During our working life, purpose was pretty clear: work hard, become successful, and build financial security. But during your Chapter X, defining purpose can be a bit trickier, especially since there are no metrics like bonuses, promotions, or accolades to acknowledge the success of your purpose.
This brings me to a point I often raise with men who say their sole purpose in retirement is to play golf. My response is always, “What are you going to do when it rains or if your knee goes out?”
I think of purpose on two different levels. The first is the overarching life’s purpose. For example, making a difference, helping others, being creative, passing wisdom to the next generation. And then there’s the everyday kind, which is more immediate and depends on what’s happening in your life right now.
Recently, I have been recovering from minor hand surgery, which has meant that I cannot lift weights and have been advised to stay out of the germ-infested confines of the gym until the wound heals sufficiently. This meant that a regular part of my week has been altered.
I’ve replaced some of that time with walking, writing, some light yard work, and helping drive my granddaughters. My actions are purposeful and on purpose.
I refuse to let a day unwind around me without considering what I want my day to look like. That being said, there are days when I purposely give myself a day to recover from a poor night’s sleep or a day to read and contemplate.
I know something is purposeful if I’ve thought about it and it results in something meaningful and joyful.
How do you think about this idea of purpose and being purposeful?
