Chapter 13: Live with Purpose—Because Success Doesn’t Happen by Accident
Introduction: The Power of Purpose
When you feel like you're doing a lot but not getting anywhere, it might be discouraging. Feeling that way is usually a sign that you aren't sure what you're trying to accomplish. The writers go into one of the most important realities of life in Chapter 13 of The ONE Thing: success isn't accidental. That's on purpose. And that goal starts with a reason.
Being alive is all about finding your purpose. Your concentration, habits, and perseverance are propelled by it. Distractions become more appealing and motivation decreases rapidly in the absence of a defined goal. However, when you're living in harmony with your mission, each day takes on a deeper significance.
You Need Purpose If You Want a Top-Notch GPS System
Imagine your life's mission as a navigational aid. Your decisions will be easy once it's set. The routes to go and the ones to skip are obvious to you. You find direction and peace of mind when you have a purpose.
The writers state that those who achieve great success aren't naturally gifted or fortunate, but rather more aligned. Everything they do is guided by their purpose. More often than not, they will say no. They make thoughtful decisions and do deliberate actions.
To begin discovering your life's mission, ask yourself, "What is the ONE thing I want to be remembered for?"
It will lead you in the right direction, and it might even surprise you.
Objective Fuels Top Priority
Prioritizing tasks becomes much easier if you have a clear idea of your goal. You start to understand that certain things are more important than others. A purpose-driven person, as the authors point out, keeps their eye on the prize rather than being bogged down by the mundane of daily life.
Being purposeful allows you to tune out the distractions. It normalizes turning down good opportunities in order to make room for fantastic ones. When your deeds are in harmony with your intentions, you have an effect.
Making Progress Towards Goals
When you do something, your purpose becomes powerful. Knowing your purpose isn't enough; you must also act on it. You need to make sure that your routines and priorities are in line with your goals for the future. That's the way you gain forward motion.
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.”
— Proverbs 4:25–26 (ESV)
This formula is recommended by the authors:
Purpose → Priority → Productivity.
Choosing a purpose isn't an isolated event. It's something you come back to day in and day out, particularly when times are tough. The bright side? Having all the answers is not necessary. The most important thing is to take that first baby step in the right path.
Keep this line from the book in mind:
"When you have a definite purpose, everything in your life starts lining up with it."
Call to Action:
"What's my ONE thing?" should be your mantra for the next five minutes. Notate it. Place it in a visible location. Follow its lead tomorrow and every day thereafter.
Go boldly. Focus deeply. Live fully.
Until we meet again next time, keep pressing toward your ONE Thing.
Warmly,
Samuel Taylor