purpose [pur-puhs]
noun
1. the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
2. an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.
3. determination; resoluteness.
(Definition from dictionary.com)
I’ve been thinking a lot about my purpose the past few days. Why? For one, it’s the subject of this month’s activities in Self-Coaching Scholars, the coaching program I’m involved with. Also, on the day this blog post goes out, I turn 54, and whenever a birthday comes around I tend to become reflective…
Lately, the way I’ve come to see it is that the purpose of humanity is to evolve as a species. So, I’m already living my purpose just by being a human being. We all are. No matter what we choose to do (or not do), by merely EXISTING, we are participating in human evolution! This is great news for all of us, because it means we don’t need to “find our purpose” to be complete. If you were believing that you were somehow “unworthy” because you didn’t know your purpose or because you felt your goals weren’t “lofty” enough, this takes some of the pressure off.
Even better, since you’re already living your purpose no matter what, it means you can choose how you want to spend your time, how you want to spend your life. I’ve decided that I’m going to spend my life demonstrating that it’s possible even for an old (!) guy like me to be an example of positive change by taking on ambitious projects. Here are some ways this might relate to the definition of “purpose” given above:
1. How you spend your time can be your reason for existing.
You already exist and are evolving, but how you spend your time might give your purpose a little more shape. What if you were put here to share the magic of Beethoven’s music or the joy of playing the ‘Ukulele with everyone you meet? Sounds like a fine way to live your life as far as I’m concerned.
2. You can decide on the results you desire to achieve.
There are a few of the results I want to achieve with the “Pastoralele” project. To my mind these give the project a definite purpose:
- To give everyone in the world who wants to play Beethoven’s “Pastorale” symphony on the ‘Ukulele the opportunity to do so, building a community of like-minded players along the way.
- To create a 79-part video series, each part highlighting one page of the “Pastorale” score.
- To create and publish an edition of Beethoven’s “Pastorale” Symphony for solo ‘Ukulele.
- To eventually perform the entire symphony on the ‘Ukulele.
3. Your determination can be an example, inspiring others to achieve their goals
The roadmap for achieving my “Pastorale(le)” goals has been laid out. So far, drip by drip, bit by bit, I have taken action: One page a day for 79 days transcribing my first draft; One page a week revising, making video and sending out the music to folks who are interested–ten weeks in a row so far. If I keep up this pace, I will send out the final page of “Pastorale(le)” in 69 weeks, on December 1, 2020. I’m going to keep it up until the end. I have no idea what obstacles lie ahead. Who will I have become by then?
Who will YOU have become by then? What crazy goal could you decide to achieve in the next 69 weeks?
Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you haven’t already, sign up for my newsletter for the latest about the “Pastorale(le)” project.
Thanks to everyone who has sent me a message. It’s especially gratifying to hear from folks who have played through the score and/or are planning to perform it with their ‘Ukulele group. Feel free to get in touch with any questions about the project or just to say “hi”!
all the best to you!
-James