Finding Purpose in Daily Work: A Guide to Living Fully
Written on
Chapter 1: Reflections on Mortality and Purpose
Today, I find myself preparing for the funeral of a dear friend and mentor. He lived a life filled with purpose and was a beacon of integrity to all who knew him. Like all of us, he had his imperfections.
Funerals have never been my favorite events; in fact, I doubt anyone enjoys them. Each time I sit before a casket, I am compelled to reflect on my own existence. I mentally sift through the timeline of my life, evaluating my accomplishments, missed opportunities, and future aspirations. The thought of my own mortality is unsettling.
While I often try to embrace the stoic practice of being ready for the worst, contemplating my own death is a different matter entirely. It’s not something one can truly prepare for.
This solemn occasion has led me to contemplate the value of a daily practice. By committing to our best work each day—even amidst the distractions of a day job—we can find solace in knowing we’ve done our utmost to lead fulfilling lives. Each day is a precious gift, another chance to wake up and make an impact.
Though some days may seem lackluster, we can cultivate a resilient routine that allows us to extract maximum value from this gift. There’s much to accomplish, but we cannot do it all at once. Therefore, establishing a consistent daily practice, fueled by momentum, can help us navigate the tougher days.
Your routine should be personalized to what resonates with you. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn't challenge yourself. To truly lead a fulfilling life, you must actively engage in it. Set aside dedicated time for your most meaningful work—work that transcends your individual desires and serves those around you, ultimately enhancing your creative journey and supporting your loved ones.
Whether you have 15 minutes or a few hours, every bit counts.
The Three Pillars of a Robust Daily Work Practice
- Share Your Work - To grow creatively, we must share our work beyond our current audience. Engaging with new readers invites them into our creative space. Strive to create at least one piece of content daily that reaches out to others and encourages them to join your community.
- Focus on One Project - Dedicate yourself to completing one project at a time. Until your work is finished, it remains unrealized. Avoid beginning new projects before concluding existing ones, as multitasking can dilute your creativity and reduce the quality of your output. By consistently delivering new work, you deepen your connection with your audience.
- Prioritize Your Well-Being - Engage in daily movement, even if it's just pacing around your home. Creativity thrives on vitality. If you’re feeling unwell or unmotivated, it becomes challenging to produce quality work. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy creative mind. Take care of your body, and it will reward you with inspiration.
Chapter 2: The Call to Action for Every Creator
We all need a purpose larger than ourselves to feel complete. Regardless of your profession, it's vital that some aspect of your work serves others. Even if your creations aren't commercially sold, isolating yourself from sharing your work can lead to a sense of purposelessness.
The act of sharing your work can be daunting. Nevertheless, as creators, we possess a gift that deserves to be shared with the world. Don’t wait for a wake-up call to ignite your passion; begin your daily practice now. Share your message, go all in, and nurture your well-being.
One of my preferred methods of connecting with my audience is through email communication. If you're eager to start or expand your email list, I've developed a free email masterclass for you. It took months of dedication to craft this resource, which I’ve named Tribe 1K.
Now is the perfect time to either start or grow your email list. I can guide you in acquiring your first 1,000 (or your next 1,000) subscribers without spending money on advertisements. Previous students of Tribe 1K include bestselling authors, esteemed professors, and everyday individuals just like us.
Building your email list is essential for achieving freedom through your creative pursuits. Social media alone isn't sufficient; establish your list before you find yourself in need of it.
Secure your spot in my Tribe 1K Email Masterclass, valued at $97, which includes all the necessary templates and checklists.
August Birch, also known as the Book Mechanic, is an author based in Michigan, specializing in both fiction and non-fiction. He empowers indie writers and creators to achieve freedom through their work, with a strong focus on the importance of email marketing. Outside of writing, August enjoys spending time with his family and honing his craft.
And before you leave...
If you find value in my work, consider joining Medium as a paying member for unrestricted access to countless stories. Click this link, and while I’ll receive a portion of your membership fee, it won’t incur any additional cost to you.
Discover the insights from Seneca's "On The Shortness of Life" and its relevance to living purposefully.
Explore the philosophy of Seneca on making the most of our limited time and enhancing our lives.