Is purpose truly essential to life? While I’m uncertain if purpose is something innate to the human condition, I can’t deny that it makes the journey far more engaging and fulfilling. Without a clear “why,” one can easily feel like they’re wandering aimlessly through a maze with no end in sight.
It’s like throwing darts at a dartboard without aiming at a target. Sure, there’s no rule against it—but eventually, the randomness becomes dull. Aiming at something, having a focus, brings clarity and excitement to the act itself. To aim is to concentrate; focus cultivates determination, and determination fuels discipline. As Jocko Willink says, “Discipline equals freedom.”
Still, I wrestle with the concept of purpose. Growing up, I was taught that purpose was preordained, written somewhere beyond my understanding. But today, I believe I’ve crafted my own: to leave this world better than I found it. Even so, I can’t help but wonder—is purpose necessary, or is it simply a useful tool to help us feel driven and directed?
On the other hand, there is a profound truth in surrender—letting go of control and trusting in the flow of life, nature, or a higher power. Perhaps it’s not our responsibility to shape the trajectory of our lives. Maybe there’s wisdom in yielding, in simply being. Yet, this introduces a question of balance: Should we “surrender like it’s all up to God, but work like it’s all up to us”?
Logically, we can argue that having a plan, setting goals, and holding ourselves accountable to a purpose makes practical sense. But is it truly necessary? Or is it just a way for us to impose meaning onto a world that may not require it?
Jimmy Perez 
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