What Exactly is Purpose?

Purpose is Not a Career

In our modern, western, consumer-conformist society, we are taught that purpose is something you choose and something that you do. This could be the career you are in, a job title that you hold, a role that you fulfill, a mission, or even a set of goals you achieve through strategy and hard work.

Our true Purpose is entirely different. It is something that we inhabit, something we are becoming, something we were born with, something that asks "What is the truest form of self that I am to become?"

Entering the Canyon of Purpose

Purpose as Niche

Just as a saguaro cactus or a coyote has a specific, non-negotiable role in the ecosystem, you were born with a unique shape that the world requires. Bill Plotkin defines this as your "ecological niche" in the family of things. It is the specific way you are designed to metabolize life and give it back to the community. You don't decide what it is, rather you discover it and embrace it as your own true nature. 

Purpose as Genius & Destiny

One teaching puts forth that we are all born with a seed of genius that carries the pattern of who we are meant to become. This genius is often hidden in the fate of your circumstances. Purpose Discovery is the process of transforming this fate into your destiny. Your Purpose is the specific combination of unique and particular gifts you carry to give to the world.

Purpose as Individuation 

Another way of approaching Purpose Discovery is as Individuation: the lifelong project of peeling away the "persona" (the mask you wear for society) to reveal the one true Self. Purpose Discovery is the shift from "First Adulthood" (building an ego to survive) to "Second Adulthood" (surrendering to Purpose in order to serve). Carl Jung said it best, "The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are."

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Ultimately, the idea of Purpose is an ancient question around human development, meaning, and fulfillment. Whatever your view of Purpose is, the invitation here is to notice how it intersects and resonates with your own personal development, life situation, and beliefs. Ask yourself: What would it take for me to deepen into my own Purpose? If you’d like to learn more, or have a conversation about your views on Purpose, let’s connect!