Principles of Success (Day 1: PURPOSE) · Inspired Life, Empowered Being

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6d (edited) • $/Generativity(life's calling)

Principles of Success (Day 1: PURPOSE)

In the last few days we talked about success (how we define it::success ) and failure (how to deal with it: raise-back-up). In the next few days, we'll take a dive into some of the principles of success as described in "The Rhythm of Life" by Matthew Kelly. But just as a small but imporrtant note, the term success here can be applied to many areas of life, and ultimately, it's really just about intentionally becoming the best version of yourself.

Principle 1: PURPOSE

“Success is becoming the best version of yourself.”

Purpose is one of the foundations of a meaningful life. It guides your choices, actions, and goals. Living without purpose can make even the best achievements feel empty/hollow and the ache that can come with that can be palpable.

"Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning "a reason for being" or "what makes life worth living," combining "iki" (life) and "gai" (worth) to find purpose through joy, passion, and contribution, often visualized as the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for."

Purpose answers the question: Why am I here, and who am I becoming?

Purpose is discovered over time through honesty, suffering, joy, failure, and service. It is revealed by paying attention to what consistently brings meaning, energy, and a sense of rightness even when it is difficult. In Matthew Kelly’s framework, purpose is about becoming, not acquiring/not achieving.

A life without purpose has the tendency to drift and doesn't feel anchored. And that feel of "something's off" or "there's got to be more than this". It ends up reacting to expectations, approval, fear or comparison among other things. A life rooted in purpose can work through sacrifice, disappointment and delay. ""He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how" (nietzche)

Common Purpose Traps

-Confusing purpose with productivity or achievement

-Borrowing someone else’s purpose through comparison or just due to not having clarity

-Waiting for perfect clarity instead of acting on partial insight (ugh....)

-Abandoning purpose when it becomes too difficult/asks too much/becomes too costly.

POLL: Which Statement feels most honest?

Question to ponder: What is my purpose?

Action Steps:

-Write a personal mission statement: “I exist to…”

-Identify the top 3 things you want your life to stand for.

Action Practice

-Ask yourself daily: Does today move me toward my purpose?