THE THOUGHT

At five years old, I knew I wanted to be an architect.

I could spend entire afternoons lost in blueprints of my own making, half finished Lego buildings and sketches of grown-up houses. I remember being so sure of my destination. Every step forward was aligned to that goal. And so, as matters of great conviction, I became an architect.

But time has a way of shifting light. Of asking us to look again at the map we've made. A goal that once held real purpose lost its meaning somewhere along the way. It took me years to realize that, while I kept pursuing the goal, the dream no longer fit.

Lately, I've been thinking about the paths we choose. As I get older, I find myself lingering at intersections, wondering about the goals that once seemed so clear. In stillness, a question takes shape. What does it mean to live a purpose-driven life?

THE DIVE

The Meaning Beyond the Metric

Purpose-driven goals transcend external metrics, connecting us to a deeper sense of meaning. When we pursue a goal that aligns with our values, we tap into a wellspring of intrinsic motivation. The goal becomes more than a checkbox or a finish line; it becomes an expression of our identity.

This shift in perspective can fundamentally change how we approach challenges. Setbacks become opportunities for growth rather than threats to our self-worth. We're more likely to persist, learn, and adapt because we're driven by something deeper than external validation.

Interestingly, purpose-driven goals can also make us more receptive to feedback. When our sense of self isn't tied to a narrow outcome, we're more open to input that can help us grow. We're less defensive because our goals are an extension of our values, not our ego.

However, uncovering purposeful goals is a skill in itself. It requires self-awareness, reflection, and the courage to question our assumptions. We must be willing to look beyond society's definitions of success and tune into our own inner compass.

What would happen if we paused to examine the deeper why behind our goals? How might it change not just what we pursue, but how we pursue it? In a world that often equates achievement with worth, purpose-driven goals offer a radical alternative: the chance to align our actions with our deepest values, and in doing so, to redefine the very meaning of success.

THE PRACTICE

Noticing Your North Star

As you move through your days, pay attention to the moments when you feel a sense of alignment. A subtle click when your actions sync with your deeper values. This is the feeling of being guided by your own north star. Your goals have merged with your sense of purpose and you're moving in a direction that simply feels right.

It won't feel like an epiphany. It feels more like settling in your own bones. A feeling of coming home… to yourself.

This week, try setting aside your external barometers of success. Let your intuition lead, just for a day. Notice what lights you up, what makes you feel expansive and alive. What would it feel like to let your inner purpose guide your goals?

Today, I'm miles away from that architect's path, traveling along odd routes and standing deep in a territory I never thought to chart. And I must say, I love it.