Good Spirit
When happiness, virtue, and purpose collide
My soul craves to live consistently toward a purpose that serves others.
And so does yours.
Yet, we find ourselves drifting, feeling that our daily actions are disconnected from our deeper values and desires. This leaves us feeling stuck, unfulfilled, and unsure of our path.
This gap between where we are and where we genuinely want to be creates a profound sense of unease—a reminder that something vital is missing.
The Five Questions
Five questions must be answered daily, representing a core set of opportunities to define or redefine our identity.
Because they cut through most of the protections that we build up.
1. Am I doing the right things?
2. Are my contributions valuable?
3. Am I empowered to be effective?
4. Are my actions aligned with essential goals?
5. Do I find purpose and fulfillment? Your journey to how you answer these questions matters. Because you matter.
This last question is no different. It aligns our heart and soul with the north star that guides our life.
5. Do I find purpose and fulfillment? This last question invites us to pause, reflect, and explore the deeper aspects of our lives' meaning. It is the question that brings clarity to our world.
Purpose and Fulfillment
The Reason for Being (Ikigai)
Ikigai, a Japanese concept, can be translated as a reason for being. It is the intersection of your passion, mission, vocation, and profession. When you’ve found your ikigai, you see the natural alignment in the things you do, and each day brings a deep sense of purpose that continues to drive you forward.
The Flourishing Life (Eudaimonia)
Eudaimonia is an ancient Greek philosophy referring to the highest form of human good. Unlike happiness, a word derived from the Norse word for luck (happ), eudaimonia is about long-term well-being through living virtuously and actualizing your potential. It’s a life aligned with your core values, where personal growth and fulfillment go hand in hand.
The Pillars
When my great-grandfather passed away in his 90’s, my family had a poster printed with a few items of value to him and a scripture verse. Growing up in my house, this poster constantly reminded me of what a fulfilled life looks like.
“I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness[…]”
2 Timothy 4:7-8
This poster and this verse have always spoken to me about a well-lived life, where ikigai and eudaimonia meet. The three primary pillars of our life meet, forming an intention, perseverance, and unwavering commitment.
The Fighter: Pursuing Your Purpose with Determination
The Fighter represents the tenacity needed to pursue your purpose relentlessly. This role embodies the spirit of “fighting the good fight,” where you actively engage in the challenges life presents, striving to live in alignment with your deepest values.
In your career and personal life, the Fighter drives you to push through difficulties, keeping your focus on the goals that resonate with your core purpose.
The Finisher: Staying the Course to Fulfill Your Mission
The Finisher is the part of you committed to “finishing the race.” This role ensures that you see your goals and aspirations through to completion. It’s not just about starting well. The Finisher encourages you to align your actions with your long-term vision, ensuring you fulfill your mission with integrity and purpose.
This pillar reminds you that true fulfillment comes not from the pursuit alone but from the satisfaction of crossing the finish line, having given your best.
The Keeper: Upholding Your Values and Faith
The Keeper is the guardian of your faith and values, echoing the call to “keep the faith.” This role ensures that you remain true to your principles and beliefs in pursuit of your goals. This pillar supports you in living a life of integrity, where your actions consistently reflect your deepest convictions.
The Keeper maintains your faith and values and provides the inner strength necessary to endure and thrive in adversity.
Together, these three pillars—the Fighter, the Finisher, and the Keeper—create a strong foundation for a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. They guide you to live each day with determination, perseverance, and unwavering commitment, ensuring that you pursue your purpose and finish the race with integrity and faith.
Takeaway
To live a life of true purpose and fulfillment, you must embrace the roles of the Fighter, the Finisher, and the Keeper.
(Fighter) Pursue your purpose with determination, face challenges head-on, and remain steadfast in your mission.
(Finisher) Commit to seeing your goals through to completion, staying the course even when the path is arduous, and finding fulfillment in the journey and the destination.
(Keeper) Uphold your values and faith, ensuring that your actions consistently reflect your deepest convictions, guiding you with integrity and strength.
By integrating these pillars into your life, you will pursue your purpose with passion, finish the race with honor, and keep the faith that sustains you. This is how you live a life of enduring impact and true fulfillment.
Need a push to find your purpose?
We provide templates to help you write your vision and plans to capture the vision you are uniquely empowered to accomplish.
Our Vision / Mission / Values template can help you look in the mirror and feel empowered.
Our 2024 planning will help you move purposefully and confidently in the months and years ahead.
We aim to help you become your best self and lead others to be their best self.
-Your friends at OutsmartChaos.
Your Takeaway
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