Introduction To “Purpose”

“Purpose” is a powerful but often broad concept. It generally refers to the reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists. It is the “why” behind the “what.”

Here is a breakdown of how purpose appears in different contexts:

1. Personal Purpose

This is often described as a sense of meaning or direction in life. It answers the question, “Why do I get up in the morning?”

Intersection of Needs: It is often found at the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, and what the world needs (similar to the Japanese concept of Ikigai).
Intrinsic Motivation: Unlike external rewards (money, fame), purpose is usually driven by internal satisfaction and values.

2. Organizational Purpose

For companies, groups, or churches, purpose is the fundamental reason they exist beyond just making a profit.

Mission Statement: What the organization does every day.
Vision Statement: The future the organization hopes to create.
Core Values: The principles that guide behavior.

3. Purpose vs. Goals

It is helpful to distinguish between these two:

Goals are destinations or milestones (e.g., “I want to run a marathon” or “We want to sell 1,000 units”). You reach a goal and check it off.
Purpose is a direction or a compass (e.g., “I want to live a healthy lifestyle” or “We want to solve the housing crisis”). You never technically “finish” a purpose; you live it out continuously.