Purposeful Thought & Action = Life’s Purpose

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

I’ve spent the last few years researching, reflecting and writing about life’s purpose. The Hidden Why exists for this pursuit. Searching for our fundamental life’s purpose. My purpose. Seeking ways to create a life with a little bit more meaning.

And so, the great philosophical question is asked, what is the purpose of life?

What is the purpose of my existence? The purpose of our existence?

Philosophy is the art and practice of asking such questions then followed by studying the fundamental nature of life, knowledge, existence, reason and reality. It is a practice dedicated to the pondering nature of thought.

It is the search for deeper understanding so that one can discover behaviours that will assist them, guide them, towards a more significant life. An aim and purpose to bring balance and harmony to the dualities of life – pleasure and pain, confusion and understanding, logic and mysticism.

Philosophy may be criticised because it lacks any scientific research. It is highly speculative. It is founded more on one’s intuitive nature. A searching of the mind. An assessment of the internal Self.

It is the questioning, discussion, argument and methodological presentation of thought, ideas and perspectives to find deeper understanding. Such dialogue can take place internally or in a group forum. Questions that may end without any solid finality. Science, although critical of philosophical questioning, cannot answer such questions. For example, do humans have free will?

I love philosophy because it cools the burn of the unsettling nature of my inner being. The intolerant and impatient nature I have towards events, ideas, thoughts, and life is somehow less a burden on the quality of my life through philosophical enquiry. Mostly related to the internal kind of questioning.

Philosophical thought followed by action leads to greater purpose in life. I suggest it need be purposeful thought that if needed to be acted upon is done so by purposeful action.

What is purposeful thought? What is purposeful action?

I do not have conclusive answers to these questions. I’d be happy for now to promote the idea that purposeful thought and action must be defined at the individual level. Before seeking out answers to any questions that fixate your mind, define first what it is that such questions truly mean to you as a person.

Fear not the approval of others nor any evidence that may exist externally. Although we are all influenced by our environment, culture and conditioned existence, we must persevere in the attempt not to let any preconceived beliefs, opinions or perspectives of others or ourselves taint our search for answers. This is indeed a challenge.

In further thought to the aforementioned question, what is purposeful thought and action, I feel it is thought and action that encourages progression and discourages suffering as it relates to the individual asking and others.

We are all guilty of having such thought and consequential actions that are not progressive or that bring about suffering. A problem that can be addressed in awareness. It is the practice of bringing attention and deeper understanding to the passing moments. It will allow us to better see our errors and with effort aim to correct such errors or events moving forward.

We will be better positioned to let thought without purpose pass. We will be better positioned to avoid purposeless action – the action that lacks progression or encourages suffering. Ultimately this will assist us to develop a life with a higher level of purpose.

Purposeful Thought + Purposeful Action = Purposeful Life

I believe we can better understand what life’s purpose is, both at the individual level and the macro level, through the philosophical inquisition.

Leave your thoughts, comments and questions below. Reach out directly by email of social media. Peace, Passion & Purpose.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

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.