Here to do something important

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We don't know what's beyond this life, although many people have faith of various sorts, which I respect. All we know for sure, though, is what we think is important here and now, and that's also another matter of faith, in a way. In other words, we're important to ourselves, to the extent that we bother to define any such thing for ourselves. We determine, as individuals, what our values are. We decide who matters to us and what we care about. After all, what is it to even our own sun and neighboring planets what we do on this planet? Only the earth is affected, and people are always struggling over caring about life and the environment long term, versus trashing it for our own gain or which group of people is better than the rest, versus all humans being valued. So, if you believe in an authority beyond human existence, your sense of importance might come to you out of your relationship to that. Otherwise, you develop your value system in whatever other way you're going to (with whatever degree to which you'll agree with what others around you say), and you'll seek your answer there.

Am I important? I am to those who care about me or who might feel the impact of what I do. Do I have a life mission (which is, if I understand you correctly, what you're asking about)? I don't know, but I think I've made a difference in the lives of others already. I'm strange to most people, in one way or another, to be sure. But I'm able, through friendly interaction, to help make the "strange" seem not to be so bad, maybe even not so strange, for at least some of them. And I think every little bit helps, because even if things don't get better overall, at least I'm doing something to push back to some degree against their getting worse. I'll never be able to fix it all, but I'm doing what I can, and I think that matters. Just my opinion.

Will I do anything great? Have I already? Only history will tell. I will most likely not know it myself, in my lifetime. I've written a short, spiritually oriented text and put it on my Website, along with associated writing, and that may be my only little legacy. Or, more likely, it will fall into the dustbin of time, forgotten by all. I accept this because having done it was an accomplishment, and it helps me know my own mind and values to live by. My life is better this way.

My follow-through for most things is terrible. I've done some stuff, though, like used my limited skills to make Websites for friends who can't afford to pay someone and don't know how to do their own. I've had rotating areas of interest, and I lack the tools to go very far with anything. This is how my brain works. The problem isn't that it works this way. It's that the world isn't geared to help people whose brains work this way to maximize their contributions. I have a lot to give, but I'm often frustrated because of my energy limits and other physical/mental issues. All I can do is try my best over time. This is different from what someone might do in a single moment when, for example, life is at stake. Nobody can last long if their whole life is lived as though they might die if they didn't do some maximum amount.

It's like when sprinters run at maximum speed, versus marathon runners having to pace themselves and apply a burst of speed at strategic times. Life is a marathon. (And sometimes it really feels like it, too! ) I know I won't end up in some kind of "first place" at a finish line. But it's only bad when I feel like I have to sprint the whole way to keep the better distance runners from kicking me as they pass me by.

Oh, and nicely put, starfox! I agree!

Precisely. That's a great way of putting it.



Absolutely 100% agree with this statement. We could use some more resources out there and understanding.



Definitely. I don't want to be run ragged by the endeavors I pursue. It's not fun anymore at that point.

My definition of success or what's important to me is to create a business that is interesting to me AND allows me to provide for my family (food, shelter, medical needs, etc). I would also like to employ other aspies and make a difference in their lives. That would feel like success to me.

This seems important to you (although having responsibility for a Company sounds dreadful to me). You said that your logic/rationale kills your ideas even before you get started. But bear in mind that there are different kinds of companies.

Some (for instance making graphics cards) are in a tough market and requires extensive work before you can can even hope to make money (if at all). Others are easier to start but may still have a potential to grow. Now, I'm sure you've already thought about that. But how about this: you should have a business idea where you can set yourself well defined checkpoints or mini-goals such that you have a rigorous way of measuring progress.

Preferrably, it shouldn't take too many checkpoints before you at least start earning some money, as that is one of the success criteria thst seems to motivate you, and one of the things that push businesd forward. Also, make sure to define checkpoints so small that you know you're going to achieve them, one goal at a time. They're supposed to be rewards, not disappointments. The bigger avheivements will come with steady progress.

