A Man Without Purpose Distracts Himself With Pleasure

Here is the video

A friend recently sent this quote to me:

“A man who lacks purpose distracts himself with pleasure.”

I agree with this quote. Helen, thank you for sending it.

I think men also distract themselves with negativity. Especially negativity in the news.

The Problem: Distraction as Numbing
Lack of Purpose destroys a lot of men.
Without Purpose, they numb themselves with alcohol, food, hookups, TV, the list goes on.
And they pollute themselves with excessive doom-scrolling about the news, politics, or wars.

I have watched this for decades, with different generations of family and friends.
I think lack of Purpose holds back a lot of men who could otherwise be great artists, entrepreneurs, teachers, musicians, etc.

The Negativity Bias
As you probably already know, studies show negative headlines draw more readers than neutral or positive headlines.
We have a built-in Negativity Bias.  “If it bleeds, it leads.”
Too much negativity does not help us grow. It’s a distraction from ourselves and our creativity.

Blocked Artists
In a previous video, I mentioned this book The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron.
The author says everyone is creative, but many are “blocked artists.”
She says blocked artists channel their energy into blocking devices, like pleasures.

And blocked artists are often the biggest critics.
She says jealousy “is a mask for fear of doing something we are not brave enough to do.”

Creators vs Critics
In the world, there are Creators and Critics.
Creators – show up, do the work, build, and contribute; they stick their necks out.
Critics – are frustrated by their lack courage, sit on the sidelines, hide…and criticize.

I think a lot of guys who lack purpose are the biggest critics.

The Balance of Pleasure
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with pleasure…at the right time.
I enjoy a cocktail and making love like any other man.

I stay informed with what’s going on in the world…but too much news is toxic.
It’s a great distraction from my work, my Purpose.

Pleasure is a great reward but damaging as a replacement.

Conclusion
Purpose does not need to be some grandiose plan.
It could be learning a skill, improving health, building a business, writing a book, or starting a new chapter in life.

Purpose gives us structure and self-control.
It keeps us focused on what is truly meaningful to us.

The men I see who enjoy a full life, spend a lot more time on Purpose than Pleasure.

Ask yourself this: “What am I working on today? What is my Purpose?

Thank you for watching the video or reading the blog.
Peter 😎

Here is the video