Everyone is searching for something, often seeking that one thing that gives life meaning and justifies our existence. Many people, myself included, are on a journey to find this elusive purpose. It’s not about feeling great or becoming rich after finding it; it’s about justifying our lives. We seek something larger than ourselves because it seems unlikely that we are born simply to drink coffee and watch movies, no matter how much we might wish that were true. Surely, there is a unique purpose meant for each of us, something only we can do.

Often, people look for that purpose in their work. They work hard, switch jobs, and devote their lives to their careers, hoping to find that elusive purpose. I’ve tried this approach but, like many others, haven’t found success. In a capitalist society like ours, it’s easy to feel like we’re just one among millions, replaceable and insignificant. This makes it hard to believe that work can provide the ultimate purpose we’re seeking.

One of my favourite films, Netflix’s Tick, Tick… Boom! starring Andrew Garfield and based on the life of composer and lyricist Jonathan Larson, captures this feeling perfectly. In the film, Larson is working on an original Broadway musical for years. As he approaches 30, he feels a clock ticking, signalling that time is running out. He believes that if his musical gets produced, he will have made it; this project is his purpose, the reason for his existence. Unfortunately, that particular musical never saw the light of day. However, Larson later created Rent, which became a smash success on Broadway. Tragically, Larson died of a heart complication the night before Rent premiered. He never saw his success.

This story makes me wonder if there’s really such a thing as a life-justifying purpose. Maybe the idea of finding something that defines our existence is a myth. Despite the low probability of finding such a purpose, we often criticise ourselves for not figuring it out. This self-criticism only makes our lives harder. Instead of searching for a life-defining purpose, perhaps we should be gentler and easier on ourselves.

Life might not have a singular, grand purpose. Instead of seeking an elusive, all-encompassing justification for our existence, we can focus on finding meaning in everyday moments, in small acts of kindness, in our relationships, and in personal growth. By being kinder to ourselves and accepting that life is a journey with many potential purposes, we might find peace and contentment. The search for purpose doesn’t have to be a burden; it can be an exploration, an adventure where the journey itself is as important as any destination.

There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. There’s only us. There’s only this. Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road. No other way. No day but today.

I can’t control my destiny. I trust my soul, my only goal is just to be.

There’s only now, there’s only here. Give into love, or live in fear. No other course, no other way.

No day but today.

Jonathan Larson