Use your logic sense to find goals you cannot logically fail (at least only with low probability). What is your a strengths? Can offering some kind of service be easier than production? For instsnce I've heard of one company of autistics that digitalized and edited old photos for people. For most people this is too much routine, but not for all autistics (would't work for me though). Do you do everything yourself or do you want to focus on the business aspect and pair up with someone else (aspie or NT) who have another skill set but who hates the administrative tasks if running a company?

At last, do not be afraid to change your success criteria if you get started but figured it wasn't right for you. I hope some of this is helpful for you.

It seems to me that most people actually lead normal and sometimes mediocre lives that are unimportant in the grand scheme of things. There are few extraordinary individuals.

It's nice to feel like you are here to do something important though. I don't feel that way anymore.

If I make one person happy who wasn't before, then I've done my job for the day.

I've done even a better job if I made more than one person/animal happy.

None of this is because I was given a "mission" by anybody.

It's just what I feel in my heart and soul. It's something that makes me feel good inside.

I find it interesting how many people here think that life has meaning. As I see it, the main purpose of life is life, which turns into a circle which translates to life is meaningless.

(I have run out of time, but I intend to post a more thorough post later)

Purpose is what people give their own lives, it isn't something that can be given by another.

That was very helpful. Thank you!

You've hit one of the key points for me. I need to create checkpoints that I can actually achieve and that aren't so far out of reach. I also need to add that flexibility you mentioned in case things don't turn out just as planned.

I am leaning more toward creating a unique product(s). I have worked in manufacturing so I understand that business quite well. I can keep a mean set of books so that's no problem. I need to work on my management skills, though. I might collaborate with someone there.

Thanks again for those suggestions. It set my mind off on a good line of thinking.

That's how I see it as well.

I've never been religious but I did read a lot of Joseph Campbell so perhaps that's why I feel like I do have a purpose. I've always felt like I was on the hero's journey but I just haven't found the right dragon to fight.

That's cool. I'm not religious as well but I have come to envy people with a strong sense of destiny.

Oh absolutely, but I say that more in the line of I'm still alive because God isn't through with me yet. There is something I must yet do. I bring God into it because, like in Forrest Gump, "Stupid is as stupid does," and the only way I could have survived my own stupidity is de facto proof, in my mind, of God's will. Some might call it luck but I disagree; I'm about the unluckiest person in the world when it comes to any sort of a choice. I've probably won $10 total in the lottery ... I might as well just burn my money up as buy a lottery ticket or go to a casino. Yet I've acted out in the most outrageous fashion repeatedly in life and, so far, am relatively unscathed. But mentally beaten. The important thing: A book. Currently the focus is on drawing from a lifetime of newspaper journalism.

I had to resurrect this thread as my scheming recently reminded me of it.
As far as life mission goes, I have known what I was "supposed to do" for over ten years. I just never got there. It's all the false starts and and bad choises that were mentioned above. I've dicked around for eleven years never getting where I needed to be, doing things so uneventful I can't even remember where the time has gone. For a time I was convinced it was impossible, I could never get where I wanted to be so I should just give up and try to be happy with something else, something more attainable. I think several years may have been sucked into that black hole.
If anyone has a "dream" so to speak, something you've always wanted to do and never got there, don't give up on it as cliche as it sounds. Otherwise you'll waste eleven years and regret the whole time you put it off. Doesn't matter if it's cosmically "important" in the grand scheme of things. It's your life.

...to learn to love

...to learn to be in front of everyone and all as in front of God.

If I'd ever succeed in that, I'd be smaller than small and larger than large.

I'd like to think my writing someday could have a positive impact. If not, then I'm just here for my family.

As Charlie Johnston would say on his blog,

"Acknowledge God, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope to those around you."

I consider that important.
And that's what I aim to do.

...

I have a purpose in life to do. There are times when it feels quite impossible to do, yet I know I must keep going to fulfill my destiny.