What’s your purpose?

Research has shown that knowing your sense of purpose and acting on it is worth up to seven years of extra longevity. Having a strong sense of purpose goes a long way to improving your outlook on life and your attitude.

All but six of 263 centenarians interviewed belonged to a faithbased community. Denomination doesn’t seem to matter. Research studies show that attending services four times a month will add four to 14 years of life expectancy.

People often assume a sense of purpose is just about their career, but that’s not true. Keeping healthy can be a daily goal that includes exercising, eating healthy, letting go of grievances and maintaining a positive attitude.

Sit down and make a list of what you want your life to be. Go overboard. Think big! Practice the 50 percent rule, which is that 50 percent of your goals are likely to fail. If all your dreams come true and you are not jumping for joy, you may not be setting big enough goals.

Anthony L. Burrow of Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology says, “Purpose is an intention to do something in the world. It’s different than a goal, which can be accomplished. Wanting to be a father is a goal because it is achievable. But to be a great father is more of an intention than an achievement. On some days, one might come closer to the ideal than others, but it is never a completed task.”

Your sense of purpose is what encourages you to achieve your goals. It keeps you on track in all areas of your life. A clear, defined purpose will help you plan your career goals as well as help you maintain good relationships.

Other ways to boost your sense of purpose are: Meditate regularly; look at the positive sides of life; stay optimistic and flexible; have a sense of humor about adversity; laugh and tell jokes; develop a strong social network; go out socially once a week; and find someone with whom to share your personal feelings and problems.

Keep mentally active: Play chess, checkers, cards (my friend Jennifer and I play Knock Gin once or twice a week, but dang it, she wins about 90 percent of the time). Go to school and take courses. Go to lectures. Go to museums.

There is no age limit to finding your purpose. I was 84 before I realized that my joyful purpose is to paint. Do what you love and love what you do. For me, it’s getting together with my big family and two best friends in the neighborhood, writing my columns and painting. And Yippee! I’m having my first solo show of my paintings at the Questa Public Library in March and April. Please come to the Preview Party on Saturday (March 4) from 2-5 p.m. The library is just off Route 522 on Municipal Park Road. It’s the road after Camino Martinez if you’re going north. Please mark your calendar and come say hello that Saturday.