A Story About Purpose and Vision
Elliot had always admired people with clear direction. From an early age, he noticed how some individuals seemed to walk through life with a sense of purpose, like they were chasing something truly meaningful. He envied their drive but struggled to find his own.
“What’s my purpose?” he often wondered. His life wasn’t bad—he had a decent job, good friends, and a comfortable routine. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was simply coasting, moving through life without a destination.
One day, while helping his neighbor rebuild an old garden fence, the question came up again.
“Elliot,” his neighbor Tom said, wiping sweat from his brow, “What gets you out of bed in the morning? What are you working toward?”
The question caught Elliot off guard. “I guess... just to get through the day,” he admitted.
Tom chuckled. “That’s fine, but let me tell you something I’ve learned. Life is a lot more exciting when you have a goal worthy of a great purpose.”
The Search for Purpose
Elliot couldn’t stop thinking about Tom’s words. That night, he sat on his couch, staring out the window. A goal worthy of a great purpose. The phrase sounded profound, but what did it mean? Wasn’t any goal good enough?
As he reflected, he realized that his goals had always been small and practical—getting a raise, saving for a vacation, finishing a work project. These goals were fine, but they didn’t light a fire within him. They weren’t connected to a purpose that inspired him to grow or contribute something meaningful to the world.
That realization sparked something in Elliot. He didn’t just want to set another goal. He wanted to find one that was worthy of a great purpose—something that aligned with his values and challenged him to become more than he was.
Discovering the Intersection of Purpose and Goals
Elliot decided to take a different approach to goal-setting. Instead of asking what he wanted to achieve, he started asking deeper questions:
What do I care deeply about?
What kind of impact do I want to make?
What would make me proud at the end of my life?
As he journaled his thoughts, a theme emerged. Elliot had always been passionate about mentoring and supporting young people, especially those who didn’t have access to many opportunities. He realized his purpose could be rooted in helping others succeed.
With this clarity, Elliot set a goal: to start a program that provided mentorship and career guidance to underprivileged youth in his community. The goal was ambitious and intimidating, but it felt right. It was the kind of goal that aligned with a greater purpose.
The Power of a Worthy Goal
Elliot’s new goal transformed the way he approached his days. Each morning, he woke up with a renewed sense of energy and focus. The challenges he faced—whether it was researching funding options, networking with community leaders, or organizing workshops—felt meaningful because they were tied to a purpose he cared deeply about.
Over time, the program began to take shape. He partnered with local schools, recruited volunteers, and even secured a small grant to fund the initiative. As the first group of students joined the program, Elliot saw the impact of his work firsthand. The mentorship sessions weren’t just changing the students’ lives—they were changing his too.
Purpose Fuels Great Goals
Elliot’s journey taught him a powerful lesson: Purpose and goals are deeply connected. A worthy goal gives your purpose direction, and a meaningful purpose gives your goals significance.
Without purpose, goals can feel hollow, like running a race without knowing why you’re running. But when your goals are rooted in purpose, they become a source of inspiration and growth. They challenge you to rise above your limitations and contribute something greater than yourself.
Your Purpose, Your Goal
If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, take a page from Elliot’s story. Ask yourself:
What values matter most to me?
What kind of difference do I want to make in the world?
What goal would align with that purpose?
Don’t be afraid to dream big or to start small. A worthy goal doesn’t have to change the world overnight—it just has to align with a purpose that feels meaningful to you. Whether it’s mentoring others, creating art, building a business, or supporting a cause, your purpose can guide you toward a goal that makes life richer and more fulfilling.
Purpose and Goals Go Hand in Hand
A goal without purpose is just an item on a to-do list. But a goal worthy of a great purpose? That’s what transforms lives. When you align your goals with your values and passions, you unlock a sense of meaning that fuels your actions and inspires those around you.
So, what’s your purpose? What goal can you set today that aligns with it? Start where you are, take one step at a time, and remember: the most fulfilling journey begins with a goal rooted in a worthy purpose.
