“The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” ~Mark Twain

Not all of us take the time to figure out an answer to the question, “Why am I here? What is my purpose?”

Those that do—the rare few—begin living their purpose everywhere they go, because that is the power of purpose: it can be demonstrated in action (and intention) in all places, at all times; it is not relegated to some places, at some times.

People who know their purpose become focused, intentional, determined.

They don’t give up at the first signs of difficulty.

They take a long-term approach to short-term decisions.

They know what they want, and more importantly, why what they want is important to them.

They want a degree: is it to prove they’re good enough to someone else? Or to themselves? Is it to check off a “to do” box because their employer expects it, or is it to actually learn and thereby expand their future opportunities?

They want a bigger house or cottage: to flaunt their financial success to their friends? To “keep up with the Joneses? Or to provide a playground or breathing room for a growing family? Or maybe it’s about long-term investments.

There are a lot of different reasons we do what we do. Understanding the real reason behind our choices, the true “whys” behind the “whats,” provides a calm clarity to our choices, choices we won’t allow others to infect with their lack of understanding.

Knowing your “whys” will make you “wise.”

It’ll also make your life a lot easier, and most certainly more joyful.