Purpose is something we do or something we create — not something we buy, inherit or achieve. Purpose could be a direction in which we’re heading with some degree of intention. It’s a far-reaching steady goal, that is personally meaningful and self-transcending and, ideally, is evident in our everyday life.
Purpose is like that picture on the cover of the puzzle box. We can spend a lot of time staring at the pieces and trying to fit them together, but it’s the picture that guides us. Purpose is our bigger picture, our reason for being, and the thing that steers us in the direction we’re heading even in the absence of us knowing exactly where we’ll end up. To complete our life’s puzzle, we need to reference that box top more often than we might expect.
Participation in meaningful occupations (the things we do to occupy and look after ourselves, things we enjoy, and what we might do to contribute to the social and economic fabric of our communities) is a big part of our puzzle. Engaging in activities and relationships that matter to us, whether in work or play, increases our sense of fullfilment and balance in the daily routine of life. It also boosts our capacity to connect with others, allows us greater personal agency and chance to live a life of consequence.