Principles, Parenting & Purpose

Purpose As A Couple

May 6, 2024

What’s worse than the problems with goals? Having those same problems as a couple.

It has been said that there is no purpose in our lives but that which we make. To live purpose-filled lives, we must choose. But if choosing a movie to watch together can be such a challenge together in this age, how can we choose anything in life?

Let’s revisit the list, and revise it for two. The first step in solving the problem is seeing it clearly:

no goals in common

too many goals to choose from

a highest priority goal that is blocked or unobtainable

lack of agreement on value or cost

uncertain priorities

Priority should have something to do with the value of a goal. So valuation matters. Valuation comes from your values. So go back to first-principles: what do you value? Make that list, first.

Then, make a shared “to do” or “goals” list. Or both. Better yet, make individual and shared lists. Discuss all the lists. Organize. Prioritize.

It’s a lot of work. But, it’s worth the effort. When we finally agree on a choice, it’s a huge relief. We can finally move forward again! And, with that progress, we discover purpose.

Discuss & pick something every night.

Do something worth your while every day!