What Matters Most

Throughout our lives, there are numerous challenges we face, many of which cause us to lose sight of our true purpose. During ancient Sparta, the citizens had no say in their lives, they were forced into a lifetime of strict military discipline and pain, and uselessness outside of the military. Blind to the rights of personal freedom and emotions in their lives, unable to resist anything, their existence was entirely decided by the state.

Yet unlike ancient times, we aren’t forced into a destiny. We hold the power to control our own fates through every little possibility, and the choices we make. This version of freedom we survive in, demands a deeper responsibility. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

As human beings, our desires inevitably begin with idealistic dreams, what we often fail to consider is our harsh reality, our lack of control, and the change within ourselves we must endure to achieve them. Because we are responsible for our own paths, we all have our own individual missions to fulfil. Therefore, I believe, what matters most in our lives, is freedom and the profound sensation of fulfilment.

Unbeknownst to us, we are driven by internal direction. It’s what we call our personal sense of purpose, it acts as a compass-an inner beacon, shepherding us and guiding us when navigating difficult situations and complex decisions.

We often experience this as we find ourselves in both moments of joy and sorrow. When using our personal talents, we discover momentary fulfilment in applying our individual unique skills to contribute to the broader world, uncovering a deep sense of significance. To follow this path, you must understand it isn’t effortless and be ready for the innate labour.

Developing resilience to criticism and failure as well as realising self-worth, are milestones each and every one of us aspires to accomplish. Using our core values and beliefs we compel our decisions to be liberating. You simply ask yourself one question every time, “Will this satisfy my vision/values/ambitions?” When your actions align, regardless of your decision, you’ll maintain an unshakable sense of inner peace.

This inner harmony is perfectly captured by the Japanese concept of Ikigai, meaning “reason for being” It brings together and balances four simple truths, what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for. It’s a practical explanation for a meaningful life and to display what satisfies the fundamental psychological need for significance. The Ikigai Framework causes us to stop drifting through life and instead become the active, purposeful creators of our own destinies.

Ultimately, this intentional creation extends far beyond immediate personal satisfaction, true success isn’t just about making yourself happy; it is about the footprint you leave behind. A life built only on self interest fades quickly, constructing it around a higher intention lasts much longer.

When you balance your passion with what the world needs, ripple outwards to help future generations, real significance occurs when your personal wins and talents lift other people up too. My school’s motto is “Inspiring Hearts, Minds, and Spirits.”

Contributing to something bigger than yourself ensures your brief life, prompts the world to become a better place. To conclude, I would like to finish with a quote by Maya Angelou, “The desire for freedom is an inherent human trait, but the realization of it is a profound fulfillment of the human spirit.”