If you’re waffling on defining your own sense of purpose, don’t worry—society has plans for you. Whether you like it or not, there’s a pervasive drive to help you co-opt other people’s versions of purpose and make them your own. Family. Friends. Teachers. College counselors. Influencers. Marketers. They’ll all freely tell you what purpose should look like in your life.
It doesn’t have to be nefarious. Your parents and teachers often have your success in mind when they steer you toward a career. Society defines a set number of professions that check the box for acceptability. Become a doctor or an engineer, and you’ll fulfill your destiny of affording the good life—complete with a nice family, a few cars, and an expensive home. You’ll earn the right to print letters next to your name that prove your credentials and lead to six-figure salaries.
This American dream, while beneficial for the economy and our own fiscal stability, often feels like a far cry from the interests and excitement we had as children. Our sense of joy, play, and natural curiosity is often squelched when we’re tracked into what those around us deem acceptable.
And so, we find ourselves in professions that fill our bank accounts (if we’re lucky) but not necessarily our souls. We’re making a living, yet often feel like we’re not truly living.
While your family and friends may have the best of intentions, the various forces trying to define your sense of purpose are often little more than grifters seeking to line their pockets. Social media influencers want you to like and subscribe to peddle their wares and monetize your attention. They capitalize on the allure of six-pack abs, world travel, luxurious clothing, and entrepreneurial hustle to sell you a product, course, or book.
They don’t want you to be a better person—they want your money.
The American marketing and commercial industrial complex is ubiquitous. They create visuals—through print, video, and social media campaigns—designed to convince you that if you just buy their goods or services, your life will overflow with love, happiness, and wealth. The subtle (or not-so-subtle) message is clear: you can buy your way into purpose. You can purchase the person you want to be.
These forces are products of our culture—born of capitalism and commercialization. They are not meant to make you happy or fulfilled; they are designed to steal your money.
If you truly want to build a life of purpose, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Today’s Poll
Did you catch this week’s episode of Earn & Invest (Click to listen)?
The Purpose Code is Now Available on Preorder!
As mentioned in the above episode, get one free hour of coaching with he purchase of 5 or more copies of my new book, The Purpose Code. This offer is limited to the first twenty people, and only in this preorder period! Just send me proof of purchase and we will schedule your session.
