Goals are great; they are foundational.
The next level up is thinking in terms of identity. Your goals act like a compass toward the person you want to become. As you do things that bring you joy, your goals begin to conform to an identity.
Then there is the third, and highest level. You arrive at a state of stillness.
No extreme emotions on either side.
The universe is guiding your hand. You have faith that things will always work out. You become one with your purpose and the act of fulfilling it.
I read a quote the other day that went something like, “When your purpose is calling and you don’t pick up. It’ll keep calling whether you pick up.”
I don’t know about you, but I can only ignore the call for so long before it drives me insane.
It happened twice.
When I had a big mental break. I won’t go into the details, but let’s just say it is in our nature for us to follow the call. The longer you ignore it, the more insane you get.
There are two things to keep in mind when you’ve achieved this third state.
Your Curiosity Will Guide You
Here’s the thing. When you dive into the things that intrigue you, you can never be lost. Following the things that bring you joy and activate that childlike wonder.
You can’t afford not to follow this driving force in your life.
For too long, I’ve been lost, and I know and have heard that many of my fellow humans are lost.
No one knows what they’re doing.
We’re just hoping and praying it all works out. But there is a method to the magic of the universe.
The most important thing is knowing that if ever you are lost, all you have to do is ask, What if…?
What if you did that thing that piqued your interest oh so long ago?
Fear Not What You Cannot Change
Most things are outside of our control.
The best thing we can do as humans is focus on the things we can change with any amount of effort. Focusing on the things we can’t change is a first-rate trip straight to the loony bin. Knowing you can’t change people, but you can change yourself, and respond differently to people.
Next time, you might pause before responding to your coworker who gets on your last nerve.
Being the change you want to see.
I’ve found that focusing on what I can change leaves me indifferent a lot of the time to the things I can’t. If someone’s being difficult and nonsensical, I see my way out of the conversation. I don’t waste time.
At this point, you’ll be able to strictly cut out the things in your life that no longer serve you: People, things, environments.
You might trade in cat videos for more intellectually stimulating content. Content that pushes you forward in your journey to living your purpose daily.
Quick Recap: The Key To Happiness
First, you have to be goal-oriented. Knowing the difference between a bad goal and a SMART goal.
Then you do the things you ought to be doing to become the ideal version of yourself, while knowing it's not just one chapter, but many in your personal evolution. Using goals to step into your new identity.
Finally, obtaining a certain level of stillness against adversity and achievement.
Remembering to let your curiosity guide you, especially when you're lost and fear not what you cannot change.
P.S.
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This really spoke to me. I’ve been trying so hard to be the best mom I can be for my daughter, but between perfectionism and a draining work environment, I’ve lost touch with that inner voice. I like how you show that being still isn’t giving up. It’s getting yourself in alignment. It reminded me that presence matters more than pressure. That presence will help me improve myself and lead by example for my daughter. Thank you for this Idris Elijah!
I’ve been having moments of restlessness lately but I’m looking at it differently after reading this newsletter. Restlessness isn’t something to manage, it’s something to answer! I know what it’s like to ignore the thing calling to you for so long it starts to feel like noise. I have some vacation time coming later this month and I plan to not only sit on the beach doing some journaling but also spending some time with my guitar making some music. I’m going to get still and see where the curiosity leads me. I enjoyed this newsletter Idris Elijah and hope you have a great weekend!