Sober Synthesis

“If you can tune into your purpose and really align with it, setting goals so that your vision is an expression of that purpose, then life flows much more easily.” – Jack Canfield

What is Purpose?

• Only around 25% of American adults cite having a clear sense of purpose about what makes their lives meaningful, according to one analysis of the subject in The New York Times,¹ while 40% either claim neutrality on the subject, or say they don’t.
• A sense of purpose is integral to the human experience, says Dr. Anthony L. Burrow. “Purpose is a forward-looking directionality, an intention to do something in the world.” 
  • Purpose is intentionality or life aim that can be an organizer of our goals.
  • Goals are specific intentions that can be accomplished. However, focusing on goals (outcomes), without a clear sense of purpose (path), may decrease goal progress/completion and overall well being.
    • We have a significant dopamine crash when we experience disappointment with an anticipated success/exciting event (reward prediction error).
    • Hence, focusing exclusively on goals can promote “giving up” after failure.

Why is Purpose Important?

• Purpose boosts mental health and physical health including lower stroke and heart failure risk, fewer somatic discomforts, and slower cognitive decline with age. Having a clear purpose has been demonstrated to increase longevity.
• A sense of purpose offers a “homeostatic set point” for people that works not only for coping with negative situations but also for balancing positive experiences.
• Purpose is a process that needs to be cultivated, not found/discovered.

You 2.0 Cultivating Your Purpose | Hidden Brain Media

Tools:

• Self reflection and exploration

1. Identify the things you care about
2. Reflect on what matters most (prioritize)
3. Recognize your strengths and values
4. Try volunteering to explore what brings you passion
5. Cultivate positive emotions like gratitude and awe
6. Look to the people you admire

• Generate a purpose statement. Below is an example guide.

Microsoft Word – Develop Your Purpose Statement (umn.edu)

Proposed questions for thought and/or sharing:

1. Have you identified your sense of purpose? How did you do so and how has your purpose supported your health/wellness/recovery?
2. If a sense of purpose is new to you, do you have an idea where you may want to start? 

Disclaimer:

This summary is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed.