Purpose
Overthrow the evil king.
Save the wizarding world.
Restore balance to the Force.
Many great stories center around an overarching plot where the main characters play a pivotal role in accomplishing something that really matters. Their choices have massive consequences, shaping not only their own destinies but also the fate of their worlds. Authors craft these characters with intentionality by equipping them with unique traits, circumstances, and challenges that enable them to engage with their surroundings and drive the plot forward. The weight of the narrative rests on the shoulders of the characters, and the author, through foresight and design, provides them with the necessary gifts, abilities, relationships, and even flaws, to ensure that they are both capable and compelling in fulfilling their missions. It's not just any character who can bear the weight of the Ring of Power, who can stand against Lord Voldemort, or who can bring balance to the Force. It is precisely the combination of the task at hand and their unique identities that enables these characters to fulfill their mission or purpose.
If we look at our lives and the world around us, we find ourselves within the greater narrative of existence. Philosophers, theologians, and pretty much every person ever has pondered what their purpose is. When contemplating our own purpose, we are considering if our lives have inherent meaning or significance within the overarching narrative of the world. We do well to ask this question, because our beliefs about purpose profoundly influence our self-concept and identity.
Consider some of the following questions, and the interplay between identity and purpose:
"Why do I exist?"
"What am I meant to do?"
"Do I matter?"
"Does my life have value?"
Our purpose is often intertwined with our self-concept (the way we view ourselves). If we believe our existence has meaning, then we are more likely to see ourselves as valuable, capable, and intentional participants in the world. Conversely, if we struggle to see a purpose for our lives then we may feel lost, insignificant, or disconnected from a greater story.
Our engagement with the world is also shaped by our beliefs about purpose. Those who feel a strong sense of purpose often act with conviction, setting goals, pursuing passions, and forming meaningful relationships. On the other hand, uncertainty about purpose can lead to passivity, existential questioning, or a sense of aimlessness.
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The topics below help characterize your beliefs around purpose. Let's dive in!