Some of us are lucky enough to know what it is we are meant for on this earth from the get-go. Others start down one path and take a few detours until finding the one that fits them best. But no matter how we get there, finding our life’s purpose or mission is not only personally rewarding – it’s actually good for your health! Keep reading to find out how you can live life on purpose.
Welcome to the latest installment of the 9-post series based on my recent read: Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.
And this week’s topic is Secret #5: Live Life on Purpose
In several of the Blue Zones areas, there is a word for living one’s purpose: the Nicoyans call it “plan de vida” and the Okinawan word is “ikigai.” In each case, it translates to something like “why I wake up in the morning.”
Having this strong sense of purpose is believed to reduce stress levels and, thus, reduce the chances of suffering from age-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and stroke.
In fact, one of the studies mentioned in the book (conducted by the National Institute of Health) showed a correlation and longevity. In essence, people who had a clear goal in life lived longer lives and were mentally sharper during them.
This sense of purpose doesn’t have to be a grand, world-altering mission. It could be as simple as watching the grandchildren grow up or having a hobby that is all-encompassing and brings you joy. Working on a project in which you are in a state of “flow” – in which you are fully immersed in what your doing – brings a sense of freedom, enjoyment, and fulfillment while keeping your mind engaged and agile.
Learning a new activity every so often is another way to keep the mind (and soul) engaged in living. Learning a musical instrument, a new language, or a new task – something novel and somewhat complex – is like strength training for the brain. It decreases the rate of memory loss and, as previously mentioned, may also reduce the rate of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
In short, having (and living) your purpose is not only an exciting way to live your life, it’s akin to a fountain of youth! So, to recap:
Here are the Blue Zone tips for incorporating Secret #5 into your life:
Craft a Personal Mission Statement
If you like the idea of living your purpose but don’t yet know what that is, start by creating a mission statement. Think about the things you love doing – and could do for hours without even noticing the time fly by – and that bring you joy. Starting with your passions, how you enjoy using your innate talents, and identifying the things that are truly important to you are things to consider when answering this question: Why do you get up in the morning? The answer to that sentence can kick of your mission statement brainstorming session.
Find a Partner
As with most things in life, having a mastermind or accountability partner not only helps keep you to task, it makes it more “real.” I recently crafted my new year goals and sent them to my closest friends knowing that, by sharing them, I was staking the claim that these are the items I want to accomplish in the next 12 months. Finding someone with whom you can communicate your life’s purpose – and your plan for realizing it – is a great way to get an honest assessment and share your successes.
Learn Something New
To keep your brain sharp, keep it active! Learning a language, a musical instrument, or tasking it with complex problem-solving (like play chess or other strategy-laden games) are all great ways to keep your brain in good shape for years to come.
Et, voilà! J’espère que vous avez apprécié la tranche de cette semaine – Secret #5 : Living Life on Purpose. A bientôt !
For More In This Series:
Secret#1 How to Achieve Sprightly Longevity
Secret#2 How to Eat For Longevity
Secret#3 How to Eat More Plants