Meaning and purpose are the foundations of a life well-lived, yet so little is said about this in school. Its importance is implied, but never explicitly taught. In the famous line attributed to John Lennon:
“When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
So much of our identity is formed based upon the social status of our jobs and the identity that comes with it, rather than the integrity of our character. As a young person carving out your own place in the world, it is crucial that you train your mind to consistently question what you are doing and for what purpose. Is the thought pattern valid? Will this bring me further into alignment with my values and vision?
Take the example above. Think: What is the source of my happiness? Do I rely heavily on the external pleasures of instant gratification, social media and materialism? Or does my happiness come from a deep internal sense of sonder and equanimity? As Seneca once said:
“The supreme ideal”–a happy life–“does not call for any external aids”.
The stoics of Ancient Rome believed that happiness is the by-product of a meaningful life rather than the ultimate end goal. To truly achieve happiness is to achieve inner peace. First, we must cultivate mental resilience to withstand the challenges of life. A strong mind will remain undisturbed by the turbulence of the outside world.
As you transition from dependence to independence, as you begin to face the countless hurdles of adult life which must be overcome, I challenge you to question your values, habits and ingrained thought patterns. Are these in alignment with your purpose? Do they bring meaning and value to your life?
You need to start cultivating your internal, spiritual wealth just as much as you’re cultivating your external wealth through your financial and career goals. Without an abundance of discipline, integrity and mental strength, those external goals will remain unachievable. Just like a garden that needs to be regularly watered to bear fruit, your mind and spirit must receive the right nourishment.
Be courageous. Dare to ask yourself the difficult, uncomfortable questions of constructive self-criticism. This path of cultivating self-awareness will lead you to that garden of internal and external abundance. It requires courage and a lifetime of dedication, but it’s more than worth it. Embark on your very own Lifetime Adventure.
“Awareness of ignorance is the beginning of wisdom.”
~Socrates
