It’s been said many times and even confirmed by science that having a sense of purpose is important to living a quality life.  Purpose is what gives our life meaning.  In one NIH study conducted by Dr. Robert Butler and his collaborators, they discovered that people who had purpose in their lives living longer.  Though, many of you may have witnessed this yourselves.

Knowing your reason for living in this world is important.  Even knowing that you’ve accomplished something will help.  If you’ve been recognized for doing something that not many others have done, then that will help in letting you know that you do make a difference.

Every goal should be one based on your purpose or what I call “Your Grand Purpose.”  When you can focused on reaching each goal you make, it’s important that it’s also moving towards that Grand Purpose.  “The secret of success is constancy to purpose.” -Benjamin Disraeli

Purpose is sort of like your personal mission in life.  It is what you do.  Every action you engage in is based on that grand purpose.  Each person will have their own.  When Joe Paterno (the famed football coach from Penn State) was forced to retire due to a scandal at the school, he died just 78 days later.  Paul “Bear” Bryant (former University of Alabama football coach) passed away 28 days after resigning as head coach.  Andy Rooney, long-time reporter on 60 Minutes, passed away just a month after retiring from CBS.  I’ve seen this with those I knew.  A friend that lost his job after 30 years passed away in a few months of leaving it.  This even happens in many long-term marriages where you would see one spouse pass away within months of the other one passing away.

In order to find “Your Grand Purpose” look at where you fit in this world.  Take an inventory of your skills and your passions.  Dedicate yourself to action.  Even when one aspect of your life ends, find another.  Even enlist others to help you.  And good partner may be important in that respect.

Look back in your life and realize that you’ve had accomplishments.  Display plaques, trophies, awards, newspaper clippings, books you may have written, and so forth.  Use them as inspiration to move forward towards other goals.  And realize that your purpose and mission will keep going until you can’t go.  Never think of retirement.  Always challenge yourself throughout your life.

“A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the “why” for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any “how.” -Viktor Frankl

I wish you a life full of purpose and meaning.

Bob