Life on Purpose by Victor J. Strecher

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

Here is another book about how to find our purpose in life and to be honest it’s a freaking awesome one. Seriously, it is! I found a tonne of inspiration and value within these pages. Note merely another person with a wishy-washy message on purpose.

Life on Purpose: How Living for What Matters Most Changes Everything is a guide for anyone who is on the search for more purpose in life. Using philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, biology and other sciences, the author creates a clear to understand book to show its reader why having ‘purpose’ is essential for one’s wellbeing. He also reveals elements, practices and tools that will assist the reader on their journey.

It’s like the book I should have written. Hang on, I have written it, from a different perspective. It’s called The Ultimate Life Map (shameless self-promotion). With all respect, gratitude and appreciation, Victor’s words, page after page, resonated and aligned with my messages here at The Hidden Why almost to the ‘t’. It gave me a little more confidence that my work is also valuable and purposeful.

In the self-help field, the bookshelves a filled with books promising to help people find purpose. Then there are the coaches and other such experts jumping in on the hype. Some with half a clue and others looking to make a quick buck. Who doesn’t want to be purposeful in life? Find a life of greater meaning? One of life’s greatest questions is, “what’s the meaning of life?” It is also one of the greatest mysteries. One which the answers are challenging to discover. Yet, if we do not seek how will we ever know.

I was hoping this book wouldn’t be a phoney misleading purpose finding rant, and it wasn’t. Victor does a great job in integrating many fields to highlight why and how finding a purpose can really be achieved and used to improve our lives.

Philosophers have been contemplating purpose and the profound benefits for centuries. I’ve been trying to figure it out in my own life for the last several years. Like Victor, I agree that having a purpose in life is absolutely paramount to one’s longevity and happiness. Notice too it’s not about having “a” purpose but simply having ‘purpose.’ This is a good opportunity to stop and pause on that point for a moment – it’s important.

All the false experts should have us believe that we all have “a” purpose; however, the problem is that we just haven’t found it. As if our purpose is something we are born with. An innate underlying force. I for one don’t believe that is the case. Of almost everyone I’ve interviewed on my podcast, there are a select few that suggest purpose is innately within us. All others suggest we have to find purpose – but not “a” purpose. This is because purpose can be carried out in every moment of our day towards everything we do. Purpose also changes. Nothing is permanent.

As Victor states, ‘purpose’ is about living for what truly matters. What matters the most to you?

It’s something we don’t often think about, do we? We get sucked into the whirlwind of life and carried away living within the goals, dreams and pursuits of others. We forget about what we love, what we are passionate about. We become purposeless. Would you agree? Maybe it’s not that we forget but rather we just don’t know how.

The spiritual leaders would suggest that many of us fall asleep in life. We need to wake up, whether by choice or by force. Victor touches on elements of this in chapters such as sleep and presence. If we are unaware and being blindly guided by the extrinsic forces of the world how likely is it that we are being purposeful? Unlikely.

Academics and scientist alike are now proving that having purpose has an array of marvellous benefits. Of course, when we have ‘purpose’ behind what we do we are more likely to be closer to states of sincere joy or happiness. We seem to have elevated levels of energy. Neuroscience can now see how this is true. As Victor highlights that benefits go way further with recent studies showing that the likes of Alzheimer’s, heart disease, stroke, depression, and cognitive ability are all improved by having ‘purpose’ behind anything we do.

This book has serious weight. It’s not just one person’s remedy on living a better life that creates false hope – it’s good. Victor creates a great level of understanding into the why and then shows us how we can figure out how to find a greater purpose. Understanding what’s important to each of us individually he then presents the elements to acquire ‘purpose.’ Highlighting strategies for improving energy, willpower, and long-term happiness, and well-being.

I believe good healthy elements like those which Victor discusses will drive one’s overall purpose in life and good purpose will also deliver better behaviours. It’s a two-way road. I couldn’t recommend this book more highly. If you’re a fan of my work you are going to love this book. I will be reading it again. I hope you find joy within these pages, too.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Life on Purpose: How Living for What Matters Most Changes Everything here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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Further Reading and Resources 

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Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.