This week's episode is a "Best of" broadcast from a very popular show I did last year about refocusing in the new year and thinking about your purpose. https://soundcloud.com/surrounded-by-idiots-radio-podcast/new-year-same-you-but-new A new study by a group of British psychologists confirm that having "A" purpose is the only way to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life. The paper was part of an ongoing British study of older adults known as the English Longitudinal Study of Aging. The Results of the Study were fascinating and I share them in the episode. My thoughts about the study... This shows that having a more fulfilling life works both directions. Having a gratitude mindset and a sense of your life having meaning to yourself and to other people actually creates positive momentum to be healthier and to have more social connections. Also, going the other direction, your actions to be healthier and have more social connections positively influences your attitude toward you having a purpose and accepting there is meaning to your life, which creates a sense of gratitude…which then fuels you wanting to be healthier and having more or deeper social connections. This also shows how dangerous isolation is…how powerful loneliness is and how important it is to find your tribe. All of this confirms…it’s about finding a purpose in your life…not about finding “The” purpose…but “A” purpose. This is a huge sticking point with people and the reason so many are frustrated with all of the “purpose” and “meaning” talk…like the study says, “It does not matter what gives your purpose, it does matter that you find it somewhere How to Find A Purpose (Your First Job Analogy) Your first job isn’t your dream job, but it serves a purpose (money) and is your first step into being more independent and responsible (meaning). Ask yourself this question: What is one thing you are doing in your life that gives you “the feels”? * Something at work* Volunteer* A cherished relationship* Your faith or spirituality* Picking up trash when you go for a walk* Asking someone if they need any help* Keeping yourself healthy and strong Select one and write it down as your current Purpose…with that in your mind it will allow you to look for or seek out a slightly bigger purpose…subconsciously you will start to see bigger opportunities to define purpose and have a sense of meaning. Let me know what you think ... hit me up at tony@javabud.comor head over to www.javabud.com and check out all the other podcasts and videos. Peace...