Purpose is one of those tricky and sticky things that people struggle with for most of their life.
Let’s take a step back in time with purpose and have a review of this topic according to the Stoics, Plato, and Aristotle.
The Stoics believed that the ultimate goal of life was to live in accordance with nature and reason. They believed that by understanding the natural order of things and aligning our actions with it, we could achieve fulfillment. The Stoics emphasized the importance of living in the present moment and appreciating whatever happens as part of the natural order.
Plato, on the other hand, believed that the ultimate goal of life was to achieve knowledge of the Forms*, or the eternal and unchanging truths that underlie the physical world. He believed that by gaining knowledge of the Forms, we could transcend the world of appearances and arrive at a higher understanding of reality.
(*Plato’s Forms are eternal and unchanging entities that exist independently of the physical world. Plato believed that the forms were the only true reality and that the physical world was a mere shadow or copy of the forms.)
Aristotle believed that the ultimate goal of life was to achieve eudaimonia, or human flourishing. He believed that this could be achieved by living a virtuous life, in which one develops and exercises virtues such as courage, wisdom, and justice. Aristotle also believed that finding one’s purpose in life was closely tied to one’s unique talents and abilities, and that each person had a distinct role to play in society (amen to that Aristotle).
The Stoics, Plato, and Aristotle all had different views on what the ultimate goal of life was, but they all believed that finding one’s purpose was essential for achieving a fulfilling life. The Stoics emphasized living in accordance with nature and reason, Plato believed in gaining knowledge of the Forms, and Aristotle believed in living a virtuous life and exercising one’s talents and abilities. Reflect on what you believe and align your actions accordingly.
If you are a curious creature and want to know how to discover your purpose, here are three steps.
- Reflect on your values and what makes you feel alive:
The first step to finding your ultimate goal in life is to reflect on what you truly value and what passions drive you. Take some time to think about what matters most to you, whether it’s family, career, community service, or personal growth. Write down your values and what makes you feel alive and consider how they align with your current life and goals. - Assess your skills and abilities:
The second step is to assess your skills and abilities. Consider what you are naturally good at and what you enjoy doing. Think about your past experiences and successes, and how they can contribute to your future goals. Identify areas where you need to develop your skills and abilities to achieve your ultimate goal. - Set specific, measurable and attainable goals:
The final step is to set specific, measurable, and attainable goals that align with your values, passions, and skills. Break down your ultimate goal into smaller, more manageable steps. Set deadlines for each step and make a plan to achieve them. Remember to be flexible and adjust your goals as needed.
Your ultimate goal is something that drives you, and makes you inspired to achieve it. Finding your ultimate goal in life requires self-reflection, assessing your skills and abilities, and setting specific, measurable and attainable goals. And this takes time, but it is worth it.
If you have ever wanted to know what your purpose is, and want to invest some dedicated time to discovering, uncovering or rediscovering your purpose, come to Maximum Growth Business Class. We are about to start 6 weeks of inspired work around purpose that will spark something within you.
Here’s to living up to the light that is within you,
Leadership Coach & Master Certified DeMartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
Maximum Growth
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