Chapter 1: The New Way of Living

Reorganizing your life around your core purposes is a transformative approach. It's not always simple, but it's essential for fulfillment.

Every morning, instead of asking yourself about tasks left undone or the latest news, consider this: “What are the significant things I want to focus on today?” This shift in mindset can lead to addressing crucial conversations, making bold political statements, or even starting your online venture. The goal is to engage with these significant pursuits as often as possible, thereby structuring your life around what truly matters to you.

By adopting this perspective, you affirm your existence and significance. Many people today struggle with feelings of insignificance, believing they are just products of an indifferent universe. However, we have the power to assert our importance in human terms, on our own terms.

We affirm our value by pursuing our life purposes, acting ethically, and surprisingly, by taking on the responsibility of contributing to the betterment of society. This obligation is self-imposed, not dictated by anyone else, and it's primarily how we cultivate pride in ourselves.

But is it truly worthwhile to strive for a better society? In some respects, the answer is no. Should we support oppressive regimes or businesses that prioritize profit over ethics? Certainly not. However, when we speak of civilization, we refer to “the best of humanity.” Our life purposes are often influenced by our connections to others. While we may not hold humanity in high regard, we are driven by a humanistic impulse that shapes our choices.

In today's world, the noble ideals of “truth, beauty, and goodness” seem to have lost their weight, often dismissed by contemporary thinkers. Yet, we are called to return to these principles and advocate for goodness, even in a context where wrongdoing can be rewarded and moral principles clash.

This means we must resist the temptation to surrender. Many have silently given up on life, concluding that it has cheated them or failed to meet their expectations, leading to a pervasive sense of existential despair. This mindset makes it challenging to commit to endeavors or to believe in the value of our efforts. Thus, a life-affirming act is essential—one that might need to be repeated multiple times a day due to the depth of this despair. This act is the conscious choice to give life a thumbs up, regardless of the reasons that might suggest otherwise. So, let’s make that choice together right now.

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This program is your opportunity to impact both your clients' lives and your own. With guidance from acclaimed thought leader Eric Maisel and support from Noble Manhattan Coaching, you will acquire the skills necessary to become one of the pioneering Existential Wellness Coaches in the world.

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This article was originally published on The Good Men Project.

About Eric Maisel

Eric Maisel, author of over 50 books, including Redesign Your Mind, The Power of Daily Practice, and Lighting the Way, which introduces kirism, is widely recognized as America’s leading creativity coach. He also writes the “Rethinking Mental Health” column for Psychology Today. To learn more about his work, visit www.ericmaisel.com, contact him at [email protected], and subscribe to his newsletter for updates on his latest book, Redesign Your Mind.