Ideals in Motion

Sustaining Ideals...

Looking at the graphic in the previous posting I'm struck by the increasing  narrowness of space that "I" have to work with. The container that holds "I" is obviously much different than the container that holds "Ideals". Yet, they are both part of the same vessel. This disparity between "I" and my "Ideal" is actually very good news.

My ideals are larger than me. That's why they are compelling. The challenge I face is dealing with the failure to live up to my ideals. Coming to realize and accept that "failure" to live up to my ideals is normal actually provides me with a platform to sustain the movement to having my ideals live. How so? Again, sustainability can be thought of - must be thought of - as a process of developing the capacity to continuously start over. This notion can and does have profound implications for how we approach our lives, our businesses, our careers, our political processes and the shaping of our societies.

My life isn't about living up to my ideals. That's a position that can only result in blame and shame when I'm not successful. My life is about living into my ideals. Which means I will be ever involved in the process of starting over as I move further up the funnel that contains the ideals of which I and my life are a reflection.

The deconstruction of an ideal...

So, what's the purpose again?

What's so important about knowing your purpose in life? Maybe the following examples will help clarify this:

• Imagine that you're playing golf. What's the purpose of golf? If you say to put the ball in the hole you'd be wrong. If that was the purpose the game could be over fairly quickly. No, putting the ball in the hole is one of the goals of golf - as is grooving your swing, breaking par or beating your partners. Goals are not the same as a purpose. So, what's the purpose of golf?
  
• Imagine that you're an archer. What's the purpose of archery? If you say to hit the bullseye with the arrow you would again be wrong. If that was the purpose of archery why would one stand so far away from the target? Again, hitting the bullseye is one of the goals of archery but it is NOT the purpose of archery. So, what's the purpose of archery?
  
• Imagine that you're given a life to live. What's the purpose of that life? If you say it is to make money (or be successful, or be a doctor, etc.) you'd be wrong one more time. If that was the purpose of life there would be far more people on the planet with money than without - just the opposite of what we have today. Making money is a goal one can have in life but it is not the purpose of a life. So, what's the purpose of life?

What is it that gives the goals we set meaning? What is it that keep me coming back again and again? What is it that makes it possible for even the smallest of acts to bring joy and fulfillment?

Purpose is not a goal to be achieved. Purpose is not provided by the "rules" of the game. Purpose is created by thoughtful individuals living with and asking the question "for the sake of what" am I pursuing this goal? Purpose is what the attainment of a goal may eventually make possible. Purpose is what I greet the dawn with each day. Without it my life has no meaning. With it all is possible - and any of what I have is fulfilling. What's the purpose of your life?