“You think you’re important.”

Her energizer bunny husband was stung to his core. My friend had almost let his achievement define him. Gradually, he recognized the wisdom of his wife’s insight. Later, he served with a group of other well-intentioned people and was a tiny part of a process that had a long-term beneficial impact on people on other continents and did immense good for generations. My friend eventually understood he was not important, but he was involved in a project that was quite important. He had a purpose.

Purpose has Benefits

The books I read about living a long and vibrant life urged readers to consider or find a purpose. They ask, ” To what end?” “What is the purpose of your life?” Wise and fortunate people discover a noble goal or a cause greater than themselves.

Having a reason to get out of bed makes you more interested and more interesting. Grumpy, cynical, and suspicious people are less likely to have wide or deep social relations. They may die alone and be discovered a week later.

Having a purpose is good for you. Scientific studies suggest that having a sense of purpose is linked to a host of benefits, including less inflammation, lower stress levels, better cognitive function, and a more robust immune system. Studies indicate that people with a higher sense of purpose have significantly lower all-cause mortality rates.

Hundreds of wise people have charged and challenged people they influence to determine a purpose. Invest your life in something bigger than yourself. Live your life for long-term beneficial impact.

What Does this Mean for Us?

My worldview is that each of us has value because we are created in God’s image. Each of us is distinct. We’re interdependent but not interchangeable.

People who have an impact are those who recognize and discover their purpose. A lucky few discover it quickly, with an epiphany and instant insight. More of us gradually detect our purpose over a long period. We learn what comes naturally, what gifts, causes, and tasks draw us, and what we are good at.

Finding Your Purpose

Finding your purpose is a lot like the way many people found their spouse. Couples tell weird stories of how they met. Often, our profound choices are obtained through seemingly ordinary or chance encounters. That does not mean we have no agency or are brainless bits of stray protoplasm.

We’re not to be wandering generalities but specific people created for unique callings. I am confident that each of us has value and unique gifts. If we are awake and alert, we may be good stewards of what we have been given.

The smallest package is a person all wrapped up in themselves. People who live in a world of I-me-mine are not likely to have a positive, long-lasting impact on those around them. They might spend millions. Their lives might be filled with sound and fury but signify nothing. One can be deliberately ignorant and choose to ignore obvious markers. There will be little reward for a selfish life.

Deep thinkers have accented purpose for thousands of years. It is no surprise that people who study longevity have confirmed that bigger purposes are more fulfilling than shallow activity and that building others up gives more people satisfaction, endurance, and joy than searching for the ultimate soft frozen yogurt, the fastest car, the best concert, or some other trivial pursuit.

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So, you have read a few posts about longevity and now purpose. What is your take?

How will you seek to live a life worth imitating? What lessons have you learned?

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Terry Moore, CCIM, is the author of Building Legacy Wealth: How to Build Wealth and Live a Life Worth Imitating. Read his “Welcome to My Blog.”

Click here and find out how Terry and his team can help you make the most important financial decision of your next decade.