes, because I want to make them happy.”

Ambition means tying your well-being to what other people say or do.

Self-indulgence means tying it to the things that happen to you.

Sanity means tying it to your own actions.

-Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

I told her when I was 23 I didn’t know what I was going to do. I wanted to be a police officer. But two years later I jumped on a plane to Japan and taught English there for four years. We talked for a bit and I told her most of my life story.

At the end of the interview she thanked me for opening her eyes. She said she was going to think about what she wants to do.

Afterword the interview got me thinking: What is the purpose of life?

Why are some people all the time, and others, with seemingly perfect lives, seem so miserable?

I’ve met a lot of people in my life, just as you have. I’ve talked to millionaires, homeless people, white-collar workers, blue-collar workers, gay people, straight people, people from many different countries, people that have never left Hawaii.

The happiest of those people seem to share a common trait: their happiness comes from within.

They know life is precious and temporary and try their best in everything they do. When life brings them down, they get right back up, ready for more.

I hope you have a purpose in life and you are doing what you love. If you aren’t, maybe you should take some time and evaluate what you’re doing and where you’re headed.

If you haven’t found your purpose yet, keep looking.