This question is the most frequently asked question by almost every individual that has lived on earth, if not totally everyone. It has been the most debated question for centuries by a lot of philosophers, psychologists, and even spiritual thinkers.
Let us take a moment to think first:
So here is my answer:
Purpose is the idea or a term we use to give meaning to life and meaning to our existence. This idea can be a form of goal or a life duty to bring about a sense of fulfilment. An example of what one can have as a purpose is to spread love to others and support people in need, especially orphans and the disabled. By having this purpose, a person can guide their actions and decisions in a way that aligns with their mission to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
A purpose can be seen as a mission, a never-ending journey that keeps one active till death. This is because human wants are unsatiable, and a purpose with a final destination is best to be referred to as a goal rather than a purpose itself.
A lot of people mix the meaning of goals and purpose, and I get it. This is because they both need a sense of drive, will, and consistency. They have a lot in common and can even be replaced with one another, but a goal has a checkpoint, while a purpose is a never-ending mission till death.
Your purpose can be broken down to a set of goals so that it can be fulfilling. Some purposes may require financial support to achieve them, and if a person is not financially stable, they might set a goal to achieve financial stability in order to fulfil their purpose.
This answers the question below:
Your purpose is meant to be fulfilling and never-ending; financial stability can be fulfilling, but yet, what is next after that? You begin to ask yourself, What is the meaning to your life with all the money you have? Therefore, it is safe to say that a valid purpose therefore goes beyond material goals; it goes beyond human needs.
There is another question I would like to add:
Depending on the individual, purpose can change. As I said earlier, that purpose is meant to be fulfilling and never-ending. It is something that gives you a sense of fulfilment as you do them and something that you can continue to do till the last breath you take. But when your purpose stops being fulfilling, it is bound to change.
By now, I am sure you would have understood what having a purpose exactly means and how it differs from goals, which maybe tied to materialistic achievements.
