• What can happen if our work is a mismatch with what we need and enjoy? • What is a life purpose? • Do we all have a life purpose? • What if I don't believe that we have a unique purpose but have been feeling that     that what I am doing is meaningful? • Then why bother to know our purpose? • What is the difference between meaning and purpose in life? • So what is the link between purpose and meaning? • How can we discover our purpose? • What if I have to remain in my job that I dislike because I need the income? • References  What can happen if our work is a mismatch with what we need and enjoy? • Mental and physical costs can be high • Problems in performance can result • Personal frustration and stress can be wearing • Relationships suffer Back to top What is a life purpose? It is an aim, a reason for being, a reason to get up in the morning, a source of energy and direction, and the quality that we choose to shape our life around (Leider, 1997). Our purpose may be to heal, educate, construct, entertain, lead, do justice, uphold the law, explore, inspire, parent, nurture, write, etc... They may be familial, vocational or spiritual. For example, If our purpose is to heal, our calling (active way of contributing to the world) may be to be a counsellor, physiotherapist or doctor. If it is to lead, our calling may be to be a politician. If it is to educate, we may become a teacher. If it is to construct, we may become a civil engineer. If It is to do justice and uphold the law, our calling may be to be a law enforcer or lawyer. Or if it is spiritual, our calling may be to be a reverend. Back to top Do we all have a life purpose? Not surprisingly, some think so while others don’t.  I share the view that we are each born with a unique and dominant purpose. Some discover it early, some later, and some not at all. Back to top What if I don't believe that we have a unique purpose but have been feeling that what I am doing is meaningful? I see nothing wrong with that because what matters in the end is how you feel, your experience of life. However, do not be surprised if some of those activities you are engaging in may be an expression of your purpose. Back to top Then why bother to know our purpose? When we are living in line with purpose our lives become simpler because we focus on what is necessary and discard what are not. We clarify our calling (our way of actively contributing to the world) as we follow our heart and do what we are passionate about. As a result we feel that our life is meaningful and fulfilling, and we are happier and healthier. Back to top. What is the difference between meaning and purpose in life? Conversationally I tend to use them interchangeably although I understand they are different. Existential psychotherapist Irwin Yalom (1980) views purpose as an intention or function, and meaning as a sense of coherence. Viktor Frankl (1963), author of 'Man's Search for Meaning" and founder of logotherapy (meaning-centred therapy) uses meaning and value interchangeably. I am influenced by both and I regard meaning as a sense of significance, coherence or value. Back to top So what is the link between purpose and meaning? As an example, assume that a person's life purpose statement is 'to guide, share and inspire others so that they can cope more effectively with life's challenges and become productive members of a peaceful community'. They may become a counsellor, coach or public speaker to live out their life purpose and in the process feel a sense of value or significance for being in the world i.e. feel that life is meaningful. Back to top How can we discover our purpose? This is not simple as our purpose is rarely handed to us; we have to discover it. We may discover it when we experience a crisis that forces us to put aside petty concerns and reflect on the bigger picture of being in the world. It can happen when we meet somebody who inspires us in some profound ways. Discovering our gifts and talents and how we enjoy using them to actively contribute to the world can provide some hints. We may also discover them when engaging in activities. Contemplation and reflection can be helpful. Back to top What if I have to remain in my job that I dislike because I need the income?  For practical reasons it makes sense to stay and try to tolerate it as best and as long as you can until you are more ready. There are ways to cope in such situations. Financial stress may over a period of time reduce your joy of doing that work and you may, overall, even feel unhappier. Back to top References Leider, R.J. (Speaker). (1997). The power of purpose (Cassette Recording) San Bruno, CA: Audio Literature Frankl. V.E. (1963)). Man's search for meaning: An introduction to logotherapy. New York: Pocket Books Yalom, I.D. (1980). Existential therapy. USA: Basic Books Back to top © EDORA ASIA COACHING 2012 1 Fullerton Rd #02-01, One Fullerton, Singapore 049213, Tel: 68325001 Work and Purpose - Ang TH