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Michael Ray, a social psychologist and professor at Stanford University, has been called the most creative person in Silicon Valley. In his book The Higher Purpose, he gives some non-trivial advice that will help you determine the meaning of life.
“Each person chooses one of two approaches in life,” writes Michael Ray. – The first is the path of “children’s coloring”. You do what you are told, and in the end you get a pretty but ordinary picture. The second approach is chosen by a few: this is the path of an artist who takes a blank canvas and writes a masterpiece. It’s harder, it’s riskier, but it’s the only way to make your life a work of art.”
The second path requires non-banal solutions, a creative approach, one’s own view of things, the ability to go one’s own way. These attitudes are the highest goal – the meaning of the life of every person.
It’s easy to say “go your own way” or “be different”. But how to do that? How do you know what is really important in life for you? Michael Ray gives some hints.
1. Feel the flow
“You connect with your highest purpose when you wake up enthusiastic and know that you are doing something important and necessary,” writes Michael Ray. “This is the same as being in the flow: this is how they describe the moments when a person is so absorbed in his work that time stops for him, and life takes on meaning.”
Think about the last time you experienced something like this? What were you consumed by? Why did you enjoy this activity? Are you ready to devote most of your life to him? Try to mentally return to that state. Feel the same vibrations. Think about what made that situation so special.
2. Follow the daily rules
“The best way to achieve a higher goal is to start living with it,” says Michael Ray. “And the rules for every day are the best way to do it step by step.” The author suggests following the following daily postulates:
- Do only what you love; love everything you do.
- Do what is easy, effortless and brings joy.
- Be ordinary. Be sincere with yourself.
- Ask yourself questions: “What is my purpose at this moment? What is my intention now?
3. Be aware of and discuss your feelings
Don’t just do anything. Be conscious of everything that happens: to every action, decision, statement. Always ask yourself how they make you feel and what they give you. Write down your feelings and discuss them with your friends. This will help you set your priorities right.
Michael Ray also recommends doing the following exercise. Write on a piece of paper “My highest goal is…”. Once you have completed this sentence, discuss it with the people who are important to you—family and friends. “Usually, when discussing this moment, there are both nervous laughter and jokes, because when it comes to the great purpose of their life, people feel a certain awkwardness,” Michael Ray clarifies.
But that shouldn’t bother you. Most people write one thing on a piece of paper (such as “career”), and after talking with others about this topic, they realize that their highest goal lies in something else. This exercise can be repeated as many times as you like.
4. Listen to your intuition
“Connecting with intuitive wisdom is not just a connection with something that is inside you, it is a connection with something higher,” says Michael Ray. He advises during the week to make all everyday decisions, referring to the intuitive “yes / no.” Spend an evening with your family or meet up with friends? Work on a report in the evening or read a book? Schedule a meeting for tomorrow or next week? Ask questions to your inner voice, seek the answer from intuition and do not doubt its correctness.
5. Meditate
Meditation clears the mind and teaches to control thoughts. It helps to cope with fears, protects from judgments and chatter that block your path. “Write down how you feel before and after each meditation. Mark your approaches to things during the week and see if your fears disappear, ”advises Michael Ray.
6. Get rid of worries
Anxiety and fear take too much time and effort. Think about how many times you turned down a job because of them? You need to eliminate anxiety from your life. Rather, leave them only 30 minutes each day. At other times, when worries are looking for a way out, just tell them: “I’m sorry, but there’s no way to worry right now. We’ll have to wait until it’s time for excitement.”
Try to ignore the worries until the special time arrives. And when it comes, be completely immersed in the excitement. “Worry to the maximum in this half hour. You can even make a list of things to worry about specifically for those thirty minutes, but don’t bring them up at other times. See if you can get through the day with little to no worries,” advises Michael Ray.
7. Just do it
Choose a task that had to be completed a long time ago and that you kept putting off for some reason. Don’t think about hardship, fatigue, or failure. Just complete the task and let it fully unfold for you.
“Start doing something not for external reward, but out of love for the cause,” Michael Ray sums up. Don’t seek approval from others. Do not compare yourself and your work with other people and their successes. Don’t worry about the future and don’t regret the past. Don’t look for recognition or rewards. Work hard and push yourself to the limit for the sake of the work itself. Become the embodiment of your highest goal.”
About the author: Michael Ray is a social psychologist and professor emeritus of marketing at Stanford University. Author of the Creativity in Business course, success books Creativity in Business (with Rochelle Myers), The Journey of the Ordinary Hero (with Lorna Catford), and The Spirit of Creativity (with Daniel Goleman and Paul Kaufman) .