There is a fundamental principle in engineering that says if a certain set of conditions exist, then respond in a certain way. It is if X, then Y.

Living on purpose can be an abstraction. Sometimes it brings confusion rather than clarity. Yet, this “if X, then, Y” principle applies well to the art, science and sport of living on purpose. It can take out confusion and replace it with clarity, focus and direction about how to proceed in practical ways.

A simple example is, if X – there is desire to lose weight, feel lighter and more energized, then Y – more exercise and less food can be a great place to start.

Here is what comes up almost always in early conversations about living on purpose. I ask, do you want to live on purpose? The common answers are, “I don’t know what it is, I don’t know how to do it, and I don’t know what it means.” These are not answers to the question asked. They answer other questions.

In other words, if (X) the answer is NO… then (Y) it does not matter what it is, how to do it or what it means. On the other hand, if (X) the answer is YES, then other questions organize themselves perfectly.

When someone says YES, I want to live on purpose, the order to do it becomes so obvious. Follow the logic.

Yes, I want to live on purpose, but I don’t know what it is.
The very next step is to discover your purpose so you can live it.
But, I don’t know how to do it.
The very next step is to learn how.
But, I don’t know what it means.
In learning how, the “what it means” component reveals itself.

The MOST useful application of this principle is so simple: