Purpose in Action: Lessons from a Hollywood Icon

Inner Strength

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"Stay Busy. Be Useful."

Although not as universally recognized as "I'll be back", these four words have been a guiding star for Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has achieved massive success from bodybuilding to the silver screen, and even politics. This mantra, passed down from his father and deeply ingrained during his formative years, spurred him on a lifelong journey of continuous growth, instilled a relentless drive, and propelled him to dizzying heights of success. But more than a motivational quote, it encapsulates an essential component of our human experience — a sense of purpose.

Psychological research has repeatedly emphasized the relationship between a sense of purpose and well-being. Having a purpose or meaningful goal to work towards can act as a counterforce against depressive symptoms and a catalyst for happiness. But how does staying occupied or feeling useful translate into psychological benefits? Let's unpack some research.

The Benefits of Purpose

McKnight and Kashdan (2009) define purpose and highlight its role as a central aspect of well-being. They state that purpose isn't a simple yes-or-no matter; it's multi-dimensional. This encompasses three main areas: scope, strength, and awareness. Scope reflects the role purpose plays across different areas of a person's life. Strength involves the impact of purpose on one's actions and emotions. Awareness, on the other hand, involves the person's consciousness and ability to articulate their purpose. Interestingly, even when a purpose is not at the forefront of our minds at all times, it can still unconsciously motivate us and influence our behavior, especially when it is tied to meaningful cues in our environment.

Importantly, having a strong sense of purpose has direct health benefits too. McKnight and Kashdan outline that those who had a solid sense of purpose experienced less psychological distress and more well-being. It’s as if having a purpose serves as psychological armor, shielding us from life's adversities and offering tranquility in tumultuous times. So, having a cause greater than oneself can soften the blow of life's inevitable challenges. A longitudinal study by Kim et al. (2014) supported this, suggesting that a robust sense of purpose was associated with greater use of several preventive healthcare services and also fewer nights spent hospitalized. Similarly, Koizumi et al. (2008) found that male seniors with a well-defined purpose experienced a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.

To be clear, purpose is not about mindless hustling. It's about dedicating oneself to meaningful tasks and goals. When we have something to strive for, something that gives us a sense of purpose, we are better equipped to face life's challenges. Though a strong sense of purpose doesn't necessarily spare us from hardships, it equips us with the tools to tackle them. It promises not an effortless existence, but a fulfilling one. Being productive and useful, not just for ourselves but also for those around us, strengthens our sense of purpose, which adds to our own happiness and contributes to the well-being of others.

Finding Your Purpose

In a world that often confuses busyness with purpose, remember that true purpose stems from an inner alignment with our deeply held values and aspirations. Think of purpose as an anchor that keeps us steady, even when life gets stormy. But discovering and crafting our purpose is easier said than done. It requires patience and introspection. It requires real work. It’s not going to be easy. But it is going to be worth it in the long run.

The clearer you are about who you are and what your purpose is in life, the greater your contribution to this world. So, living by the motto "Stay busy. Be useful." might just be a good starting point for a more meaningful life.