LUCANBUCKLEY.COM


On a Mission

“We detect, rather than discover, our missions in life” - Covey

I think this is a plausible approach to life. Our ‘missions’, as Covey puts them, are simply noticed through living rather than being ‘discovered’ or prescribed (either by ourselves, or somebody else).1

Living according to our goals or values or ‘missions’2 seems to me quite compelling. While I’m sure there are plenty of people in the world sure that their mission in life is the correct one (if not for everyone, then at the very least for themselves) I will assume that finding our purpose in life is a uniquely individual task.3

So, after all these potentially plausible (but definitely debatable) assumptions, I will suggest an approach to detecting our missions, as, I think that it does not need to be a completely passive task:

If we align our life with one scientifically shown to promote desirable characteristics4, then we get a proven framework for a successful life. I understand that there is a body of legitimate research on what things (such as habits or actions) that humans can do that lead to different outcomes in their life. This could include your approach to the importance of money or family. We can use this research to take a scientific approach in living how we want to live. I’m not suggesting that we can simply ‘write down’ our goals from the research, but I believe the research should give individuals a decent background and approach in finding quality goals.

Saying all this, I have not read the research. I have no references to offer you.5 This whole idea essentially comes from a youtube video on living a principled life. The video was prefaced as being ‘one of the most important’ videos they would make, yet the director chose to include ads. Capitalism or something?

  1. I’m sure these aren’t the only possibilities, but it’s not that important for this article. ↩

  2. I’m not making a distinction between these different terms. I leave this to you as homework. ↩

  3. i.e. It is up to the individual to follow the ‘correct’ mission, if such a thing should exist. ↩

  4. i.e. happiness, wellbeing etc. I guess this could include rage or anything really. Choose your noun. ↩

  5. This blog isn’t necessarily meant to be convincing. This means I am immune to your criticism. Sorry Liberal. ↩

-Lucan