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 In Life?

• A sense of purpose in life 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 in life 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.

Why is Purpose In Life Important?

• Only around 25% of American adults cite having a clear sense of purpose in life 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.
• Purpose in life 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 recent US study with 13,765 participants aged 45+ showed that a sense of purpose in life was associated with a 28% decreased risk of cognitive impairment, even among those with a genetic risk or dementia.

Life Purpose Lowers Risk for Cognitive Impairment in a United States Population-Based Cohort – The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

• A sense of life purpose offers a “homeostatic set point” for people that works not only for coping with negative situations but also for balancing positive experiences.
  • We have a significant dopamine crash when we experience disappointment with an anticipated success/exciting event/outcome (reward prediction error).
  • Hence, focusing exclusively on goals can promote “giving up” after failure.
• Life Purpose is a process to be cultivated, not an outcome to be found/discovered.

You 2.0 Cultivating Your Purpose | Hidden Brain Media

What are Some Tools to Develop and Maintain Life Purpose?

• 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 (gratitude and awe/delight).
6. Spend time with 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.