Purpose

Maintaining focus on the future and one’s purpose in it is a very large challenge. We all know people or have reliable stories of them who retired to nothing, lazed on the couch/sofa/davenport, watched TV and napped. Every day. In six months, they died and that was that.

Becoming a couch potato is unhealthy. At first it may seem enticing compared to a lifetime of work, deadlines and reporting to others. But soon the body begins to lose vitality and mobility. And boredom stalks every waking hour.

Boredom leads to a sense of uselessness. That leads to valuelessness. Soon, the will to live wanes. Death follows thereafter, often with haste.

The trick in retirement is to feed what interests and rivets the brain’s attention. Finding tasks, large or small, to tackle soon becomes purpose. Each of us is capable of doing much more than we think. A letter to the editor of a local publication is one small step, joining a local organization working towards a goal you believe in, is another step easily taken. Actively supporting that organizations events and activities provides a host of steps to take.

Once active the person gains more understanding and knowledge of the world around them. Suddenly the news makes sense. Designing actions to move issues along a path you support is an emerging step of involvement. This leads to more activity and engagement.

As she aged toward her death at 104, my mother did several crosswords daily and read a novel each week. Although she often wondered why she was kept alive, her brain sought purpose and focus. I suspect that is the real reason for her longevity. 

Observing life is not purpose. It is a method that may lead to engagement. The latter is not real if boredom follows. The red flag here is boredom. Sidestep it with involvement with people and activities that challenge your brain and body. Your focus and purpose soon follows.

Try it and see what happens!

October 27, 2025