It has been said that whatever is said of success and however many definitions there are, your definition is the only one that matters.

“True success is knowing your purpose and final destination.”

” Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal.”

Usually a purpose or a worthy goal has is slightly bigger than oneself. It is true, one of our goals in life is to survive. It is basic. It is primitive, it is essential. But there is something beyond mere survival. It is what sets us apart from the other animals.

Simply saying you want to make a certain amount of money for the sake of making money is not a true purpose. It is a merely a goal. And goals are merely stepping stones, and part of the larger framework of a purpose.

Unless you give yourself to some great cause, a purpose beyond yourself, you haven’t really begun to fully live. Nor found something that will ignite the spark, the fire within. Having a purpose in life will give our lives meaning, will make us feel special and more important, and will give us permission to express our hidden beliefs and passion.

By being involved in something or a purpose other than you, you have reason to be self absorbed and petty. Problems are looked at in the light of the purpose for which you came to achieve. You would have gained clarity on what things are worth bickering about and what things aren’t.

“Without a purpose in life, it’s easy to get sidetracked on your life’s journey. It’s easy to wander and drift, accomplishing little.” Jack Canfield .

When we have a sense of purpose, we become focused. We are single minded. We have something to live for and our lives become more meaningful. There is a why for living. Victor Frankl has noted that those who have a reason for living survived even the harshest of life conditions over and above those who didn’t. They are looking beyond the present circumstances to something bigger.

Most people think they have to do exceptional things to find their purpose. It is, strangely, right in front of you. You must be willing to uncover it and discover it for yourself. And to see it. Elizabeth Kubler Ross has this to say: “Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself and know that everything in life has a purpose.”

Think about what you love, what moves you. Think about what you can do to make a difference in this world. Think about how you will want to be remembered when you leave. Or what you can do to better the situation, or correct a wrong. Think about your talents, what comes easily to you, and how you can make your talents count and be worth.

The purpose you have created or envisioned may seem silly at first. But is the first step towards something meaningful you have created.

It can always be changed and refined when you discover a greater and better purpose. The idea is to practice creating a purpose you can be passionate about, and that you can make a difference in.

To some, that purpose could be simply exercising their God given gifts and talents for the betterment of mankind. To others, it could be touching lives.

Or being the best mother or father they can be.

Or the best coach.

Or the best team player.

Or the best friend, mate and lover.

Or helping those less privileged than themselves.

It could be achieving a certain status in life, so that you can do more, be more, do more for the betterment of lives around. Or simply being able to be excellent in a endeavor and receiving satisfaction from doing a job well done, or producing or delivering a fantastic product or service. Or being accepted by friends and peers, so that you can do something to help others.

Those who are truly successful know their purpose and where they want to go with their life. They replace activity with purposeful action.

Success and purpose goes hand in hand.