Living with Purpose
- Sumari Hattingh
- Mar 7
- 4 min read
Throughout different stages of my life, I’ve always felt a deep sense of security in understanding my purpose - even when things didn’t go as planned.
Heartbreak that felt unbearable? At the time, it seemed like I was falling apart, but looking back, I always found clarity in why things happened the way they did. Friendships that ended too soon? I realized that sometimes, I was holding onto the idea of the friendship rather than the reality of it. Fear of failure? I learned that it’s okay to say no, to set boundaries, and to recognize that I can’t always give 100% when I only have 20% to offer. The discomfort of not belonging? Time and time again, I’ve ended up exactly where I needed to be - even if it wasn’t the path I originally envisioned for myself.
Purpose isn’t always about a grand, pre-defined mission. It shifts, evolves, and reveals itself in ways we don’t always expect.
But what is purpose, really? Before reflecting on my own journey, I want to explore the different ways purpose is defined.
The Many Faces of Purpose
The Oxford English Dictionary defines purpose as "the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists." Meanwhile, Merriam-Webster describes it as "something set up as an object or end to be attained: intention."
Beyond dictionary definitions, purpose has been widely studied in psychology, emotional intelligence, and spirituality - each offering a unique perspective on what it means to live with intention.
The Psychology of Purpose
In my second year of university, I made the bold decision to take psychology courses alongside my physics degree. Through that experience, I discovered how deeply purpose is connected to well-being and fulfillment.
According to Dr. William Damon (Stanford University), purpose is “a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at once meaningful to the self and consequential to the world.” Similarly, Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985) defines purpose as a connection to autonomy, competence, and relatedness - our intrinsic motivation to pursue goals that align with our values and relationships.
Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy takes it a step further, suggesting that purpose is the fundamental driving force of life, discovered through meaningful work, love, and even the courage to face suffering.
Emotional Intelligence & Purpose
Studies in emotional intelligence suggest that purpose is enhanced by mindfulness - being present, intentional, and aware of how our actions contribute to the greater good.
Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence Theory explains that purpose is closely tied to self-awareness and motivation. A strong sense of purpose helps us navigate challenges with resilience, set meaningful goals, and align our emotions with a long-term vision.
Purpose in Christian Spirituality
From a faith-based perspective, purpose is not just about personal ambition - it’s about divine calling.
Christian doctrine often speaks of a dual-purpose:
🔹 Our general calling - to love and serve God and others.
🔹 Our specific calling - the unique gifts and talents we are given to fulfill His plan (Theology of Calling).
Rick Warren summarizes it beautifully in The Purpose Driven Life: Purpose is about knowing that life is not about us, but about fulfilling God's mission through love, service, and faith.
A Holistic View of Purpose
When we bring all these perspectives together, purpose can be seen as:
🔹 A personal mission that gives meaning to our actions (dictionary and psychological perspectives).
🔹 A driving force that fosters emotional resilience and motivation (emotional intelligence).
🔹 A spiritual journey guided by faith, love, and service (Christianity).
Ultimately, purpose is not static - it evolves with our experiences, deepens through self-reflection, and manifests in the ways we contribute to the world.
My Journey of Evolving Purpose
Over the past four years, my understanding of purpose has been tested and transformed.
I've faced academic disappointments, stepped into matrimony with my soulmate, started my first job, and - just 2.5 years in - experienced intense burnout. I feared the unknown when I applied for a new job, doubting myself as I started over. Yet, in that same month, I joined a professional choir - an unexpected but deeply fulfilling part of my journey.
These experiences have reinforced what I now believe to be true: purpose is not a rigid path but a dynamic force. It doesn’t mean I failed in one area and had to start over - it simply means my purpose evolved into a different space, at a different time, in ways greater than I could have imagined.
The Thread That Weaves It All Together
Purpose is the thread that weaves together our past, present, and future - it is the quiet whisper of our soul, the resilience in our struggles, the wisdom in our growth, and the love we pour into the world. It is found in the pursuit of meaning, the courage to embrace change, and the faith that we are exactly where we need to be. Purpose is not just about what we do, but who we become.
Sumari HvN
STRENGTH | HEALTH | VICTORY | NOURISH
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