Module 4 · Your direction
Day 10 of 11 · about 10 minutes
Purpose can sound grand, like something only founders and missionaries have. For most people it's quieter than that: a clear answer to who you're doing all this for.
What the research found
Psychologists Patrick Hill and Nicholas Turiano followed more than 6,000 Americans for 14 years. People who reported a greater sense of purpose were less likely to die during that time, and the link held for younger, middle-aged and older adults alike (Psychological Science, 2014).
As Hill put it, the earlier someone finds a direction for life, the earlier those benefits may begin.
Try this today (10 minutes)
- Finish this sentence: "I'm here to ___ for ___."
- Write three versions. Keep the one that feels most true, not the one that sounds most impressive.
- Look at your calendar for next week. Find one hour that serves that sentence, and protect it.
The honest note
This study shows a link, not proof that purpose causes a longer life. Healthier people may also find it easier to feel purposeful. Your sentence will change as your life changes, and that's normal. It only has to be true for now.
Write it down: print Workbook 4, Your direction. It has space for this lesson’s exercise and a week tracker.
The Selfmade Course · Day 10 of 11
← Day 9 · Day 11: Choose three →
Want one idea like this every Friday? Get The Selfmade Newsletter free.
