Chapter 1: The Importance of Purpose

Who am I to discuss the concept of purpose in life? To be honest, I feel like the least qualified person for such a task. But here’s the truth: the one who should truly be answering this question is you. Have you ever truly pondered what your purpose in life is?

Recently, I experienced what should have been the vacation of a lifetime—every day was filled with new adventures and excitement. Then, in an instant, everything came crashing down with a single phone call. For the past two weeks, I’ve been wandering aimlessly, questioning my purpose and the meaning behind it all.

Although I have a vague sense that I should be pursuing something, I find myself feeling unmotivated and disconnected. It’s as if I’m staring at a blank wall, lost in thought.

Then I recalled a simple exercise that had previously helped me understand the significance of having a purpose. This exercise demonstrated just how crucial it is for our success in life.

Here’s the exercise: Take a moment, pause your reading for ten to twenty seconds, and turn your chair around to observe your surroundings. Try to memorize the locations of any black objects in your environment before continuing.

Alright, have you completed the task? If so, close your eyes and visualize your room. Now, ask yourself: How many items can you recall that are yellow or red?

Most people will struggle with this task because their brains were focused on the black objects—this is a reflection of their purpose at that moment. This phenomenon is known as the Reticular Activating System (RAS). It plays a crucial role in our awareness, focus, and response to our environment.

Even though your eyes scanned the entire room, your mind was fixated on a specific task—searching for black items, ignoring everything else that seemed unimportant.

When you have a clear purpose, your brain filters out the irrelevant information, allowing the significant aspects to shine through. This is unique to each individual; your brain tunes into what matters most to you.

For example, if you own a red sports car, every red sports car on the road will catch your eye. Conversely, if you drive an old truck with your dog, you are more likely to notice dogs that resemble yours. This highlights the importance of personal relevance.

Given the overwhelming amount of information we encounter daily, our brains must prioritize what is essential. When reading a newspaper, you often skim through until something piques your interest—perhaps news about your favorite team or a sale on a product you desire.

Your brain is constantly working in the background, helping you remember important details or solutions to problems when you least expect it. By setting a clear purpose, your RAS can assist you in recognizing opportunities that align with your goals, almost effortlessly.

To harness the power of your brain, you must establish clarity about your purpose. This clarity will help you spot the opportunities that you deserve, but only if you actively engage with your goals.

This leads us to the next phase: untying the emotional knots within. I’ve dedicated my energy to discovering a new purpose. You may not have noticed, but I’ve paused my writing.

Instead, I’ve been reading, spending quality time with family, connecting with friends, and taking my dog on longer walks. I'm taking the time to appreciate the meaningful moments and reflect on my thoughts. I’m in the process of shaping my new purpose.

In the video "Want to Change Your Life? First, Change Your Brain," the speaker discusses how altering your mindset can significantly impact your life direction and purpose.

Chapter 2: Rewiring Your Brain for Success

Lara Boyd's TEDx talk, "After watching this, your brain will not be the same," explores how our brains can adapt and change based on our experiences, underscoring the importance of having a clear purpose.