A new way of rethinking your purpose could be the boost needed for a rich and long life.
That’s what Gordon Christensen taught as a Harvard professor.
He knew that money and acclaim were not the most important metrics for success in life even though he was named the world’s most influential business thinker in 2011 by Thinkers50.
“The only metrics that will truly matter in my life are the individuals whom I have been able to help, one by one, to become better people.” Gordon Christensen, How Will You Measure Your Life?, p. 203
Gordon Christensen was diagnosed at age 47 with a similar cancer that killed his father.
He shared this news with students in a class lecture and implored them to find and clarify the purpose of their lives early. It all begins with the word, “likeness.” Who do you truly want to become?
How to articulate your purpose
Like a master painter who sketches an image with pencil before converting it on the canvas with oils, we articulate our purpose by starting with likeness.
Likeness is an idea that you embrace as the ideal.
As you work on your ideal purpose with creative endeavors through work, hobbies or service, a body of work unfolds that affirms your unique calling.
“If you begin to feel that the likeness you have sketched out for yourself is not right–that this is not the person you want to become–then you must revisit your likeness. But if it becomes clear that this is the person you want to become, then you must devote your life to becoming that person.” Gordon Christensen, How Will You Measure Your Life, p. 199.
Follow through with commitment
When I was in my twenties, I enrolled in seminary and started a financial planning company.
That was the early 80’s when mortgage rates were over 10%, the stock market was plunging and the real estate market was melting faster than ice cream on a summer Texas sidewalk.
My purpose is chiseled out of many hard years of study, work and testing through chaotic events.
Quite simply, I am determined to be a man dedicated to blessing the lives of other people and to be a loving, encouraging and compassionate husband, father and friend.
Purpose isn’t stumbled upon, it’s crafted with intention and chased with resolve.
Measure your purpose
How do we know when we’ve succeeded?
By looking around and asking, “Are the people who’ve crossed paths better, the same, or worse for it?”
Some folks measure life in tallies like square footage, titles, trophies, or savings.
But real wealth runs quieter.
It’s in those who spend themselves freely on people, offering…
- love
- faith
- courage
Because in the end, none of us stand alone.
We’re here because someone chose to believe in us first.
Purpose isn’t found by accident. It’s chosen with intention and proven in the way we show up for others.
Success fades.
Purpose endures.
Choose yours, then live it like it matters.