Living with Purpose
How Understanding Your ‘Why’ Changes Everything
Embracing your purpose for personal growth
We all have desires, don’t we?
We want a good job, a happy family, financial security, and more.
These desires drive us, motivate us, and push us to work hard.
But have you ever asked yourself why you want these things?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing our wants without considering why we want them.
We often think that happiness will follow naturally after fulfilling our desires.
But this isn’t always the case.
I was on the hunt for success, but I didn’t understand why.
I had to do a lot of soul-searching to realize that my true passion was to help others find their purpose.
I have been reading Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty for the last few days.
The book has truly transformed the way I look at things and make decisions.
Jay Shetty, a renowned motivational speaker and the author of the book “Think Like a Monk”, discovered the power of understanding “The Why Behind The Want” during his time as a monk, which changed his life.
The “The Why Behind The Want”
The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. — Mark Twain
With this quote, Mark Twain emphasizes the importance of discovering one’s purpose or “why” in life.
It suggests that knowing your purpose is as important as the day you were born because it gives direction and meaning to your existence.
So what is this “why” I keep talking about?
It’s the part of you that often goes unnoticed but contains the true essence of who you are.
It’s about digging deep to uncover the real purpose behind your desires.
It’s about asking yourself why you want something and how it aligns with your values and passions.
Think of your desires as the tip of an iceberg.
What we usually see are the wants: the dream job, a loving relationship, financial stability, or the dream vacation.
We chase these desires because we believe they’ll bring us happiness.
A few years ago, I worked tirelessly in my job.
My goal?
To accumulate material wealth and success.
I wanted a fancy car, designer clothes and a luxurious lifestyle.
I believed that would make me happy.
I felt emptier with every success.
Why?
Because I hadn’t dealt with the “why” behind my desires.
I didn’t understand why I wanted it so much.
After reading the book, I reflected and asked, “Why do I want this success?” to change everything.
That’s when a light went on, and everything suddenly made sense.
Discovering this fundamental “why” is what “The Why Behind The Want” is all about.
When you understand your “why,” you stay on the right path and can better cope with life’s twists and turns.
Your journey to discovering your “why” begins with self-reflection, introspection, and soul-searching.
Take the time to pause, ask yourself questions, and explore the depths of your desires.
As you embark on this journey, remember that it’s a personal adventure that belongs only to you.
There is no one-size-fits-all recipe.
It’s about living a life that aligns with your values, passions, and purpose.
Finding your true purpose
Your work is to discover your world and then, with all your heart, give yourself to it. – Buddha
The quote from Buddha encourages you to explore and find your true purpose in life.
Once you have found your purpose, you should devote yourself wholeheartedly to it because it is the key to a fulfilled life.
How can you find your true purpose and understand the “why” behind your what?
This is where your journey of self-reflection begins.
Sit down in a quiet corner with your favorite journal and a pen.
Start by asking yourself questions like:
- What activities or pursuits make me feel truly alive?
- When have I experienced moments of deep joy and fulfillment?
- What dreams and aspirations have I had since childhood?
Reflecting on these questions will help you discover key patterns and themes for your true purpose.
Your values are the guiding principles that shape your decisions and actions.
Take some time to identify your core values: the beliefs and principles that are most important to you.
List your values, such as integrity, compassion, creativity, or adventure.
Then, consider how to integrate these values into your daily life and long-term goals.
Your passions are like the fuel that drives you towards your goal.
Think about the activities or pursuits that light a fire inside you.
These are the things you’re naturally drawn to, the interests that make your heart beat faster.
Think about which hobbies, interests, or causes excite you.
Whether you paint, volunteer for a charity, or work for a social cause, your passions can bring you closer to your purpose.
Your strengths are your unique superpowers.
They are the talents and abilities that set you apart.
Think about your strengths and ask yourself:
- What am I naturally good at?
- How have I used these strengths to help others or make a difference?
- In what areas do others often seek my advice or expertise?
Identifying your strengths will help you understand your purpose and alert you to opportunities where you can make a significant contribution.
Learning from the experiences and journeys of others can be incredibly inspiring and enlightening.
Read autobiographies and memoirs of individuals who have found and lived their purpose.
Finding your true destiny isn’t a destination but a constant journey.
It’s okay to evolve and refine your purpose as you gain new experiences and knowledge.
Be open to change and growth, and trust that your purpose will become clearer over time.
Your true purpose is very personal and unique to you.
It’s not about comparing yourself to others or meeting external expectations.
It’s about living a life that authentically reflects who you are and what you’re meant to contribute to the world.
Understanding your purpose brings a sense of clarity, fulfillment, and direction to your life.
It becomes a guiding star that leads you to a meaningful and purposeful future.
The transformational impact
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. – Albert Schweitzer
Albert underlines the transformative effect of striving for what makes you truly happy.
He says that when you align your actions with your passions and your “why,” success will come naturally.
The fulfillment you gain is the true measure of success.
Understanding the “why” behind your want means living a life aligned with your values and passions.
You’ve spent years climbing the corporate ladder, amassing wealth, and achieving success — everything society tells you to aim for.
But despite the impressive resume and corner office, you feel a void.
Something doesn’t add up.
Discovering your “why” is the key to unlocking your full potential.
It allows you to utilize your strengths, talents, and passions and align them with goals that align with your values.
Challenges will arise, doubts will whisper in your ear, and setbacks will happen.
But this is where your “why” becomes your anchor.
Your “why” becomes your driving force and reminds you why you embarked on this journey in the first place.
It becomes your source of resilience, helping you to weather the storms and emerge stronger.
Understanding the “why” behind your ‘want’ is about embracing your authenticity, unleashing your potential, and overcoming challenges with unwavering determination.
Embrace, nurture, and watch it unfold into a beautiful masterpiece of purpose and impact.
Of course, this journey isn’t without its challenges.
It can be scary to question your desires and even scarier to take your life in a new direction.
Jay Shetty has outlined key principles like mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection that can help you along the way.
They’re powerful tools for connecting with your inner self and understanding your true purpose.
Final thoughts
Understanding the “why behind the want” can lead to a life full of meaning and fulfillment.
It’s not about what you want; it’s about why you want it and aligning your desires with your core values and passions.
Seek support and guidance from mentors, friends, or even professional coaches on this journey of self-discovery.
Your journey is unique, and your “why” is waiting to be discovered.
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Originally published at my blog: https://hardikraval.com
